There are reasons why you should learn Korean. As you learn Korean, you can create various opportunities in your life beyond just learning a language. Many people have been trying to learn Korean and have been passionate about it, wanting to communicate with Koreans and understand Korean culture. Also, some people are learning Korean for fun! So, we sometimes watch some Korean learners say that they changed their lives by learning Korean on social media.
Let’s look at what opportunities and reasons there are for learning Korean. If you could find some specific purposes or motivating elements while learning Korean, you would be able to learn Korean more fun and beneficial.
Cultural Understanding
The meaning of learning a language is to understand the culture of the country. Learning Korean could mean that you can have the ability to comprehend the behaviors, traditions, customs, values, and beliefs of Korean people. Understanding Korean culture including its history, food, etiquette, art, etc, can provide you with some insights to interact and engage with Korean people naturally and positively. These insights would help you easily adapt to Korean culture and make your daily life much more convenient.
If you try to attend college or work in Korea, you must be able to understand Korean culture, so that you can participate more actively in communicating with Koreans. If you learn a language only from textbooks, your expressions may not be natural, and if you do not understand the culture of the country, it could be an obstacle to your learning process in general.
You can gain a deeper understanding of Korean culture, ways of thinking, and emotions through indirect experiences such as watching Korean dramas, or movies and reading books. These experiences allow you to have a broader perspective to comprehend Korean culture.
Expanding Career Opportunity
Learning Korean itself can expand your career opportunities. Many Korean learners study hard because they want to work at Korean companies. That is why sometimes you can see some people building their careers in a Korean branch which is located overseas as well. Whether working in Korea or at a Korean company in other countries, being able to speak Korean is a huge advantage and prerequisite for working at Korean companies.
Many Korean companies are looking for collaboration or business with various foreign companies. So if you can speak Korean fluently, you can help to create new business opportunities as an important role for companies from your country. This way also could be great for your career growth.
So, in order not to miss out on employment opportunities at Korean companies, it could be important to be prepared in advance. if your goal is to study or work in Korea, it is better to prepare for the Korean proficiency test (called “TOPIK”) for the minimum level of employment in Korea.
Personal Growth
Of course, not all Korean learners study Korean to attend universities or work in Korea. Many people also study Korean because it is interesting and fun to learn. Just like each person has a different purpose for learning Korean, learning Korean can also be helpful as a part of self-improvement. When you learn a language (not only Korean but also other languages), it stimulates the brain and improves cognitive abilities. So, learning a language not only helps you develop your language skills, but also improves your patience, self-management, and problem-solving skills. In the process of learning new languages, you can gain a sense of accomplishment and build confidence.
Learning a new language is like taking a new challenge. Learning Korean will be an opportunity to build your growth naturally and create valuable experiences.