🙏 Would you listen why I Write This Learning Korean Blog? 😊

Hello friends out there,

I wanted to take a moment to share something personal — why I started writing this blog and why I continue to do so. Many of you visit here looking for ways to learn Korean, understand Korean culture, or prepare for a trip to Korea. I’m grateful you’re here, and I hope this little corner of the internet becomes a helpful space for you.

Teaching Korean to Students Around the World

I’ve been teaching Korean on italki for a year, meeting students from over 20 different countries. Each student brings their own story, reasons for learning, and cultural background. Watching someone who didn’t even know Hangeul (the Korean alphabet) eventually read menus, order food, and proudly say, “I spoke Korean with a local!” fills me with joy as a teacher. It’s in those moments I feel truly proud of what I do.

Why Korean Feels Difficult (But Worth It!)

For many English speakers, Korean can feel like a mountain to climb. The alphabet looks completely different. The language relies heavily on context — sometimes you have to guess what is meant without everything being said. And yes, we speak fast! For example, Koreans often shorten phrases:

• “가지 마세요” → “가지 마요” → “가지 마” (Don’t go!)
• “괜찮아요” → “괜찮아” (It’s okay!)
• “안녕하세요” → “안녕” (Hi!)

Learning these shortcuts is part of sounding natural, but it can be confusing at first.

Learning Languages Goes Both Ways

Even as I teach Korean, I continue to study English and Japanese. Learning another language opens doors to understanding culture more deeply — not just words, but the way people think and live. This journey helps me connect with my students better because I know how challenging and rewarding it feels to be a language learner.

A Promise I Made Long Ago

Over 20 years ago, I studied English in Canada. Back then, I was a foreigner and a stranger — feeling lonely and finding English difficult — but there was always a friend who helped me a lot. He told me something that stayed in my heart:

 

“Don’t repay me. Instead, when foreigners visit your country and feel lost, treat them kindly.”

This blog is my way of keeping that promise. I write to help anyone curious about Korean language and culture feel welcomed — the same way I was welcomed years ago.

What You’ll Find Here

On this blog, you’ll see practical Korean language tips, cultural insights, travel advice, and sometimes even the challenges or less glamorous aspects of life in Korea. I want it to be real — not just perfect pictures, but useful guidance you can trust.

My Hope for You

If you’re reading this, I hope these posts help you take one more step toward understanding Korean and loving Korea. Whether you’re preparing for a short trip, a longer stay, or simply want to enjoy K-dramas and K-pop on a deeper level, I’m honored to be part of your learning journey.

Have Questions or Requests?

I plan to keep writing about many more topics — from practical travel tips to deeper cultural stories. If you have specific questions or topics you want me to cover, please leave a comment. Your ideas inspire me to keep going.

I hope that while reading various posts on my blog, you’ll learn Korean and grow to love Korea. As a Korean, I sincerely wish for that. Please come back anytime to discover new expressions and cultural insights!

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Good luck! 

From your truly friend in Korea. 😄