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Wrapping up the semester, my partner and I have been focusing on articulating ideas presented in shows using Korean, forcing me to analyze and explore ideas (within the context of the show) using Korean. Whereas before I had been improving my comprehension by watching shows, now I took it a step further and tried to assess the contents using Korean. This was interesting, as it seemed redundant to repeat the plot/pretense of what my language partner and I had just watched, but it was fun as we would end up discussing hypotheticals or interesting parts of the show, which helped me expand my usage of vocabulary and overall ease of speech.
Some shows we have watched was the second season of Physical 100, as mentioned on my previous language journal, but as we were watching, we also talked about what we would do in that scenario, discussed which contestant/team would be more likely to win in a certain competition, etc. We also would look up certain contestants, who had their own respective youtube channels, and we would go into rabbit hole of content to watch. We did all this speaking Korean, and it really helped my practicing of speaking/comprehension.
My plan is to continue to do this after the classes, and although I may not have someone to do this with, it'd be a good practice to monologue internally.
Learning a new language is a journey filled with challenges and discoveries, and my adventure with Korean has been no exception. As my vocabulary expanded and my understanding of Korean grammar deepened, my language learning sessions evolved significantly, especially with the help of my language partner, who has been instrumental in refining my skills.
At the beginning of the semester, my focus was heavily on acquiring vocabulary and understanding basic grammar. However, as my foundation solidified, my sessions with my language partner became more dynamic. We began constructing sentences together, a practice that not only tested my knowledge but also enhanced my ability to use Korean in practical scenarios. My partner's patience and insight were crucial during these exercises; he meticulously corrected my grammar and diction, ensuring that I not only knew the words but understood how to use them effectively.
One fascinating aspect of learning Korean is the context-sensitivity of certain vocabulary, which underscores the importance of having a knowledgeable language partner. For instance, the word 당신 ("dangsin"), which translates to "you," illustrates this well. Using 당신 can be overly formal or even inappropriate in casual conversations, whereas 너 ("neo") is informal and typically used among close friends or to younger people. However, 당신 is often used affectionately between married couples, highlighting the nuanced usage based on the relationship dynamics. This kind of nuance is not immediately obvious to learners and can lead to miscommunication if misused. My language partner plays an invaluable role in explaining these subtleties, ensuring that I not only learn the language but also understand the cultural context in which specific words are appropriately used. Another example is the use of honorifics in words like 드시다 ("deusida") for "to eat," which is respectful and formal compared to just 먹다 ("meokda").
Grammar, too, came with its complexities. Korean sentences follow a Subject-Object-Verb order, which was a shift from English and Mandarin. Additionally, understanding special grammatical rules like verb conjugation depending on the level of formality was challenging. For example, the verb "to do" can be 해("hae") in informal settings, 하세요 ("haseyo") in polite settings, and 합니다 ("hamnida") in formal communications. These nuances were pivotal in making my Korean sound natural and respectful.
Thanks to these tailored sessions, I noticed a significant improvement in my ability to form coherent and contextually appropriate sentences. Each correction my partner made was a learning opportunity, highlighting nuances I might have missed otherwise. This feedback was not just about language accuracy but also about cultural appropriateness, which is essential in real-life interactions. The progress I made over these months has been incredibly rewarding. Starting from basic greetings to now being able to participate in simple conversations, my confidence in speaking and writing Korean has soared. Reflecting on this journey, I realize how each step, each mistake, and each correction contributed to my current proficiency.
Overall, the journey of learning Korean has been as much about understanding the culture as it has been about mastering the language. Each session brought new insights into how deeply intertwined language and cultural norms are, and how mastering both is crucial for truly understanding and appreciating this beautiful language. With continued practice and help from my language partner, I look forward to becoming even more proficient and eventually fluent in Korean.
Diving into Korean cuisine has been an eye-opening part of my cultural journey. I’ve discovered that in Korea, food isn’t just sustenance—it’s a communal bond, a blend of flavors that tells stories of tradition and innovation. Here’s a look at some classic Korean food pairings that showcase the harmony and depth of this vibrant cuisine.
One of the first pairings I fell for was **Kimchi (김치) and Bossam (보쌈)**. Bossam features tender, boiled pork belly wrapped in a crisp lettuce leaf with spicy kimchi. This combo balances the rich pork with kimchi’s crunch and tang, making every bite a celebration of contrast.
Then there's the well-loved pairing of Samgyeopsal (삼겹살) and Soju (소주). Picture this scene: you're gathered around a sizzling grill with friends, cooking slices of pork belly and dipping them in a mix of salt, pepper, and sesame oil. Accompany this meal with a sip of soju, a clear spirit akin to vodka but considerably milder. This pairing is celebrated widely, and rightly so. The soju not only enhances the flavors of the rich pork but also facilitates digestion and promotes lively conversation.
Another heartwarming dish is **Bibimbap (비빔밥)** served with **Gochujang (고추장)**. This mixed rice dish with vegetables and meat gets its kick from gochujang, a spicy chili paste. It’s a symphony of flavors that exemplifies the Korean knack for balancing taste and health.
Street food enthusiasts must try **Tteokbokki (떡볶이)** with **Sundae (순대)**. Spicy rice cakes alongside blood sausage make a popular snack, offering a mix of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that are truly addictive.
Not to forget the famous **Chimaek (치맥)**, a combo of crispy Korean fried chicken and beer. This pairing is perfect for social gatherings, where the crunch of the chicken and the coolness of the beer complement each other beautifully.
Korean dining is not just about the food; it's about sharing. Meals often come with several side dishes, *banchan*, shared by everyone at the table, which enriches the dining experience and fosters a sense of togetherness. Respect is a key ingredient too—elders are served first, reflecting the culture's deep-seated reverence for age and experience.
The principle of balance is crucial in Korean cuisine, not just in flavors but in nutrition. Meals are crafted to offer a diverse range of tastes and health benefits, making every dish a well-rounded feast for the senses.
Exploring these food pairings has deepened my appreciation for Korean culinary practices and the culture's emphasis on harmony and community. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or new to Korean cuisine, these pairings offer a delightful entry into the heart of Korea’s culinary art. So, the next time you sit down for a meal, maybe introduce some Korean pairings and see how food can bring us all a little closer. Happy eating!
In South Korea, the pursuit of academic excellence is not just a priority; it's a national obsession. This cultural imperative has given rise to a robust private education sector dominated by "hagwons," which have become an integral part of the educational landscape. Written as 학원 , this term directly translates to "learning institute" or "academy". These institutions are more than just supplementary educational facilities; for many South Korean families, they represent a crucial component of their children's educational journey, one that often takes precedence even over regular school activities.
The financial implications of enrolling children in hagwons are substantial, with costs varying widely. Fees can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand per month depending on the subject, the institution's reputation, and its geographical location. High-end hagwons, particularly those specializing in university entrance exam preparation or advanced English language instruction, can be exceptionally pricey. This financial burden underscores the high stakes placed on education, as parents invest heavily in the hope of securing their children's academic and, subsequently, professional success.
Hagwons typically operate after school, in the evenings, and on weekends, aligning their schedules with the standard school day to accommodate students. However, during school holidays, these academies often offer intensive courses that can consume much of a student's day. The extensive hours spent in hagwons can lead to a significant conflict with regular school responsibilities, with students sometimes too exhausted to engage effectively with their schoolwork. This situation can create a vicious cycle where day schools become less effective in their educational role, prompting even greater reliance on hagwons.
Many South Korean parents view hagwons as more beneficial than traditional schools. This preference stems from several factors. First, hagwons typically offer more specialized and personalized instruction than is available in public schools. They are results-oriented, focusing intensely on preparing students for examinations that are crucial for advancing to higher educational levels. Moreover, the quality of teaching in hagwons is often perceived to be superior, with instructors who are specialists in their fields and whose compensation may be linked to the success of their students in competitive examinations.
This intense focus on academic achievement through hagwons has several implications. On the one hand, it can lead to high levels of stress and pressure among students, contributing to issues of mental health and well-being. On the other hand, it exacerbates educational inequality, as not all families can afford the costs associated with hagwon education. Those who can invest in these services often provide their children with a significant competitive advantage, further entrenching social divisions based on educational access and success.
The situation in South Korea is mirrored to some extent in China, where "bǔxí bān," or tutoring centers, serve a similar function. However, recent regulatory changes in China have sought to mitigate the pressures of after-school tutoring, contrasting sharply with the less regulated hagwon industry in South Korea. These changes reflect differing governmental approaches to managing the education sector's challenges and the societal pressures that drive the demand for supplementary education.
In conclusion, while hagwons play a critical role in supporting South Korean students' educational achievements, they also highlight broader societal issues, including the relentless pressure on young people to succeed academically, the financial strain on families, and the deep-seated inequalities within the education system. The debate continues as to how these challenges can be addressed without compromising the quality of education and the well-being of students.
A mukbang (먹방), also translated into an eating show/ eating broadcast in English, is an internet-based audio and visual broadcast where a host consumes a variety of food items while engaging with viewers. The term "mukbang" is a combination of two Korean words: "muk" (먹), meaning "to eat," and "bang" (방), meaning "room" or "broadcast." In essence, mukbang involves hosts broadcasting themselves consuming large amounts of food while engaging with their viewers through live streaming platforms. Mukbang originated in South Korea in the early 2010s, and it quickly gained worldwide popularity by the late 2010s worldwide. Mukbang first got introduced on South Korea’s TV service, AfreecaTV in 2009. It has now become a trend in cable channels, along with social media platforms. Early mukbang videos often featured individuals showcasing their ability to eat large portions of food, ranging from traditional Korean dishes to fast food and exotic cuisines. As viewers tuned in to watch these eating broadcasts, the trend quickly spread across social media platforms like YouTube and Twitch, garnering millions of views and followers.In addition to entertainment, mukbang content sometimes serves an educational purpose, showcasing regional delicacies or highlighting gourmet dining experiences to the audience.
Although mukbangs have gotten popular worldwide, mukbangs have faced criticism about its potential promotion of unhealthy eating habits and food waste. The content's nature can potentially exacerbate disordered eating behaviors in vulnerable individuals. Additionally, mukbang creators themselves face numerous health risks as well. There have been instances of Korean mukbang youtubers that got canceled for faking their content. The most well-known incident was when a popular youtuber, Eat with Boki’s Moon Book he, got exposed for editing her videos to cut the moments where she spits out her food after chewing. She reportedly used a secret signal to make editing clips easier for herself where she subtly held up a finger to indicate a stopping point for the transition. Before this incident, she had about four million subscribers in a little over a year and this incident, along with accepting under the table food sponsorship deals has gotten her canceled from the mukbang scene.
Viewers find mukbang appealing because of the visual spectacle of watching someone consume vast quantities of food but also in the sense of connection it fosters among viewers. Mukbang hosts often interact with their audience in real-time, responding to comments, answering questions, and even taking food requests. This interactive element creates a sense of intimacy and community, as viewers feel like they're sharing a meal with a friend or loved one, despite being miles apart. As mukbang gained traction globally, it evolved beyond mere eating broadcasts to encompass various themes and formats. Some mukbang creators focus on ASMR elements, which stands for autonomous sensory meridian response, enhancing the auditory experience with sounds of chewing and slurping, while others incorporate storytelling, cooking tutorials, or food challenges into their videos. Mukbang has become not just a form of entertainment but also a platform for exploring cultural cuisines, culinary trends, and personal narratives. In conclusion, Korea's mukbang phenomenon exemplifies the intersection of entertainment, cultural exploration, and digital connectivity through shared experiences of food consumption.
Korean culture festivals and events are becoming increasingly popular worldwide and in Korea. These festivals and events offer experiences related to Korean music, food, fashion, and more.
For music festivals, there are big concerts that promote each genre. The most well-known festivals include K-rap, K-pop, and Korean trot. Since the release of the show "Show Me the Money," K-hip hop has become very popular within the Korean community. Due to this, there are multiple joint events like Hip Hop Playa and Water Bomb. When I studied in Korea, I had the chance to go to the Hip Hop Playa festival. It was amazing to see all the famous rappers perform over two days. They also provided a lot of traditional Korean foods to enjoy while picnicking during the festival.
For K-pop, there are numerous concerts and festivals not only in Korea but also in America. The most well-known festivals are KCONLA, SEOUL FESTA, Dream Concert, and K-PLAY. As K-pop is growing internationally, K-pop groups also do many world tours, giving international fans a chance to watch them perform live. K-pop groups have also been invited to huge festivals in America. It is now common to see groups like Black Pink and Le Sserafim perform at Coachella.
Korean trot has gone viral in Korea due to a show called Mr. Trot. Since then, a show called National Trot Festival started airing in 2020. For those unfamiliar with trot, it is a genre in Korea known for its repetitive rhythm and vocal inflections.
Another popular Korean culture festival is the Korean food stand festival. The most well-known Korean food festivals include KoreaFest, K-Food Fair, and the LA Korean Festival. Although these Korean food festivals are held all over the United States, they are most common in Korean-populated states like California, New York, and New Jersey.
For fashion, Seoul Fashion Week is the biggest fashion event that happens every year. Because Koreans are highly into fashion, this is a week where all celebrities and influencers come to see the seasonal fashion.
State%20Foundation%20Day%20of%20Hungary.pptx
Zoom recording will be emailed to the professor.
During the last few weeks, I have combined reliable, go-to learning strategies and new learning experiments that have been both engaging and effective.
I have continued with my regular scheduled meetings with my language partner once or twice a week. Our format of mixing casual Korean conversation with structured note taking has been very beneficial. I am able to practice my Korean conversation skills with my partner during meetings, and then later able to review notes throughout the week so as not to forget newly acquired vocabulary and phrases. We have practiced discussed common everyday topics such as food or family that I am certain to run into in any conversation. I am hoping that these weekly conversations will help me be more comfortable speaking in Korean with my Korean speaking friends. I believe that Korean conversations are already slightly less difficult for me, although my speaking fluency remains far from my goal.
Recently my partner and I started incorporating YouTube videos into our learning. Recently, I watched Sponge Bob dubbed in Korean, which proved to be a surprisingly useful tool. Unlike more complex dramas or movies, SpongeBob uses simple, everyday language in a shorter format that makes the learning process more entertaining and enjoyable.
I also had the opportunity to travel to Northern Virginia on a cultural day trip with other students of the SDLC program. It was very interesting to experience authentic Korean culture in a majority Korean area, just minutes away from Washington DC. Stores and restaurants in many cases seemed straight out of Korea.
The first thing I wanted to note was when watching David Harrison’s interview on his book “When Languages Die” I thought it was really interesting when he was interviewing Chulym speakers because it seems that in the modern day the language has been preserved. There’s a band called Otyken, a Russian indigenous band which sings partly in Chulym, and in general celebrates their roots. So in this case it seems like a dying language (as seen in the interview) has been brought back to health. So languages can go extinct when the last speaker dies, but through digitalization and general documentation we can preserve a language. In the New York Times article Siletz is a native language that is on the verge of extinction and is being documented digitally so that if the language dies it can be resurrected by future generations. In order to preserve a language it's a complex process because there needs to be oral and literary documentation of the language, along with a documented system of translation. It seems incredibly important to preserve a language because the languages on our planet are cultural products that take hundreds and thousands of years to develop. Even if we have the language documented we can’t truly resurrect the meaning behind some of the words because the future generations learning the language will interpret the language through their own mother tongue.
Korean media has continued to be the medium for my learning, and my language partner and I have delved into various shows these past weeks. Like I stated on my previous language journal, we have omitted many shows/movies as they don't seem particularly helpful in terms of language, and rather focused on the ones that do, such as: reality shows (real-life conversation and grammar), historic shows (information on past grammar/vocabulary), and genre-focused shows (such as revolving around hospitals or detectives, niche jargon used).
One of the shows that my partner and I have watched is Physical 100: 2, the second season of a show where a hundred contestants compete against each other in physical activities, with one ultimate winner. The show itself is not short - 9 episodes ranging ~70 minutes each, and not only is it exciting to watch these contestants compete with one another, it is actually quite interesting to watch as a medium for learning as well. There is no outside narrator - the show focuses on the competitors, and we can hear their discussions as well as their thoughts/opinions. This meant I could often hear vocabulary that I had not encountered before - words related to physical activities. For example, I had not known the term for cardio/aerobic exercise, which is 유산소, or the term for pull-up (I thought it was a loan word and therefore also "pullup" in Korean) 턱걸이. It was also fun to see many recognizable celebrities on the show who were also competing.
My partner and I have also watched other new shows as well (more so on our own times), such as Queen of tears. Overall, watching these shows not only provides a meaningful exercise in comprehension, but also an entertaining way to learn and improve my Korean understanding.
Continuing on the theme of movies, me and my partner watched the popular Korean movie 아저씨 (The Man from Nowhere) which released in 2010. The movie was very popular in Korea as it was the highest grossing movie in the country in 2010. The movie starred 김도진 (AKA 원빈/Wonbin) a very popular actor in Korea despite starring in only 5 films.
The film follows Cha Tae-sik, a very isolated and quiet pawnshop owner with a mysterious past, who forms an unlikely bond with his neighbor So-mi, a very young girl. When So-mi's mother steals drugs from a ruthless drug trafficking organization/gang, they become targets. So-mi is then kidnapped while her mother is brutally killed, prompting Cha Tae-sik to unleash his deadly skills as a former covert operative to rescue her. As he delves deeper into the criminal underworld, he uncovers shocking truths about his own past and the extent of the corruption around him. The film is a gripping tale of redemption, revenge, and the power of human connection in the face of adversity. With intense action sequences, compelling characters, and emotional depth it’s very similar to a John Wick movie but with a much more sinister tone and larger character development.
Despite being “just an action movie”, the movie actually highlights an issue in Korea that is not very well recognized as it’s very dark and covered by many other daily issues. This issue is organ trafficking. When the gang killed So-mi’s mother they took out her organs for illegal selling since selling them can generate a huge sum of money. They also kidnapped So-mi in order to use her and other kids like her (“unwanted” orphans) to make and deliver their drugs. As kids, no one, including themselves, would suspect that they would be doing such things under the guise of an innocent delivery person.
Very briefly, organ trafficking in South Korea is actually increasing annually since the demand for organs is so high. Organ donations are significantly lower compared to other developed countries in the Western world. In 2011, there were 20,000 patients waiting for organs but only 2500 were made throughout the year. This attracts gangs like the one depicted in the movie to exploit this and harvest organs illegally and sell them to hospitals and other organizations while they’re disguised as innocent donations.
Despite being a wonderful country, the movie overall just shows the darker side of what is going underneath. It highlights some major issues that many people do not know about and sheds light on their severity. But it also shows that these can be overcome through consistent willpower and determination.
Lately, Jason and I have been focusing more on common phrases and sentence endings/modifiers that I don’t use often in my speaking. This is to widen my breadth of communication skills, especially since much of my Korean is limited to the speech of my parents, family members, and members of my local community. Looking into the nuances has been tricky at times, as, naturally, there are certain verbs that only work with specific nouns, or certain sentence endings that have highly specific use cases that I am still adjusting to. Each meeting, we typically dive into about three to four phrases/sentence endings and then continue to create example sentences from these. Jason gives feedback and modifies these accordingly, making sure to record these sentences for my review. I hope to continue to grow this list, while naturally picking up new vocabulary vis-a-vis Jason’s colloquialisms as well as many academic terms that I am asking about, as, naturally, academics is what would be a major part of my speech when speaking in Korean. Because of this, we have continued to, since the beginning of the semester, expand my self-introduction to encompass more of my studies and describe what I am learning as a cognitive science student as most of the discipline-specific lexicon was foreign to me.
Beyond self-introductions, we have been exploring more cultural nuances that I simply have not been exposed to as a Korean-American. For instance, certain ways to address a taxi driver are vital for a respectful and polite interaction, so, subsequently, we have been creating scenarios to practice with. Specific phrases to ask for directions, giving commands, and even how to use Korea’s various transit systems are new to me, and Jason has done a terrific job of explaining these cultural concepts lucidly. Adjacent to learning the jargon for Korea’s transit system, we have also been exploring several technology terms, as, given most of my Korean knowledge comes from being a heritage speaker, several terms I’ve used are outdated––even as far as more rudimentary translations such as the Korean word for electrical outlets. Being exposed to technological words has also had the benefit of revisiting several hanja root words that are commonly found, which is always a nice benefit since these are the building blocks of Korean.
In terms of my emotions, I am feeling a bit nervous as my study abroad to Korea is soon approaching, and this has given rise to wishing I had immersed myself in Korean even further. Although there is nothing to be done about this, Jason and I have agreed to have complete 100% Korean interactions even outside the classroom which has helped me retain a “Korean way of thinking” at UR. However, I also unequivocally believe that my Korean has tremendously improved since the start of the year, so this has been nice to see––dormant things have since awakened, my conversations are much more complex, and descriptions are much richer and felicitous.
This past month, my language partner and I continued to delve into business articles, focused on writing and grammar, and learned about the culture of Korean company dinners.
I read an article about value invest marketing (가치 투자 마케팅) and its relevance in contemporary marketing strategies. I knew what 투자 (invest) meant in Korean before hand, but it was my first time hearing 가치 투자 마케팅. I learned about how it is commonly used in business context to discuss investment decisions that prioritize long-term value in terms of marketing. Another word that I thought was relevant that I learned was 조각 투자 which means fractional investment of an asset rather than purchasing it outright. Encountering these advanced business terms in the text provided me with valuable exposure to specialized vocabulary used in Korean business contexts, helping me expand my language skills and understanding of business-related topics.
We also did one week of focusing on writing and grammar skills using the Yonsei University’s Korean writing textbook. I had to do a writing sample after “interviewing” my language partner about her experience studying abroad. I asked her questions about why she decided to study abroad in Korea, how her experience was there, what it was like to listen to lectures in Korean, and etc. Afterwards, my language partner corrected my grammar and I created a before and after table of the things that I got wrong in terms of grammar, vocabulary, expressions, and others. My most common mistake was using gerunds, so I had to adjust phrases like 준비하는 (preparing) into 준비하기 위한 (for preparing) indicating the purpose of the action. I also had to refine a lot of sentence structure for better cohesion because my writing style would be more speaking tone than the proper writing tone. For example, I would say 아까 전에 말했지만 (as I mentioned earlier) but the proper way to write it would be 위에서 언급했듯이 (as mentioned above), which is more of a formal and proper way. I also had to adjust comparative expressions by adding “not very many” insead of using “none” and using 비하면 to mean “compared to” instead of “than.” This helped me realize which aspects I had the most difficulty with in terms of writing and it taught me a lot about which areas I should focus on and how to improve them in my writing samples.
On top of learning about the business world in Korea, we also added a new focus of the tradition of 회식. 회식 is known as company dinners (typically held at korean bbq restaurants), which is an integral part of Korean working culture as it serves as a platform for team bonding, networking, and informal communication. There are many social rules that employees should socially follow and my language partner taught me the do’s and don’ts along with common phrases and words that are used in these settings. One of the key social rules of 회식 is the emphasis on group harmony and hierarchy, with junior staff members expected to defer to their seniors and demonstrate respect. Like I learned last month with regards to hierarchy positions, it’s important that those who are in the lower ranking such as 사원 (staff, clerk, member, analyst) or 주임 (associates) receive drinks from their higher-ups as refusing a drink could be considered impolite. Next month, my language partner and I will continue reading business related articles about marketing or analytics, learn about the changing entertainment industry in Korea, and do more grammar practices using the Yonsei textbook.
The Korean film industry, known as Korean cinema, has experienced a global renaissance in the last 20 years. Often referred to as the "Korean New Wave," Korean films have attracted international acclaim for their artistic merit and storytelling style.
Some key aspects of the Korean film industry include:
Government Support: The Korean government has played an active role in supporting the film industry through organizations like the Korean Film Council and providing subsidies and tax incentives. This government backing has helped Korean films gain international exposure.
Distinct Visual Style: Korean films are known for their unique visual aesthetics with creative camerawork, editing techniques, and art direction. Directors emphasize mood, emotion and character over explicit plot details.
International Festival Success: Korean films have received major honors at prestigious international film festivals like Cannes, Venice, and Berlin. Films like Parasite, Memories of Murder, and The Host have won awards and introduced Korean cinema to global audiences.
Popular Genres: Popular genres in Korean cinema include horror/thrillers, melodramas, and action films. But the industry is also known for thoughtful social/political films and romances.
Global Fandom: Thanks to increasing international distribution and popularity of K-dramas, Korean films and their stars have amassed a huge global fan following beyond Korea as well.
To provide an authentic artifact from Korean cinema, here is a link to the trailer (with English subtitles) for the 2020 Academy Award-winning film Parasite:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xH0HfJHsaY
Directed by Bong Joon Ho, Parasite is widely considered one of the best Korean films ever made and helped introduce Korean New Wave cinema to many Western audiences. The film's critical and commercial success demonstrated how Korean stories and filmmaking have truly gone global.
For this journal period, my task was to practice using Hangul in daily conversation situations, specifically during mock tour guide scenarios. My goal was to improve my fluency and ability to conduct basic conversational exchanges in culturally appropriate ways.
I worked closely with my language exchange partner, Eunji, who acted as a tourist while I played the role of a tour guide. We formulated reciprocal learning goals around practicing directions, asking/answering questions, and exchanging pleasantries. This role-play exercise allowed us to provide feedback to strengthen each other's skills.
To prepare, I reviewed common travel phrases and cultural etiquette norms. During our practice tours, I focused on using clear pronunciation and natural intonation patterns. We also explored various tourist attractions to immerse ourselves in vocabulary. I found that practicing daily in a low-pressure environment with a supportive partner was most effective for improving my speaking confidence.
Moving forward, I want to build on conversational fluency by researching more complex tourism topics. I also plan to experiment with new memorization techniques for vocabulary retention. While there were occasional misunderstandings, reflecting on them helped me recognize areas for continued growth, such as expanding my knowledge of the honorific language.
I feel proud of the strides I've made in applying Hangul practically. Learning through immersive cultural activities has deepened my appreciation for Korean hospitality. Challenges remain, but staying motivated through language exchange keeps me energized in my journey. Overall, conversing in realistic scenarios gets me one step closer to my long-term communication goals.
Currently, it has been going very well with Isaac and I'm very very pleased with the amount of information I've been able to retain based on the short amount of time we've been working on Korean. Some tasks that we are working on now are more reading-based and speech-production concepts. Last class, we worked on reading a short but meaningful story about a tiger and a baby. Isaac wants me to start practicing reading simple sentences in order to start putting some of my pronunciation and reading ability to the test. we completed the first chapter of the book although there were definitely some struggles I feel like my ability to read and pronounce the letters has drastically improved over the past few weeks as I practice more and more. right now we are on track to continue what I want to accomplish this semester which is to build a very basic understanding of the Korean language along with being able to master the alphabet and read simple sentences. That being said I feel like Isaac and I are already crushing those goals and I'm very confident that as I move through the next two semesters of Korean I will just keep checking off boxes. like I said before we've been doing a lot more reading just to build more knowledge and more vocabulary typically I will read the sentence with minor help from Isaac if I cannot figure out how to pronounce something. I feel like reading has been one of the most effective strategies in our time together because it forces you to get out of your comfort zone and push when you don't understand something. Along with reading, we've been doing a lot of review of simple sentences like saying how are you doing and focusing on when to use formal versus informal. In Korean it is somewhat confusing because the use of a formality versus a more laid-back approach can be a very fine line and sometimes it is not explicit when to use one or the other. Even though it can be confusing Isaac has been an amazing teacher and helping whenever I have questions about when to use one or the other. Like I said before I believe our strategies are very effective and I'm eager to keep learning and keep pushing myself. As we go into the next few weeks we are going to focus on my final project which we have some interesting ideas in mind, I am very excited to continue with this process and keep growing my understanding of the Korean language.
In the last learning journal, I wrote about how I learned how the endings change whether or not the sentence is formal. I realized that by being able to learn more about endings, it would make learning Korean much easier and even allow me to use simple phrases and be able to manipulate them in various ways in order to fit into the conversation. Therefore recently, I have been diving into the Korean grammar, trying to figure out how sentences are put together depending on the context of the conversation. At first, I thought it might be too tricky, but thankfully now I am seeing how it really helps me understand the language better. My tutor suggested I give it a shot, especially since I've been picking up lots of words related to everyday stuff like eating out and shopping.
A typical sentence structure that I have been learning would be the following:
Subject Time (adverb/adjective) Verb
나 오늘 늦게 일어났어
I today late wake up
(I woke up late today)
I know we had learned in class how the Korean sentence structures are different compared to the English one, but being able to actually see how I would directly translate these, is very surprising. So, being able to write it out in this way, I can learn better how to do these phrases in korean.
If there is no need to add a subject, then time always starts the sentence, which can be seen in the following.
오늘 비 오나?
Today rain will
(Is it going to rain today?)
Additionally, I've learned to manipulate sentences to convey different tenses. One sentence structure is making the phrase past tense.
맛있었어?
(Was it good?)
Adding the ㅆ 어 turns the sentence into past tense.
Another sentence structure is making the phrase future tense. Instead of adding the ㅆ 어, you would write ㄹ 거야.
My feelings about learning Korean have been all over the place - sometimes I'm proud of my progress, other times I get frustrated when things don't click right away. So far, it has been a bit tough trying to recall all that I have learned so far since I did not necessarily state that I wanted to learn grammar. So by learning that there are certain patterns, it has become a bit better in trying to come up with simple phrases. Therefore, my exploration of Korean grammar has provided valuable insights into the cultural nuances embedded within the language. Understanding how sentences are structured can offer a glimpse into the Korean way of thinking and expressing ideas, which helps me to have a deeper appreciation for its rich cultural heritage. For the future, I want to keep practicing grammar while also trying out new ways to learn, like watching Korean shows or chatting with native speakers.Also, I am very eager to explore new learning strategies, incorporating more interactive and immersive experiences to enhance my listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. I'm excited to see where this journey takes me and how much more I'll learn along the way.
I started writing in Korea during my Korean classes while I was abroad at Yonsei. I enjoy it quite a lot because I think the construction of the syllable blocks is very different from a traditional alphabet script, and having to plan out the spacing of the letters requires more forethought than in English. As far as patterns go, every sentence ends in a verb, and more specifically a verb ending which denotes the verb’s conjugation and the formality level at which you are writing (or speaking). I prefer handwriting because typing in Korean is very difficult because I don’t have a bilingual keyboard. I had used one on occasion in Korea at a PCbang, but still I typed almost entirely in English. I am more comfortable typing on my phone in Korean where I can quickly change my display keyboard to Korean, and I have started to be able to memorize the placement of the various letters on the keyboard as well. I think knowing that Korean is an SOV language makes writing easier because I can think in terms of my nouns first and then the verb fits more neatly at the end of the sentence, rather than in French where the conjugation of verbs is challenging because of the relation to the subject and the words which follow afterwards. However, Korean particles of course present a continuous challenge in writing because I often don’t know which one to use and it slows me down. I attached an old verb worksheet as an example of writing I have done. (ignore the vous "n'êtes pas intelligente" s'il vous plaît)
