Hype of English in Korea
South Korea , a small closeted country , yet technologically advanced and also boasting a highly skilled workforce . The country has long long protected itself from the influences of other cultures and old traditional values ,though superstitions still find an important place in the country’s present form. When I landed in Korea , I was lost in the beauty of this beautiful land , covered all over by greenery and surrounded by gigantic beautiful mountains all around . Though one thing I was amazed to see was the “hype” of English in South Korea . I couldn’t stop my strong emotions and couldn’t think of no other word except “hype” . I am from India , a country of multilingual origins , and English , which is globally accepted language, spoken by many . I remember , even though it was almost a second language to me , and a compulsory subject in all public schools, we have never been this crazy to learn it . People of all countries give English a special place among languages and desire perfection in it but I have never seen the craziness for this language anywhere else as much as it can be seen in Korea .
You would be amazed to know that every other Korean has an English name , which is one of their favorite celebs from a TV or a sports star . I love my name and no matter how difficult it is to pronounce , which is so true in my case , I never thought of tagging myself with an English name . You shouldn’t be surprised if Korean strangers pass smiles frequently with you or may break into your personal space just to start a random talk from nowhere and practice their English skills . Interracial dating is quite popular in Korea too , wherein practicing English might not be the only true case , you know love is something which can happen anytime , anywhere . Even though K-pop finds a special place among all Koreans , you will find most of them singing English songs pretty often and dancing in night clubs .
English speakers gain instant respect in Korea ,purely based on their first language .and they are greatly admired for their ability to hold a conversation in English. Apart from the personal craze ,Korea is also one of the highest paymasters in terms of hiring English teachers , which form more than 70 % of the foreign crowd . If you are a white, born in an English speaking country , teaching English and saving a good amount of money in your bank account , get your backpack ready and travel to Korea . Visas for English teachers are easily available and you will get all the luxuries from house to transport and extraordinary perks . Regular full-time jobs to part-times and private coachings are all easily available for you , and most jobs don’t demand any special degree if you are an English citizen . I will talk about the education system in Korea another tim ,but to give you an idea , students at all levels of schools and colleges go for extra private English coaching classes . “Native” “Native” is all over the job portal , which I am so jealous of , as I can’t be an English tutor , even though I am considerably skilled in the language , but from a non-English country .
If you are a White and a women , your demand is double that of the common white man , which I am not sure to as why , but again that’s a Korean perception. So don’t get into a rage , if you see an ad somewhere saying “White English Women Only “ . Yes , racism , castism , and gender-bias is still too common here .
Sharing with you all shades of the Korean system , I hope you find it informative and I would like to thank you all for your time and wishing a great English career
ahead . Go ! Go ! Go !