Why I started learning Korean...

To me, Korean culture is more than just K-dramas & K-pop.

Learning Korean has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me, but it wasn't something that I initially set out to do.

Most people that know me assume that my interest in the Korean language stems from my love of K-dramas and K-pop, but the truth is, it all started with a chance encounter with a Korean friend I made on a foreign language exchange app.

It all began in 2020 when I stumbled upon a language exchange app. I was interested in connecting with people from different cultures and improving my language skills. Little did I know that this decision would lead to a life-changing experience. Through the app, I met a wonderful South Korean woman who shared a similar interest in learning languages. We became fast friends, chatting regularly and sharing insights into our respective cultures.

Our virtual friendship eventually blossomed into a real-life connection when she informed me that she would be participating in a language exchange program in my city, Austin. I was thrilled at the prospect of meeting her in person and having the opportunity to show her around my hometown.

When we finally met, we hit it off instantly. We spent time exploring the local restaurants and attractions, exchanging stories and immersing ourselves in each other's worlds. It was during this time that she generously told me about her hometown and the cultural differences in Korea. We even got to eat Korean food together!

Learning about her hometown and what South Korea was like was inspirational and captivating.

I was already daydreaming of what South Korea would be like in person. Unfortunately, our time together was cut short due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. My friend had to return to South Korea earlier than expected, leaving me with a deep sense of gratitude for the friendship we had formed. Despite the distance, we remained in touch, continuing our language exchange through video calls and messaging.

One day, to my surprise and delight, I received a postcard from her. It featured a stunning image she had captured in Korea, along with a heartfelt message expressing her fondness for our friendship. I was deeply moved by her gesture and wanted to reciprocate in a meaningful way. However, I faced a challenge: I couldn't write in Hangeul or read Korean.

Determined to overcome this obstacle, I made a decision that would change the course of my linguistic journey. I resolved to learn how to write in Hangeul and communicate in Korean. I delved into resources like watching K-Dramas every day, listening to K-pop, taking a Korean college course, and using language leaning apps to immerse myself in the study of Korean language and culture.

Although it was a challenging endeavor, I was driven by my desire to write in Hangeul and also visit South Korea. With dedication and perseverance, I gradually mastered the intricacies of Hangeul and honed my language skills.

Today, I am proud to say that I can write in Hangeul, form coherent sentences, and engage in conversations in Korean. What began as a simple exchange on a language app has evolved into a transformative journey of cultural exchange and personal growth. I am grateful for the friendship that inspired me to embark on this path and for the countless connections I have formed along the way.

Learning Korean has opened doors to new opportunities, expanded my worldview, and enriched my life in ways I never could have imagined. I continue to cherish the bond I share with my Korean friend and look forward to deepening my understanding of the language and its nuances. As I reflect on this remarkable journey, I am filled with gratitude for the unexpected experience that ignited my passion for the Korean language.

Photo cred: Dong Bi