Learning Korean will enable one to read books in the Korean language itself, and not wait on an English publication. It also makes a learner independent of the English subtitles to see a Korean movie or KDrama, being able to understand right at the moment it is spoken. K pop fans can listen to their favourite music without having to wait for it lyrics translation!
Korean is an excellent choice if you are looking to make a career in MNC as a language learner. This is because multinational companies from Europe, and the USA are actively hiring Korean language experts to fill different positions in their workplaces the world over. Vacancies in these MNCs include technical writing, editorial, proofreading, public relations, interpretation, purchase, freelance translation, literary writing, teaching, content writing, curriculum designing, instructional coordinators, subject matter expert, a researcher in a variety of domains like social policy, economics, technology and culture, customer support jobs in KPO, BPO as a chat, voice or email support (better if done in specialised fields), or jobs in export-import agencies/ companies, international sales, tour guide in places such as museums and monuments, Flight attendants on long-haul international flights, hospitality positions such as receptionist to the manager, depending on your qualifications and prior experience, at Casinos, resorts or at star hotels, proofreading extend support as a voice-over artist to dubbing movies, for commercials and cartoons, be an RJ, or become a KPop artist!
You could also start your own travel agency or tour operator.
Korean language learners can also opt to work at consulates and embassies as administrative staff. If Korean is an add on to an existing, competitive, appropriate qualification one could even apply for a Consul, Ambassador or Diplomat positions after going through a rigorous examination process.
Opportunities do exist, but the scope is limited as compared to other languages due to the following reasons.
Learners must bear in mind that the following few things that are of paramount importance for their future:
Objectively Korean language is far away of a great choice for 99% of non-Koreans around the world.
Korea was economically doing much better a few years ago than now. And immigration policies were laxer a few years ago than now.
The Korean language is and will be useful mostly if you are in Korea or if your partner is from Korea.
Korea is a good country for many things. The Korean language is an interesting language to learn and it is of great use, if you are married to a Korean from Korea, speaking Korean will definitely help you to communicate with his/her family.
Also, unless you marry a Korean, Korea isn’t a country where you can immigrate like those Western English speaking countries. And even a spouse visa isn’t the same as a “real” permanent resident visa.
Korea isn’t ready yet to accept foreigners at a higher rate and become more multicultural, or at least less homogenous.
Korean isn’t a piece of cake and to learn it effectively one must practice speaking it with Koreans to become fluent.
You can speak Korean and work in Korea; but not beyond 4–5 years, that’s the maximum your contract and visa will be renewed for.
Korea has also put a limit on some professional visas to make foreign workers unable to renew them more than once.
Korea has also reduced the number of foreign workers in some fields, especially English teachers. Not to reduce the English influence but to favour local workers.
While Korean itself isn’t a good option if you plan to make a living, learning any language is very enriching. Korean alone will most likely not be good enough, especially if you are not a native speaker.
If you are looking to work in Korea, teaching English in Korea could be the best use of this language besides being an interpreter or a translator; but it would demand a stellar performance mastered with C1/C2 level study.
If you already live, work, or study in Korea, learning the Korean language will help you in your daily life. However, most students and expatriate workers in Korea who don’t marry a Korean spouse, leave Korea! The rate of foreign students who stay to work in Korea after their studies are one of the lowest in the world; despite efforts by President Moon’s government to change policies to retain talent.
This brings us to a logical question; what’s the scope of Korean out of Korea? One could think that the Korean language may prove useful if they get an opportunity to work for an overseas Korean company or foreign company working with Korea. However, it’s very interesting to know that 99% of such companies prefer to hire overseas Koreans! The Korean diaspora overseas is huge; and as long as these companies can fill their positions with Korean people, who have migrated or been born abroad, they just won’t need you!
