Hyoheon Kim Kim

Teaching a language is ultimately about supporting someone on a journey of discovery. When I teach Korean, my main goal is to help learners feel confident, valued, and genuinely excited about their progress. Korean is not just a set of grammar rules or vocabulary to memorize — it is a tool that allows people to connect, understand culture, and express themselves in a new way. I want my students to experience that sense of possibility.

To achieve this, I plan to create lessons that feel personal and meaningful rather than rigid or mechanical. Every learner has their own reason for studying Korean, and I see that individuality as something to celebrate. Some people learn for travel, others for career opportunities, friendships, relationships, or simply a love of K-culture. By understanding these motivations, I can guide students toward goals that matter to them and make the language feel relevant to their everyday lives.

Practical learning will also play a big role in my classes. Instead of limiting learning to textbooks, I want students to use Korean in real-life situations — writing short journals, recording short speaking videos, interpreting menus or signs, and engaging with media they enjoy. This kind of learning builds a sense of achievement and brings the language to life.

Technology will support this process too. Digital tools such as Quizlet, Google Docs, and recorded pronunciation feedback will help students track improvement and stay motivated even outside class. What matters most is that every learner feels safe to make mistakes and proud of their progress. My aim is for students to look back one day and say, “Korean didn’t just challenge me — it changed me and helped me grow.”