You never get a second chance to make a first impression

Han River water fountain display

Chicken delivery motorcycle

Seoul has a population of 10.5 million people – making it the largest city I’ve experienced. It had a feel that was not as stressed, fast-paced or as crowded as other (smaller) big cities I’ve visited. Although our group is clearly not from Korea, I never had the feeling of being conspicuously foreign 

On Saturday (June 23) I got to experience Korean hospitality first hand . It was an unforgettable experience.  We had the good fortune to be hosted by a Korean family the entire day. Chunhee and her two college-age children showed us how to use the subway and generously shared their cultural capital. The end- of- day picnic on the Han River – complete with fried chicken delivered by men on motorcycles and a water fountain display shooting from a bridge -  was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.

Through my visits with Chunhee and her children, I had the opportunity to gain their first-hand perspective and help clarify two questions I had about “English fever” in South Korea: 

1.  Do South Koreans strive to learn English more for practical value or social value?

In this family’s situation, it appeared both are important, but their decision seems to weigh more heavily on the practical side.

My conversations with Chunhee made it clear she and her husband want  to provide their children with the best education they can afford – study in the U.S. is their best opportunity. She would love to send all her children to college in the United States, but it is cost-prohibitive.. Currently her son is attending Community College in Dallas, TX to finish her pre-requisites (this is a more economical alternative) then plans to transfer to a University. Chunhee lives with him in Dallas during the school year.

I also had the opportunity to talk to her daughter. She studied one year at a University in Seoul, then took a one-year break to go to Dallas, Texas with her mother and siblings. She studied ESL while her younger sister finished high school and her brother attended Community College. She thought her year of English language learning would help her stand out among her peers. It did, but, many of her peers do the same thing and she didn't stand out as much as she thought she would. She considered her English at a “middle” level. She has graduated from University and is looking for a job. The jobs for which she applies require applicants to submit their TOEFL score. That score is a factor that can set candidates apart. It has an impact on one’s job opportunities regardless of whether they will use English in the job.

2.  When parents decide to send students to English-only schools and encourage their students to spend time with English speakers, does it diminish the sense of community when they return to South Korea?

Throughout the day in Seoul, I saw families with children strolling along walking paths, dipping their feet in Cheonggye Stream and picnicing along the Han River. When we were at the Han River, Chunhee’s daughter said it was a place she comes with her friends to hang out. She and her brother told about what they do in their spare time and with friends.

 It seems, for this family, all the studying and traveling abroad to study still leaves time to foster friendships and enjoy what Seoul has to offer.

I appreciate them taking the time to share with us. I learned a lot about what it means to be a good host and cultural broker to others.