Not just a native speaker, I'm a government certified Korean teacher with global experience

Find out more about Elly

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  Korean is my native language, but my journey with it is quite unique. From an early stage, I saw the growing global potential of Korea, and the more I learned other languages, the more I realised how distinctive and fascinating Korean is.
  
  I chose to study "Korean as a foreign language" at a time when Korea was not as globally popular as it is today. This meant I had to shift my perspective, from a native speaker who uses the language intuitively to someone who analyses and explains it from a learner’s point of view.
  
  It was challenging at first, as I had to study aspects of the language I had always used unconsciously. However, this process became the foundation of my academic and professional journey. Now that Korean language and culture are gaining global attention, I feel even more motivated to help learners connect with the language in a meaningful way.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that represents the culture?

  As a Korean language teacher, I would choose King Sejong the Great, the creator of the Korean alphabet, Hangul. His vision was to make literacy accessible to everyone, and that spirit still represents the inclusiveness and innovation of Korean culture today.
  
  For a more modern perspective, I would mention the characters from Reply 1988. This drama beautifully portrays Korean family values, neighbourhood relationships, and everyday life. It captures the warmth of Korean society, especially the concept of 정 (jeong), and gives learners a genuine sense of cultural context.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behavior you particularly like?

  One concept I particularly love is 정 (jeong). It is a uniquely Korean idea that refers to a deep emotional bond built over time through shared experiences, care, and connection.
  
  It is difficult to translate directly into English, but it reflects the warmth and closeness in Korean relationships whether between family, friends, or even neighbours. Understanding 정 helps learners go beyond vocabulary and grammar and truly appreciate the emotional depth of the language.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Today, many people are interested in Korean culture through K-pop, K-dramas, K-food, and K-beauty. However, most of this content is experienced through translation, and like any language, you can’t fully appreciate its depth until you engage with it directly.
  
  Speaking Korean allows people to connect more deeply with the culture and understand the emotions, humour, and nuances behind the words.
  
  With my background in linguistics and bilingual education, I see language as more than just communication. It is a way of thinking and understanding the world. Supporting students as they gain confidence and express themselves in Korean is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process?

  One of the main challenges in learning Korean is its sentence structure and the use of honorifics, which can feel unfamiliar to many learners.
  
  However, with the right approach, these challenges become much more manageable. Thanks to my experience in grammar analysis and language teaching, I break down complex structures into clear and simple patterns. I also use real-life examples and personalised feedback to help students apply what they learn confidently.
  
  I strongly believe in tailoring lessons to each student’s interests and learning style. For example, we might use K-pop lyrics for music lovers, short clips for K-drama fans, or reading materials and webtoons for those who enjoy reading. This makes learning both effective and enjoyable.

• Can you provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or teaching experience?

  Through my experience teaching Korean both abroad and online, I have worked with students from diverse backgrounds, with different goals and learning styles, including neurodiverse learners.
  
  Additionally, my work as a Korean grammar expert on a global language app (Duo---) required me to analyse common learner mistakes and design sentence structures that help prevent them. This gave me a deeper understanding of where students struggle and how to guide them more effectively.
  
  By continuously adapting my teaching methods and focusing on practical communication, I have seen students make significant progress. One of the most rewarding moments was seeing a student go from struggling with basic sentences to confidently holding conversations and even travelling solo to Korea.
  
  That experience reinforced my belief in the power of personalised and supportive teaching.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  My international teaching and training experiences in countries such as the United States, China, and the UK have greatly enhanced my understanding of language learning from a global perspective.
  
  Working with students from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds helped me develop more flexible and effective teaching strategies. It also deepened my awareness of common learning challenges, allowing me to better support students in their language journey.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  What makes me a Superprof is how I make Korean feel approachable and enjoyable, even when it seems difficult at first.
  
  With my background in linguistics and Korean language education, I understand why learners struggle with certain parts of the language. This allows me to explain things in a clear and simple way, without overwhelming my students.
  
  I’ve also worked with learners from many different backgrounds, so I know that everyone learns differently. That’s why I adapt each lesson to suit your goals—whether you want to travel, have conversations, or enjoy K-dramas and K-pop without subtitles.
  
  Most importantly, I focus on building your confidence step by step. I create a relaxed and supportive environment where you feel comfortable making mistakes and improving naturally. Learning Korean should feel rewarding, not stressful. I’m here to guide you through that process.