Although the Korean language is not in the top-ten of the world’s most widespread languages (it is the 15th by the number of native speakers, and the 21st by the total number of speakers), there are many great reasons for learning this language.
Let us take a look at some reasons why you should learn Korean.
Improve your business and career opportunities
South Korean economy is currently the 13th in the world and developing quickly. There are many companies that would like to expand to this large market of buyers or already have. By learning Korean, you will be able to communicate with clients and business partners much more effectively. This will make you a valuable asset for companies working with or looking to expand in Korea. This means more employment opportunities and very likely a higher salary.
Nowadays, the popularity of the Korean language is growing. If you truly master it, you can also build a career teaching Korean or being a translator or interpreter.
Open a path into learning Asian languages
If you are looking to become a polyglot and learn a few Asian languages, starting with Korean makes a lot of sense.
On the one hand, it is considered to be among the easiest Asian languages, with a writing system simpler than the Chinese or Japanese one.
On the other hand, Korean shares a lot of similarities with other Asian languages. For instance, it has borrowed heavily from Classical Chinese and there is a lot of shared vocabulary. It has grammar and syntax structures similar in their logic to the Japanese language. Learning Korean will make learning other Asian languages easier for you.
Dive into the culture
Korea has a unique, rich culture. Some of it, for instance, K-Pop has been conquering the world since the early 2010s. Knowledge of the Korean language will help you enjoy the music even more – you will be able to understand all the lyrics. You will also be able to enjoy Korean movies, TV- and reality-shows; travel to the country and meet the locals, communicating with them in their native language.
Power-up your brain
Learning foreign languages, in general, is beneficial for your brain. It improves your memory and even helps prevent brain diseases that can appear with old age!
Learning Korean can be especially beneficial. This is a language that does not belong to any group; it has a unique writing system and unique grammar. Mastering it may be somewhat of a challenge because of the difference in the overall logic. However, challenging your brain is ultimately extremely beneficial for you.
Travel to South Korea
South Korea is definitely a place you should visit in your lifetime. It combines modern high-tech cities with breathtakingly beautiful countryside. Visiting South Korea can be the experience of a lifetime, and knowledge of the Korean language can make it even more enjoyable and memorable.
As you can see, there are quite a few great reasons to learn Korean. It will increase your career opportunities, allow you to meet new friends, immerse yourself into a unique culture and enjoy yourself travelling in a beautiful country. It is also a way to become a polyglot and master several Asian languages, as well as to challenge your brain and to keep it alert and healthy.
So, what are you waiting for?