Former interpreting officer with a Lv. 2 certificate. Born and raised in Seoul, fluent in EN, JP & CN—not via study abroad, but through years of hard work. You can do it too.

Find out more about Jieun

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

  I am a native Korean who has lived my entire life in Korea. However, my appreciation for the Korean language and culture comes not only from being a native speaker, but also from being a passionate foreign language learner myself. I speak English, Japanese, and Chinese fluently without having studied abroad, so I deeply understand the frustration and challenges my students face when learning Korean. At the same time, I want to share the joy of the learning process and show students an effective and meaningful way to get closer to Korean culture.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  King Sejong is the most emblematic figure of the Korean language. He created Hangeul so that ordinary people could read and write, and he was a visionary king who excelled in many fields. I find him deeply inspiring, and when I teach Hangeul, I always make an effort to explain the original principles behind its creation in detail, as he reveal how logical and thoughtful the Korean writing system truly is.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behaviour in the language that you particularly like?

  One expression I particularly like is “밥 먹었어?” (“Have you eaten?”). Food plays a very important role in Korean culture, and this question is often used as a way of caring for someone. Even instead of saying “See you later,” Koreans often say we should meet again and eat together. Exploring food-related expressions is always one of the most enjoyable parts of my lessons.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  The Korean language is deeply connected to my identity and culture. Teaching it to someone who is new to this culture allows me to see both myself and Korean society from a new perspective. Every lesson feels like both an honor and a genuine pleasure.

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

  Although Hangeul is one of the easiest writing systems to learn—it often takes only a few hours to start reading—the language itself is not simple. There are many exceptions and nuances. However, learners can rely on the logical structure of Hangeul, and today there is also an abundance of high-quality and engaging Korean content available.
  
  All of my students come from different backgrounds, levels, and personalities. That is why I customize every lesson to fit each student’s situation and interests, so they can stay engaged and enjoy the learning process. I believe learning should always be fun—because the goal is not perfection, but to remain a happy and motivated Korean learner.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  Some students began reading Hangeul with me, and later surprised themselves by writing short diaries in Korean. When students bring sentences they now understand and feel proud of, I feel the same sense of pride as a teacher.

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

  Rather than travel, teaching students from North America, Asia, and Europe has shaped my perspective. Working with learners of all levels—from complete beginners to advanced speakers—has helped me better understand how Korean is perceived and learned globally.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  I offer fully customized lessons tailored to each student’s goals, personality, and learning environment. My strength lies in structured explanations, flexible materials, and continuous two-way communication, which helps students progress faster and stay motivated.