SOUTH KOREA FACT FILE

• The Korean language is spoken by more than 75 million people, 48 million in South Korea, and 24 million in North Korea. Other than that there are more than 2 million speakers in China, approximately 1 million in the United States, and about 500,000 in Japan. Korean is the official language of both South Korea (Republic of Korea) and North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea). The language in both nations differs in minor matters of spelling, alphabetization, and vocabulary choice (including the names of the letters), but both essentially endorse the unified standard proposed by the Korean Language Society in 1933.
• Korean is spoken in South Korea, North Korea, Japan, China, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. The relationship between Korean and other languages is unknown, although some linguists believe it to be a member of the Altaic Family of Languages. Grammatically Korean is very similar to Japanese and about 70% of its vocabulary comes from Chinese.

Some Fascinating Korean Language Facts

• Korean is the native language of 75 million people worldwide. There are several different theories, linking the origins of the Korean language with Japanese, Chinese, and even Tibetan.
• -K-Pop bands such as BTS, G-Dragon, and Red Velvet which have gained huge international popularity, with fans travelling from overseas to see them in concert and sold out world tours. K-Pop bands such as BTS, G-Dragon, and Red Velvet have gained huge international popularity, with fans traveling from overseas to see them in concert and sold-out world tours. K-Pop is characterized by a mixture of Western sounds with an Asian performance. The most well-known Korean dance move is Psy’s Gangnam Style.
• One of the most famous Korean tongue twisters is: “Kanjang kongjang kongjang-jang-ǔn jang kongjang-jang-igo toenjang kongjang kongjang-jang-ǔn kang kongjang-jang-ida” it can be translated to “The factory manager of the soy sauce factory is factory manager Chang and the factory manager of the soybean paste factory is factory manager Kang.”
• Hangual is often described as being the “most perfect phonetic system” with an alphabet that fits the language like a glove. That is partial because the shape of the letters mimics the shape of your tongue while pronouncing them.
• Humour is deeply rooted in the culture of the UK, people are quite used to verbal humour, such as puns and sarcasm. However, in Korea, it is mostly frowned upon, as there are strict social expectations to convey respect and deference, especially towards elders and superiors. Korean variety shows and game shows, the most popular being “Running Man”, “Knowing Bros” and “We Got Married”.

Some Interesti ng Facts About South Korea

• South Korea is relatively a small country (it is about the size of England) however, its economy has grown steadily since 2009 and currently has the 11th largest GDP in the world ($1.4 trillion, according to the latest ranking by the World Bank). After China and Japan, South Korea is the 3rd biggest in Asia and also the 7th largest exporter in the world, with its top products being integrated circuits (including computers, phones, and other electronics) and cars.
• Incheon International Airport was named the world’s best for the 12th year running at last year’s Airport Service Quality Awards.
• Digital addicts will be relieved to know they will never have to wait too long for their internet fix in South Korea. The country is estimated to have the world’s fastest internet connection speed for the 12th consecutive quarter last year.
• Jejudo forms part of the country’s roster of 12 Unesco World Heritage Sites. These national treasures include Royal palaces, Tombs, Shrines, and well-preserved Hanok villages (hilly settlements packed with traditional Korean houses).
• Lotte World, a major recreation center in Seoul, is home to one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world, as well as an outdoor amusement park, an artificial island connected by a monorail, shopping malls, museums, and more.
• Teaching is one of the most prestigious and well-paid jobs in the country. On average, the teachers make $2,500 per month with teachers at private schools and universities making more depending upon their experience.

Why Should We Learn Korean?

• There are more than 75 million people who speak Korean and it ranks as 18th in the most-used language in the world. This makes the language useful for travel, or business.
• It is easy to forget with all the Apple and Tesla in the world, but South-Korean companies are multinational business mastodons you ought to not neglect. While you can easily get a job without knowing Korean in these companies; however, if you truly want to advance your career in these companies, you ought to learn Korean. It will truly give you a boost to what your potential is within Korean companies.
• The Korean language programme at Langma School of Languages offers four years of language study, including an accelerated course for heritage learners and an upper-level language course using film and media. While learning Korean, students are introduced to a broad range of aspects of Korean culture. There are also courses conducted in English about Korean film, literature, and culture. In these classes, advanced students have the option to read the sources.
• A lot of why Korean culture is the way it is can be better understood through learning the Korean language. A language is the culmination of a people’s history and culture and thus the most approachable method to learn about a culture. If you want to better understand Koreans and Korean culture, it is best to learn Korean.

Korean Culture: Customs & Traditions

The majority of South Koreans (56.1%, as of the 2015 national census) are irreligious. Christianity and Buddhism are the dominant confessions among those who affiliate with formal religion. Protestantism represents (19.7%) of the total population, Korean Buddhism (15.5%), and Catholicism (7.9%) in the country.

Korean culture is profoundly influenced by Confucian principles and this pervades not only personal lives, but also the business world. Confucianism supports group harmony, respect for elders and authority, the importance of family, friendship, and ancestors, and also, tradition. Korea is greatly influenced by Chinese and Japanese cultures. This influence can be seen in Confucianism which established many traditions that can be seen in modern Korea today. These traditions include the ethical code of conduct in social life and showing respect to the elders and family.

Korean food

Korea has developed a unique food culture associated with its long agricultural history. Recently, interest in Korean food, especially regarding its health benefits, has greatly increased. However, there are inadequate resources and research available on the description and definitions of Korean cuisine.

Kimchi

Kimchi, which is gaining a worldwide repute as one of the representative Korean dishes, has been praised for its anti-carcinogenic properties and nutritional value, as well as several variations that create excitingly diverse flavors and tastes. The most common type of kimchi is made by mixing salted white cabbage with kimchi paste made of chili powder, garlic, spring onion, Korean radish ginger, fish sauce, and other ingredients like fresh seafood. Kimchi can be eaten fresh but is normally eaten after fermentation for several days. Some prefer mugeunji, which is fully fermented for over one year.

Why choose Langma School of Languages for learning the Korean Language

• Langma School of Languages is one of the pioneer institutes in providing quality education in the Korean Language to students. We at Langma School of Languages, combine several things to create a unique learning experience that has set us apart. Our students share their beliefs as they return to us bringing their relatives and friends.
• Langma School of Languages works as a “facilitator” instead of a “transmitter” of knowledge. Langma School of Languages emphasizes extensively helping students develop overall personalities.
• Langma School of Languages follows an international standard of teaching foreign languages ranging from beginner to Proficient. Langma School of Languages is fully equipped such as Computer Lab, Library, and Wi-Fi facility. Langma School of Languages uses its tested methodology: the Audio/Video – cum – Interactive Method (ACIM), giving a proven quick and easy grasp of the languages.
• The growth of Developing countries remains one of the most anticipated economic speculations and its fulfillment relies on multilingualism. A broader foundation of language training enables students to become part of the developed world, their lives become enriched and their future sets firmly on the path to success. Langma School of Languages courses in Korean Language offers an insight into history, literature, culture, and arts. Langma School of Language is the best training center for both offline classroom setup and online training where one can choose individual or group sessions according to their requirements.
• Langma School of Languages is active in promoting the growth and development of Korean Language learning skills through our classroom and online platform across the world. We take the task of providing specific Korean Language skills to suit our students and client’s needs very seriously along with being aware of the reputation of both our self’s and our clients and students by ensuring the highest standards of training.
• Langma School of Languages is led by a team of accomplished teachers and authors with broad experience in education and interpersonal skills, our inspirational and motivational teaching methods have won the hearts of thousands of students during their illustrious careers.
• Langma School of Languages is lead by a team of accomplished teachers and authors with broad experience in education and interpersonal skills, our inspirational and motivational teaching methods have won the hearts of thousands of students during their illustrious careers.

Classes

All of our Korean Language teachers at Langma School of Languages are Native-Speakers and non-native and highly qualified, each with specialized and cross-over training credentials along with years of experience and abilities in all areas of training. Langma School of Languages not only ensures that you receive quality teaching but also acquire authentic Korean Language dialect and terminology. One can gain theoretical knowledge from books; however, gaining practical and spoken experience can only be attained in the classroom setup that prepares you for future endeavors. Our teachers at Langma School of Languages encourage extracurricular practices and it is envisaged that spoken skills are taken beyond the formal teaching environment and into the students’ daily lives. Teachers provide written exercises and presentations, role-play, group discussion, and extempore to keep students engaged and consistently using the words and phrases that they have learned.