This is the first installment of a series of interviews with experts in English education aimed at offering tips, trends and information related to English learning and teaching in Korea. – Ed.

In 1995, Kim Dae-kyun began teaching English reading classes in Shillim-dong in southern Seoul to earn money for studying abroad.

His decision to temporarily dabble in English education however, changed his life, and he is now regarded as one of the top TOEIC instructors in Korea.

“Since the introduction in 2006 of New TOEIC, questions have become more difficult, so students should arm themselves with real competence to get a high score,” Kim said. » Continue reading “[EYE ON ENGLISH (1)] No shortcuts in mastering TOEIC”

This is the second installment of a series of interviews with experts in English education aimed at offering tips, trends and information related to English learning and teaching in Korea. – Ed.

Yoo Su-youn, who teaches TOEIC classes at YBM e4u Language Institute in Jongno, downtown Seoul, is a star lecturer. Her classes are fully booked each month, her personal essay collection is a bestseller at local bookstores, and her annual income reaches about 2 billion won ($15 million).

The continued popularity of TOEIC, or the Test of English for International Communication, is driving her success, but Yoo said many people do not understand what the test means. » Continue reading “[EYE ON ENGLISH (2)] ‘Don’t ignore TOEIC goal’”

This is the third installment of a series of interviews with experts in English education aimed at offering tips, trends and information related to English learning and teaching in Korea. – Ed.

Korean learners and educators prefer American English, including its accent and idiomatic expressions. The evidence: Korean textbooks on the subject are mostly if not entirely based on American English.

Lee Chan-seung, CEO of NeungYule Education, said such dependence on the single variation of English is passι, as other countries are increasingly adopting a policy in favor of what is called “World English.” » Continue reading “[EYE ON ENGLISH (3)] Lee promotes ‘World English’”

This is the fourth installment of a series of interviews with experts in English education aimed at offering tips, trends and information related to English learning and teaching in Korea. – Ed.

English education in Korea is a huge industry. Hundreds, if not thousands, of English study books are being published every year and a growing number of parents are sending their kids to English-only kindergartens.

But the majority of Korean learners struggle, something often attributed to the methods they use and ineffective education policies. » Continue reading “[EYE ON ENGLISH (4)] ‘Work smarter, not harder’ to learn English”

Oh my bi-weekly and sometimes 3 times a week jog, I was running on a familiar trail (or should I say “street trail”) on the way home. I’ve passed by this street which is the home of a couple large agencies or government funded (it appears) bodies which support local industry. Also, a cool cafe my friend Leona and I go to once in a while is on this little path in Centum.

So, I was thinking I would do a little pre-Business Development and drop by these organizations and see if I could at least get some contact information for talking to decision makers later on. Well, the smaller of the 3 was the most receptive, but basically, I got a “Huh? Why do you just want our business card?” look. At least he didn’t frown. » Continue reading “OMG Korea Part 1: Do Koreans really want more business?”

This is the fifth installment of a series of interviews with experts in English education aimed at offering tips, trends and information related to English learning and teaching in Korea. – Ed.

Lee Keun-chull does not believe in perfection when it comes to learning English. After all, trying to obtain a high level of English proficiency in every field is not only impossible, but fatally discouraging.

“The most important thing is to have a purpose-based approach,” Lee said. “If I want to sell clothes at Dongdaemun market, I will focus on certain expressions, and if I want to become a reporter for an English newspaper, I will focus on writing.” » Continue reading “[EYE ON ENGLISH (5)] ‘Purpose-based approach’ to English”

This is the sixth installment of a series of interviews with experts in English education aimed at offering tips, trends and information related to English learning and teaching in Korea. — Ed.

By Yang Sung-jin

Stephen van Vlack, professor of the Graduate School of TESOL at Sookmyung Women’s University, said Korean parents should help their children develop in both Korean and English, particularly concerning literacy skills.

With expertise in theoretical and applied linguistics, van Vlack also said that authentic reading is a “doable” strategy for most Korean learners, while providing detailed steps as well, depending on proficiency levels. » Continue reading “[EYE ON ENGLISH (6)] Better English through reading”

This is the seventh installment of a series of interviews with experts in English education aimed at offering tips, trends and information related to English learning and teaching in Korea. — Ed.

By Yang Sung-jin

Lee Soh-hee, professor of Seoul University of Foreign Studies, said graduate students majoring in interpretation and translation are deeply anxious to improve their English competence during summer vacation, but hard work would pay off more than short cuts.

“I totally understand my students who want to move to a next level as fast as possible, especially during the summer break, but whatever they do, they have to devote plenty of time and energy, which cannot be possibly done in just two months,” Lee said. » Continue reading “[EYE ON ENGLISH (7)] Lee offers advice for aspiring interpreters”

From the Korea Herald:

This is the eighth installment of a series of interviews with experts in English education aimed at offering tips, trends and information related to English learning and teaching in Korea. – Ed.

By Yang Sung-jin

Bae Yu-chung’s career defies quick classification. She is widely known as a stage actress who took various roles for high-profile dramas. She also joins many press conferences or international conferences as a seasoned master of ceremonies, thanks to her masterful use of Korean language that easily outsmarts even professional TV anchors. » Continue reading “[EYE ON ENGLISH (8)] Constant training key to English proficiency”

» Continue reading “Study (Work) hard…because you CAN!”