English Fever in South Korea

English is considered the first world language, with the most widespread use in international trade, diplomacy, popular entertainment, international telecommunications, digital publications, etc. English is growing in importance in South Korea, particularly as the country gains international recognition due to the global popularity of K-pop, drama, and cinema. English has become a crucial tool for South Koreans to engage with the global community in entertainment and areas like trade, diplomacy, and technology.

Many South Koreans consider English essential for career advancement, particularly in multinational companies and industries that rely on international communication. As the country becomes more connected to the world through its cultural exports, there is an increasing emphasis on learning English as a second language.

Moreover, South Korea has made substantial investments in English education, from primary schools to universities, where English is often used in academic settings. This reflects the government’s recognition of English as a key skill for global engagement.

The prominence of South Korea’s culture on the world stage has further emphasized the need for English, as it allows South Koreans to not only consume but also actively participate in international discourse. Whether it’s in music, film, or business, being proficient in English opens up more opportunities for South Koreans to communicate with a wider audience and build connections globally.

In short, while English is already a dominant language worldwide, its significance in South Korea continues to grow, fueled by the country’s expanding cultural influence and its desire to maintain strong ties with the global community.

The History and Impact of English in Korea

English first arrived in Korea after the signing of a treaty between the United States and Korea in 1882. Following this agreement, American missionaries, advisors, traders, and educators came to Korea, bringing the English language with them. They quickly began teaching English to Korean children, using English-only instruction in their classes.

In 1896, a group called the Independence Club established Korea’s first English-language journal. This was a significant move because, during this time, English became a symbol of resistance for Korean intellectuals. They saw it as a way to connect with the United States and assert their identity, especially in the face of growing Japanese influence and imperialism.

When Japan took control of Korea in 1910, English continued to be taught in schools as a required subject. While English helped position Korea more prominently in the international arena, it also became a tool for nationalist movements. Intellectuals and activists used English to spread anti-Japanese propaganda and express their opposition to Japanese rule.

Fast forward to the late 20th century, and Korea’s relationship with English took on new dimensions. By 1998, debates surrounding the official status of English intensified. One side argued that making English more central to Korean education and society would boost the country’s competitiveness and provide more opportunities for its people. The other side, however, felt that this would lead to Korea being dominated by English-speaking cultures and powers, particularly the United States.

Throughout this period, the status of English in Korea shifted from being a practical necessity to something associated with prestige. Learning English wasn’t just about communication anymore; it became a symbol of social status and global connection.

Current Trends and Challenges

According to a report by the Samsung Economic Research Institute (SERI), Koreans spend around 15 trillion won (about $15.8 billion) a year on learning English. The country also leads the world in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) applicants, showing just how seriously people take mastering the language. Most kids start learning English in elementary or middle school, and by the time they graduate, they’ve typically put in around 100,000 hours of study.

This intense focus on English learning is driven by a belief that anyone can master the language if they just put in the time and effort. As a result, there’s been a rise in the phenomenon of the “Astronaut family.” This term refers to families where the father stays in Korea while the mother and children move abroad to study English or other advanced subjects in countries like the U.S., Australia, or the UK. The idea is that immersion in an English-speaking environment will help the children achieve fluency and academic success.

While this approach seems to be effective for some, it’s based on the simplistic idea that studying hard and moving abroad guarantees success. The reality is that language learning is more complicated, and immersion doesn’t always lead to the desired results. Plus, splitting up families for the sake of education can have emotional and practical downsides. Still, the push to learn English reflects broader cultural values in Korea—values that prioritize education, global competitiveness, and social mobility.

South Korea’s increased English-language education has additionally impacted university admissions. The percentage of high school students enrolled in English language courses rose from 20% in 1990 to 80% in 2019, per a study. Furthermore, according to a different survey, 20% of universities now need students to pass an English proficiency exam to be admitted, up from 5% in 1990. This implies that English language proficiency has grown in significance for South Korean university admissions as well.

In the end, South Korea’s obsession with English has had a huge impact on its education system, job market, and even its cultural landscape. While the drive to master English has opened doors to global opportunities, it’s also created some challenges, like pressure on students and growing inequality. Whether it’s worth the intense focus is up for debate, but one thing’s for sure—English will continue to play a big role in shaping the country’s future.

Diksha Kashyap is a NOVAsia Contributor whose research interests are related to Contemporary Korea’s social and cultural history.