This blog post explores how to write your motivation for applying to the Korean Language Department to convey it most persuasively. We’ll delve into key writing strategies that naturally connect your literary experiences, linguistic sensitivity, and recognition of Korean’s value to strengthen your suitability for the major.
Reason for Applying (Why I Chose This Major)
I have loved reading since childhood. Reading diverse books regardless of nationality or genre nurtured my curiosity about literature. Following the lives of characters in books taught me to understand and gain insight into worlds I had never experienced, and in the process, I became deeply captivated by the charm of Korean literature.
My affection for Korean literature expanded into an interest in the Korean language itself upon encountering the works of Kim Su-young, known as the poet of the era. His poetry revealed a profound affection for the Korean language and a keen linguistic sensitivity, offering me many revelations. While the importance of foreign languages is emphasized in this era, I found myself wanting to learn more about the value of the Korean language itself.
Amidst the tide of globalization, Korean is an important mother tongue that fully embodies Korea’s history and sentiment. Driven by a determination to understand and explore this language more deeply, I decided to apply to the Korean Language Department.
Academic Plan and Goals
Fundamentally, I believe any path is worthwhile if it allows me to share what I learn, think, realize, and feel with others in some way. This could mean becoming a researcher, critic, writer, translator, or even a teacher. During my first and second years, I plan to take many liberal arts courses to build a foundation for deciding my career path. By my third and fourth years, I intend to prepare for my future career through advanced major courses. Beyond academics, I plan to travel and capture landscapes in writing, much like Yoo Hong-jun’s Cultural Heritage Field Guide or Kim Hoon’s Bicycle Travels. Documenting the world through words rather than photos is an experience I consider essential during university, and I’m planning for it now. Another plan is joining a literary club to read books and write alongside like-minded friends.
While I still lack confidence in my talent as a writer, becoming an author has always been my dream since childhood. Therefore, during my university years, I plan to pursue this dream by writing. I will also build a foundation for becoming a writer by gaining experience through various extracurricular activities.
Post-Graduation Plans
Since I haven’t firmly decided on my career path yet, it feels a bit premature to discuss specific post-graduation plans. However, whatever I end up doing, I will definitely be involved in work that brings me into contact with people. I have a particularly people-oriented personality, so even if I become a researcher or critic, I will engage in extensive interaction with others. And if I pursue the path of a writer, I will write pieces that breathe with the public.
If I become a teacher, I aspire to be one who helps students discover the inherent joy of literature itself. Under the current college entrance exam system, many children lose interest in literature before they even experience its intrinsic pleasure, viewing it solely as a subject to be solved. If I become a teacher, I will be one who shows children that literature is not just for exam scores, but something that provides sustenance throughout their lives. Such teaching will remain the most precious thing they carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Self-Introduction: Life Philosophy, Values)
At the core of my love for literature and books lies a fundamental affection for humanity. The greatest reason I could tirelessly read books across diverse fields was that through reading, I could understand various kinds of people and lives. Though I naturally enjoy socializing and had many friends, I believe I lacked understanding of others different from myself. However, reading enabled me to comprehend emotions, characters, and ways of thinking distinct from my own, allowing me to view the world and people with a broader perspective. Understanding others different from me and embracing the diverse principles of the world has enriched my life immensely. This is because humans are not meant to live alone, but as beings who coexist with others in a fateful community. My worldview, which perceives life as lived together, is ultimately an attitude of striving to understand others, and I believe this stems from a deep affection for humanity.
