This blog post examines the core elements of distinction that should be evident in a Korean Language and Literature academic plan, exploring how applicants can effectively present themselves by focusing on their strengths and academic direction.
Academic Plan and Goals
Since I am enrolling to pursue the studies I truly desire, I intend to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to my major with enthusiasm. I wish to build a deep understanding of our language, explore diverse literary works, and systematically develop my writing skills. Simultaneously, I plan to study multiple foreign languages to engage in comparative analysis with Korean, striving to broaden my understanding of Korean through these comparisons. My current language plans include English, French, and Chinese; if circumstances permit, I would also like to learn minority languages less commonly studied.
Alongside language learning, another plan I’ve set is extensive reading. I’m ashamed to admit I didn’t read enough during high school. However, I am well aware that reading is essential to become familiar with how languages are learned and used. Upon entering university, I will actively pursue the reading I neglected before. Since diverse experiences are crucial for writing, I also plan to travel extensively. Based on the experiences accumulated through reading and travel, I will consistently strive to write pieces that resonate with many people. My personal ambition is to submit my writing to a New Year’s Literary Contest or literary magazine before graduating from university, if possible. Of course, I realize it won’t be easy to execute all these plans, but I intend to do my utmost to achieve the goals I’ve set for myself.
Post-Graduation Plans
After graduating from university, I plan to work in the media industry. I want to work as an announcer or reporter to cultivate the ability to read and critique society. I believe that accurately grasping and interpreting social phenomena is crucial to becoming a good writer. I believe it would be a meaningful experience to work in the media field, pointing out societal problems while also sharing heartwarming stories to comfort people.
Once I have gained sufficient experience as a journalist, I plan to go abroad. I want to try teaching Korean to people from various countries, partly because I resonate with the saying, “Teaching is the most effective way to learn.” I believe that in the process of teaching Korean to foreigners, I will actually learn much more myself. The reason I stated in my academic plan that I intend to study multiple foreign languages is ultimately to lay the groundwork for teaching Korean abroad.
Living abroad will bring diverse experiences, and I believe these will naturally cultivate maturity and a broader perspective on the world. Once I feel I have gained sufficient experience and vision, I plan to begin writing in earnest. My ultimate goal is to write pieces that deeply move people, drawing on the insights and experiences gained from life abroad.
Self-Introduction (Life Philosophy, Values)
I believe a happy life is important. While everyone’s definition of happiness differs, for me, happiness means living while doing what I want to do. I don’t think true happiness is achieved by possessing something specific; that is merely a fleeting joy. To feel lasting happiness, one must consistently pursue work they personally find valuable. This is precisely why I chose Korean Language and Literature—it’s a field I genuinely find meaningful.
I’ve often heard that writing is difficult. Given the uncertain future, people around me express concern. Of course, the path is unclear, so success isn’t guaranteed. But conversely, this also means failure isn’t predetermined. I don’t presume I will definitely succeed. However, I am certain that because it is something I believe is valuable and brings me happiness, I will approach it with more passion than anyone else. I believe that someone who finds happiness doing what they genuinely desire can go further and last longer than someone who does things reluctantly with a heavy heart. Therefore, I believe good results will naturally follow.
