Korean is the new language on the block
ANJIRA ASSAVANONDA
The Korean fad has hit a large number of Thais in the recent years, especially teenagers. You go anywhere and you'll meet groups of people who are influenced by this craze in one way or another.
The deep passions go for anything Korean - drama series, actors, theme songs, K-Pop, singers and teen idols, and dress and hair fashions.
And to go cash in on this new trend, a few institutions have begun to offer Korean language courses.
Cherawat Asavasitthikit, manager of China Youth Education Services (CYES), an institution which offers Korean, Chinese and Japanese courses, said he started his language school four years ago.
"It began from our entertainment magazines on Chinese and Korean stars called Ming Xing, which showed an increased interest in Korean trends in the Kingdom. It was the right time to get the language course going," said Cherawat.
The growing Korean industry is another factor that highlights the importance of the Korean language in Thailand.
According to Cherawat, the Korean courses at CYES have been attracting a wide range of clients - from school and university students to office workers - most of whom are inspired by their craze for Korean actors and singers.
"A few want to prepare themselves for a future trip to Korea, though we also get office-goers who want to study the language for the purpose of business," Cherawat said.
The average number of students at the school is some 200 a month. "Some children learning the language because they want to know more about their Korean idols and understand the meaning of their favourite songs. Language is the only tool to fulfill their wishes," said Cherawat.
Programme and fees
CYES has adopted the language curriculum of Seoul University. Cherawat said the curriculum has four levels - beginner, intermediate 1 and 2, and advanced - covering a total of 20 courses. Each course takes 24 hours and costs 3,000 baht.
Students who finish each level could apply for the exams held by the Korean government agency to test their proficiency in the language.
Students will get an introduction to all Korean consonants and vowels in the first course. They will learn to put together words. After finishing the first course, they should be able to read most Korean words, even though they don't know all the meanings.
After the first three courses, students are expected to be able to communicate in basic Korean.
Kyong-ok Yoon, Korean teacher at the school, said the Korean language is easier than Chinese and Japanese.
"The language structure is quite similar to that of Japanese, but Korean is easier as it doesn't have kanji consonants, which are too complicated to read and remember. I'll say it's a lot easier than Thai, too," said Yoon.
Songs are also used for more fun and to capture the students' attention in class. "Songs are good materials to teach them vocabularies. Besides, it will be more enjoyable for students to understand the lyrics of their favourite songs. "As a teacher, I try to be trendy and always update my songs' list in order to choose the most recent hit for my class," said Yoon.
Once the students have all basic fundamentals, most dialogues in class will be in Korean to get them familiar to native speaking. Students are also urged to write diaries, and have the teachers check them.
Besides, the curriculum also includes Korean typing through the use of personal computers. There's also additional activities such as a mini cooking course, and making kimbap.
Driven by Korean
Panaya Un-natornratanakul or Jing, 19, and Prapaporn Tachawisas or Joi, 24, got to know each other because their love for the Korean boyband Dong Bang Shin Ki.
"I wanted to know what they said at interviews and wanted to understand the meaning of their songs," said Jing. So did Joi. "I'm one of their hardcore fans and I really love the language. I hope the course will help me to communicate in Korean."
Both of them are studying course II at CYES.
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| Kyong-ok Yoon, teacher at CYES. |
"We can read most words, and speak basic Korean. We keep a diary written in Korean," said Jing.
Jing added she also had Korean friends, the Dong Bang Shin Ki fanclub, whom she has known through the Internet. She met some of the fans when the group performed in Thailand.
"I want to be a good host when they come again. If I can speak Korean, I think we'll understand each other better," said Jing.
A freshman at Mahidol University, Jing said she planned to attend a three-month summer camp in Korea next year, and hopes the course will help her prepare for the camp. Joi, meanwhile, had flown to Korea a few times for concerts. The experiences in Korea inspired her to learn the language.
"Korean people normally speak their native language. Knowing English can't help you much. I think I'd better speak Korean to better understand the people, and to survive well if I go there again," said Joi.
Joi is a branch manager of MK restaurant. She said her knowledge of the Korean language also helps her when Korean clients come to the restaurant.
"More Koreans are coming to our restaurant, and it would be great if we can speak their language. Just a simple greeting will make good impression, " said Joi.
Your choices of learning
CYES
On Ratchadaphisek Road, near the Sutthisan intersection.
Web site: http://www.cyes-easykorean.com/, or call 02-276-3091/2
Sejong Korean Edutainment School of Bangkok
On the 4th floor, United Centre Building. Silom Road.
Web site: http://www.sejongkes.com/ or call 02-635-5088
Thong-in Language Institute
Near Hua-Chang Bridge and BTS Ratchathewi.
Web site: http://www.thonginphone.com/ or call 02-2511288, or 02-2511034
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