10 years of teaching Korean for Beginners · Teens · Adults · Korean-Australian · Travels · HSC exam

Find out more about Hani

• Did you grow up speaking this language? Or were you inspired by a trip abroad, an individual or a certain aspect of the culture?

  I was born and raised in Korea, so Korean has always been the language that shaped my childhood, identity, and worldview. Later, I studied linguistics and education, which helped me understand not only the mechanics of Korean but also the deeper connections between language and culture. After moving to Australia, I began communicating daily in English and gradually expanded my abilities in Chinese and Spanish as well. Living abroad made me appreciate my native language even more and inspired me to share it with others. Speaking multiple languages also helped me understand what students feel when encountering Korean for the first time. Ultimately, my journey made me realize that teaching my language is one of the most meaningful ways I can connect with the world.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language’s culture?

  King Sejong the Great is, in my opinion, the most representative historical figure of Korean culture. His creation of Hangul reflects a deep commitment to equality, accessibility, and education for all people—not only the privileged class. Hangul’s design is logical, scientific, and incredibly learner-friendly, which shows how advanced his vision was for that time. The fact that he created a writing system so that “everyone could read” still inspires me as a teacher today. His legacy reminds me that language is a bridge, not a barrier. Teaching Korean allows me to carry a small part of that mission forward.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or expression in the language that you particularly like?

  One of my favorite Korean words is “같이 (together).” I love how this simple word holds such a powerful meaning—growing together, learning together, and supporting each other so no one feels alone. This captures the essence of Korean culture, where community and connection often come before individualism. It also reflects my teaching philosophy: I always emphasize that my students and I are on this journey together. Their success feels like mine, and their challenges are something we work through as a team. The idea of “같이” makes the learning process more meaningful, warm, and encouraging.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Teaching Korean gives me genuine joy and a sense of purpose. I’ve had the privilege of teaching students from more than twelve different countries, each with their own stories and motivations—some love Korean culture, others have Korean partners or parents, and some simply want to challenge themselves. Watching students learn Hangul from zero, read their first Korean sentences, and eventually express their thoughts brings me so much pride. Language is more than grammar; it’s confidence, connection, and identity. Being part of that growth is incredibly rewarding. For me, teaching Korean is not just a job—it’s something that fills my life with happiness and meaning.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  Korean can feel challenging at first because its structure is very different from English. However, the alphabet itself is surprisingly easy to learn—many students master Hangul in as little as one month. With my background in linguistics, I’m able to explain Korean clearly, logically, and in a way that makes sense to learners of various language backgrounds. My classes are interactive and fun, and I always listen carefully to my students so I can adjust the lesson to their pace and needs. Over 100 students have studied with me, and I often hear that they appreciate the structured yet relaxed learning environment. With the right guidance, Korean becomes much more approachable than people expect.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  When I was studying linguistics, one professor said something that stayed with me forever: “All languages are different on the surface, but universal underneath.” He meant that even though languages look and sound unique, they share deep, common principles. Hearing that changed the way I saw language learning. It made me believe that anyone can learn a second language, as long as we find the right method and mindset. That idea eventually shaped my teaching approach. I try to help students see patterns, connections, and logic—so the language becomes less intimidating and more enjoyable.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  I’ve traveled to ten different countries, and each journey gave me a new perspective on communication and culture. Meeting people from around the world allowed me to see how languages shape identity and how curiosity brings people closer. Many travelers I met were interested in Korea, and their enthusiasm encouraged me to share Korean more confidently. But the most meaningful experiences happened in Korea itself—helping foreign visitors navigate the country, translate signs, or understand cultural nuances. Those moments reminded me how powerful language can be, and how meaningful it is to support someone who is trying to connect with Korea.