안녕하세요!’m Eun, a certified and experienced Korean teacher, born and raised in Seoul, Korea, now sharing my passion for the Korean language and culture in Australia.

Find out more about Eun

• 1) 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 in Seoul and have spoken Korean all my life. Korean isn’t just a language to me — it’s part of who I am. As a native speaker, I love being able to share the natural flow, cultural expressions, and everyday language that you don’t always find in textbooks. Learning from someone who’s lived the language makes everything feel more real and alive.

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

  One person who always comes to mind is King Sejong the Great. He created Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, so that ordinary people could read and write more easily. His love for the people and belief in the power of education is still something we value deeply in Korean culture today.

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

  One of my favourite Korean expressions is "완벽할 필요는 없어,” which means “There’s no need to be perfect.” It’s a lesson I carry with me for life. I used to strive for perfection in everything, and if I couldn’t do it perfectly, I would often give up.
  
  But one of my teachers once told me, “You don’t need to do it perfectly. Just try and keep growing. Nobody is perfect.” That really changed the way I approach challenges.
  
  Now, whenever I’m facing a hard time, I remind myself, “Hey, you don’t need to be perfect. Just do your best and see what it will bring you next.”
  
  I often share this message with my students too. That little voice that says, “What if I mess up?” can hold so many learners back. But fluency doesn’t come from being perfect — it comes from trying, making mistakes, and continuing to grow.

• 4) Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Korean is a big part of who I am — it’s how I express myself, connect with my roots, and now, how I help others learn. These days, so many people are discovering Korean through music, dramas, and food, and I love being part of that journey. I always remind my students: to really learn Korean, you also need to understand the culture — how people think, speak, and relate to one another. It’s more than words; it’s a way of seeing the world.

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

  Korean can be tricky, especially when it comes to honorifics and politeness levels — it’s not always clear how to say things depending on who you’re talking to. But don’t worry — with practice, it gets easier!
  What really helps is having fun with it. I try to make my classes engaging with songs, games, and creative activities. My goal is to help you remember what you learn, gain confidence, and fall in love with the language. Together, we’ll turn “I can’t” into “I can!

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

  When I first started studying English, I focused a lot on grammar, reading, and writing. But after moving to Australia, I quickly realized I couldn’t communicate well in everyday situations — I had to shift my focus to speaking and listening.
  That experience really changed how I teach. Language is all about communication. You don’t need to be perfect — as long as you can get your message across, that’s what counts. So don’t stress too much over mistakes. Just use the language, talk to people, and enjoy the process!

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

  Language and culture go hand in hand. Since moving to Australia, I’ve started to understand the cultural background behind certain phrases — things I never could’ve learned just from books.
  Once you experience a culture for yourself, expressions and habits start to make sense in a new way. That’s why I always encourage people to travel or spend time abroad if they can. Feeling the culture around you helps bring the language to life.