About – Fluent Korean

“One who learns language without learning culture ends up becoming a fluent fool.”

My Story

As a member of the global Korean diaspora, with Fluent Korean, I am on a journey of self-discovery through re-connecting with my roots.

When you’re an overseas Korean/Third-Culture Kid, you’re pretty much an outsider wherever you go. I always felt culturally different from my peers regardless of whether I was in my “home” country or in a “host” country.

The maxim “one who learns a language without culture ends up becoming a fluent fool” definitely resonates with my experience.

My goal here is to become “fluent” in Korean. Because language and culture are so intertwined, fluency for me doesn’t just include things like perfect grammar and an extensive vocabulary. I also want to enrich my understanding of culture, history, and society by actively learning something new about my heritage every day. Further, I’m currently pursuing an advanced degree in Korean studies.

At the same time, I want to recognize and celebrate my international upbringing and the experiences of others like me who live in-between. I have a lot of Korean pride, but I’m also embracing the slow but steady multiculturalism happening beneath the 38th parallel.

I hope you’ll join me as I crash land into the Korean language and explore the culture, history, pop culture, and current events of Korea and the global Korean diaspora.

And if you want to send me a suggestion, ask a question, or just say hello, I encourage you to fill out the form below. I’ll try to get back to you as soon as I can!