Korean Language – Scope and Benefits in India

Introduction:

Annyeonghaseyo. Wait, does this word sound familiar? If yes, you are also a K drama fan like me. Otherwise, you may know or want to learn the language. Yes, ‘Annyeonghaseyo’ is a Korean language word meaning ‘hello’. Many of us know about Korean or the language mainly through K dramas. Also, the language is agglutinative. Anyway, the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) ranked the Korean language as the most difficult language to learn. However, learning Korean has considerable benefits. There is also scope for learning the language in India.

This blog will be discussing the scope and benefits of learning the Korean language in India:

Why should I learn the Korean language?

Firstly, many people want to learn the language because they are attracted by Korean culture. Many people learn the language for career prospects as well. Foreign language jobs are opening up nowadays. Korea is the formal language of North and South Korea as well. In addition, many international companies in India have an increasing demand for people who know the language. Companies such as Hyundai Motors, Kia, Lotte, Samsung, LG, etc are based in South Korea.

Scope of Korean Language in India:

There are many fields in which people can work after learning the language. In addition, the scope of the Korean language in India consists of many employment opportunities. Below is the list of the scope of the Korean language in India.

Interpreter:

Firstly, many foreign embassies are offering language jobs today. Because of the domestic and international job scenarios, demand for foreign languages in India is high. Foreign language jobs offer handsome packages as well. Korean language experts in India are considerably not high. This makes the possibility of getting the jobs easy. You can take many jobs in the embassy when you know a foreign language. These jobs include:

• Receptionist
• Customer support
• Translator

Secondly, the Indian government also offers many jobs in foreign languages. 

The average salary for a Korean language interpreter will range from Rs. 5.5 lakhs to 6.5 lakhs per annum approximately. 

Translator:

Not only an interpreter, but the translator is also one of the most profitable jobs today. Adding to that, many websites offer translation jobs today. You can translate from Indian or English language into Korean or vice versa. It is a well-paying career option depending on your performance and experience. Besides, translators get a fair amount of money through freelancing. The translator is the most in-demand job in the Korean language in India. The average salary will range from Rs. 3.9 lakhs to 5.8 lakhs per annum approximately. 

Language instructor:

You can work as a language instructor. Owing to that many institutes offer foreign language courses today. It can be considered especially if you are starting your career. If you are skilled in the language, many companies will hire you. In addition, Korean language teachers are scarce as well. The average salary for a language teacher or trainer will range from Rs. 2.5 lakhs to 4 lakhs per annum approximately. 

Travel and Tourist Guide:

If you are going to live in South Korea, learning the language will be helpful. Additionally, many people from South Korea visit our country. By learning the language, you will be able to work as a tourist guide. Besides, the scope of the Korean language in India as a tourist guide is plentiful. Eventually, South Korea is also becoming a hot tourist spot for Indian travellers. 

Call centre and BPO sectors:

You can work as a call centre trainee to handle Korean clients. In addition, this field has a high salary package and low competition as well. Job roles in this field may include customer support, email writing, etc.  

Other jobs at Korean companies in India:

 As we have seen earlier, many Korean companies are operating in India. These companies offer different jobs with different roles in the Korean language. The jobs are:

• Information technology
• Trading and finance services

Also, these companies will need corporate trainers to teach the Korean language to their staff. You will also get a chance to interact with their Korean-speaking clients.

Jobs in Indian companies:

Apart from that many Indian companies like Tata Motors and M&M have also invested in South Korea. Learning the Korean language will land you a job in these sectors. 

In addition, many export companies are also exporting their products to South Korea. So, knowing the Korean language will help you land in those Indian export companies. The average salary for Korean language support and advisor will range from Rs. 2 lakhs to 6 lakhs per annum approximately. 

Jobs in other MNCs:

Many MNCs from the USA, Europe, and other countries hire Korean language professionals as well. Jobs related to accounting, sales, translation, proofreading, technical writing, etc are offered as well. The salary will depend on proficiency, qualification, and experience in the language. 

Improving business:

If you are working for a South Korea-based company like Samsung or LG, then you will have the chance to interact with Korean people. So, learning the language will put you in the spotlight. This will be helpful especially when the company is planning to expand. Moreover, chances are high for you to get a promotion when you know the language. The average salary for a Korean language business expert will range from Rs. 8 lakhs to 12 lakhs per annum approximately. 

Benefits of learning the Korean Language:

Increased career prospects:

 Rapid advancements in technology made globalization possible. As we have seen earlier many Korean companies are functioning in the Indian market. This increases the need for people who know the Korean language for many companies. People who know the Korean language can act as better interpreters and translators. Moreover, learning the language will look good on your resume. 

Improving personal relationships:

Learning the language will be especially helpful when you are living in South Korea. It will be also helpful when you are visiting South Korea often. If you are having a Korean-speaking colleague or friend, then learning the language will help you in developing an interpersonal relationship. Especially, when you have a senior Korean-speaking person at the workplace. 

Improves mental capacity:

As research suggests, learning a new language will boost your brainpower. Learning the Korean language will help you in stimulating your mind. Therefore, it keeps your brain active and healthy. In addition, learning a new language slows down the ageing of the brain. It helps to prevent Alzheimer’s as well. 

Understanding of the Korean culture:

As said earlier, many of us learn Korean or want to learn Korean mainly because of the Korean series. Not only that but people are also fascinated by K-pop bands such as BTS. Learning the Korean language will provide you with a deep understanding of Korean culture. You will also be equipped with the knowledge of their food habits, cultural background, historical perspectives, etc. 

It helps in learning the Japanese language:

Speaking linguistically, Chinese, Japanese and Korean languages are not similar. Still, it is easier for Korean people to learn Japanese than other people. It is because the two languages share a common vocabulary, grammar, etc. When you complete level 4 or level 5 in TOPIK, you will feel comfortable studying the Japanese language.

Education in South Korea:

Many universities in South Korea accept international students. Along with that, they teach both in English and Korean. Many teachers and professors are also working in South Korean institutes as well. To study the language, South Korea itself offers scholarships to Indian students each year. Students can study Korean language, literature, master’s and doctorate at selected universities in Korea.

Connectivity to 80 million speakers:

It is estimated that there are about 80 million people across the world who speak the language. Korean people are also settled in China, Japan, Canada, and many other countries. The importance of the Korean language has been increasing since South Korea’s influence on the global economy has increased. 

Economic advantage:

Economic cooperation between India and South Korea is growing today. This is because of global economic integration. In addition, South Korea is ranked as the 7th largest export economy globally. So, there is a scope for the Korean language in India considering economic prospects. It will help understand South Korean economic conditions. 

Become an English teacher in South Korea:

You have the opportunity to become an English teacher in South Korea. Especially, when you want to get settled in South Korea. If you aspire to become an English Teacher in South Korea, then you will need a bachelor’s degree. Along with a bachelor’s degree, you will also need a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certification. The average salary for teaching English may vary from $1350 to 3000 USD per month. But, mostly salary depends on the institution. 

Where to start?

Many academies and universities offer language courses today. This is because of the increasing demand for the Korean language in India. You can do a bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD in the Korean language. Keeping Korea’s economic growth in view, the Indian Government itself has added the language to the curriculum. We will see those course details below.

If you are choosing the Korean language as an elective subject to study, then there are some entrance examinations that you can check out. 

Recruiters who will hire Korean language experts:

• Hyundai Motors
• LG 
• Samsung
• KIA
• Travel and tourism companies
• Export and Import business companies
• POSCO

Required skillsets expected for a job:

• You should be fluent in the language while speaking and writing
• There should be no grammatical errors while speaking and writing the language
• An understanding of Korean culture and history.
• Know basic traditions in Korea. And, follow them when you are with your Korean clients.
• Be familiar with the technical and business-related terms in Korea related to your company.
• Good communication and understanding skills.
• Learn to understand the expressions used by your Korean clients. Also, use proper expressions while speaking to your Korean clients.
• Master the use of new terminologies that you come across in your relevant field.

TOPIK Exam:

Test Of Proficiency In Korean (TOPIK) is a written proficiency test for the Korean language. The test is designed to assess non-native speakers of the Korean language. The test measures the candidate’s proficiency in reading, writing, listening and comprehension of the language. The test consists of three levels with two grades each. The levels are:

• Beginner – Levels 1 and 2
• Intermediate – Levels 3 and 4
• Advanced- Levels 5 and 6

The test consists of two levels TOPIK – 1 and TOPIK-2. TOPIK- 1 consists of two sublevels-  1 and 2. TOPIK-2 consists of 4 sublevels from 3 to 6.

If you want to go for a TOPIK test, you can contact the Korean embassy in our country. TOPIK test certificate is valid for 2 years. The test is conducted six times a year in Korea. And, two times a year in other countries including India. If you are pursuing the Korean language for your academic purpose, then the TOPIK exam is better.

Other tests related to the Korean language:

• EPS TOPIK:

 Employment Permit System – Test Of Proficiency In Korean is for those who want to work in Korea for factory jobs or manufacturing. The exam consists only of beginner listening and reading tests that will be required for day to day activities. 

• KLAT:

Korean Language Ability Test. It consists of only one paper, unlike TOPIK. It is conducted by the Korea Educational Testing Service authorised by the Korean government (Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism). This exam consists of four levels. 

Korean Government Scholarship program:

South Korea has its door open for many International students. It also offers many scholarship programs to help such students. The various scholarship programs available are:

• Global Korea Scholarship Program (GKSP)
• Korean Government Support Program (KGSP) which is for Foreign Exchange Students
• Support Program for Self-financed Students
• Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Invitation Program (for Students from Partner Countries)
• GKS for ASEAN countries’ (Science and Engineering Students)

Henry Harvin’s Korean language course:

Henry Harvin’s language academy offers a Korean language course. The course in Henry Harvin is designed to comprehend the topics and lexis. The Korean language course at Henry Harvin enables you to upgrade your skills. The academy helps the students to attain proficiency in TOPIK levels. Henry Harvin also helps you in getting projects, placements, etc. 

Conclusion:

Learning Korean will be a great investment in your career. Besides, if you are learning the language as a hobby, it is a great choice. In my opinion, it is a beautiful language to learn. Besides, Korea is unique in every aspect such as culture, food, beauty, fashion, etc. Many day-to-day products we use in our daily life are from South Korea. 

Learning Korean will add a feather to your CV. It also will put you in a different position than others.

Recommended Reads

• Top 12 Korean Language Courses in Delhi
• Top 12 Korean Language Courses in India
• Top 10 Korean Language Courses in Chandigarh
• Top 12 Korean Language Courses in Noida
• Top 12 Korean Language Courses in Kolkata

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