jiwon.K Tutor Interview

Q. Hello, tutor jiwon.K! Thank you for taking the time to do this interview. May we ask you to briefly introduce yourself?: A. Hello! I'm a Cafetalk Korean tutor, jiwon.K. I started teaching Korean on Cafetalk in 2020. Thank you for this opportuity to introduce myself through this interview.
Q. Please tell us more about your hometown and the area where you currently reside.: A. I was born in Seoul, the capital of South Korea and a city beloved by many tourists. There are so many incredible places to visit here. From historic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Namdaemun Market to the modern Jamsil Lotte Tower, even just walking around those areas is a wonderful experience. For a truly unique memory, I highly recommend trying the hot air balloon in Yeouido. Korea has four distinct seasons, and you can feel them most vividly here in Seoul. In spring, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom; in summer, you can experience the vibrant heat; and in autumn, the city is transformed by stunning fall foliage everywhere you look. When winter arrives, you can walk through beautiful streets filled with colorful neon lights while enjoying the falling white snow. On a chilly winter evening, you can also immerse yourself in the local culture by having a warm bowl of noodles and a glass of Soju at a Pojangmacha (outdoor street stall).
Q. What motivated you to become a tutor on Cafetalk?: A. While studying Japanese, I met a wonderful Japanese friend through an app. During our language exchange, they told me that my explanations of Korean were very clear and easy to understand. They suggested that I would make a great Korean teacher, and that’s how I started teaching.
Q. What are you usually up to when you're not teaching on Cafetalk? What are your hobbies and interests?: A. My hobbies include watching Japanese movies and dramas, traveling, and fishing. I often travel to visit the filming locations of the shows I’ve watched.

My most memorable trip was to Kamakura and Enoshima, famous for Slam Dunk. These spots were also filming locations for Our Little Sister and A Girl & Three Sweethearts. I especially love this area because it features the Shin-Enoshima Aquarium from my favorite drama, Nagareboshi.

I’ve been fishing for about five years now. To be honest, I enjoy watching the sunrise from a boat in the early morning more than the fishing itself. In Korea, we have a proverb, "A cow catching a rat while stepping backward," which means "to achieve something great by pure luck." The photo shows me catching a flatfish on my very first boat fishing trip!

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Q. A lot of students are probably curious about the atmosphere in your lessons. What can a student imagine a lesson with you to be like? What’s your teaching style?: A. I was born in Seoul and speak standard Korean. Since I’ve spent many years teaching math to children at academies, I’m quite confident in my ability to explain anything clearly and easily.

While my lessons might not be "extraordinary," I highly recommend them to anyone who wants to practice speaking Korean comfortably and without any pressure. I’d love for you to join my class with the mindset of just chatting with a friend. We can talk about anything—your favorite K-dramas or idols, daily life, or even whatever is on your mind lately. Please feel free to stop by whenever you feel like having a chat over a cup of tea!
Q. Which lessons would you recommend to your students?: A. I highly recommend the "Exciting Korean Free Talk: 8-Session Package (20 min.)." The most important thing in language learning is to study regularly and consistently. For those who would like to speak Korean for a bit longer, the 40-minute lessons would also be a fun and great option!
Q. Finally, would you like to leave a message for your current and future students?: A. When I first started, I was inexperienced and lacked many things. However, I believe I’ve been able to come this far thanks to so many of you who always cheered me on and encouraged me by saying I was doing a great job. I believe the best way to repay your kindness is to keep going consistently, just as I have until now. I look forward to continuing this journey with you. Thank you.