Student Spotlight: CHANDLER'S KOREAN JOURNEY
Chandler
Chandler, tell us a little about yourself!
I'm the Program Manager for the Virginia Film Festival. I work closely with our Festival Director to choose films for the Festival. I've lived in Charlottesville for 11 years and currently share an apartment with a one-eyed cat.
What inspired you to start learning the Korean language - and during a pandemic!?
I already had an interest in Korean culture, specifically music and film, prior to the pandemic, but the pandemic gave me time to explore that so much more. I really fell in love with the language that way and was inspired to learn!
We know you're interested in film and the current Program Manager of the VA Film Festival. Do you have a favorite Korean film or filmmaker? How does learning the Korean language enhance your passion for film?
I was very lucky to attend the Telluride Film Festival in 2019 where Bong Joon-ho screened his Academy Award-winning film Parasite. I consider it a perfect film. That really inspired me to watch more Korean films. Bong Joon-ho's Parasite and Park Chan-wook's The Handmaiden are two of my favorites. What I have really loved about learning Korean is how I'm able to see the results of my lessons and of studying. Every time I catch a new word or phrase in a film is so exciting.
Chandler’s photo of Bong Joon-ho and Song Kang-ho at Telluride!
What do you find most surprising, fascinating, interesting about the Korean language and culture?
I find honorifics and different ways of speaking depending on formality interesting. I really appreciate the conscious signs of respect that are integral to the language.
What do you enjoy most about your online lessons with Sojung?
Sojung is a fantastic teacher. She is so encouraging and always finds ways to tie my interests back to our lessons which helps me retain the information better
Chandler with her amazing teacher, Sojung!
“Chandler is one of my brightest students and I greatly enjoy my lessons with her due to our mutual interest in film. She is always engaged in learning during our lessons, and I find her willingness to learn and explore a new language very admirable! ”
— SOJUNG
Chandler’s Korean instructor, Sojung!
Do you have hopes of visiting South Korea someday? What would an ideal stay there include?
I am dying to visit South Korea! I would especially love to visit Seoul and see Gyeonbokgung Palace, cycle through Hangang Park, check out the Seoul Museum of Art, and stock up on some K-Beauty products.
How would you describe your lessons using three words?
Challenging, Exciting, Rewarding
If you could learn another language in addition to Korean, which would you pick and why?
I would love to learn Spanish at some point and spend some time in Mexico.
Interested in Korean lessons, too?
Schedule a consultation with us to be matched with the perfect Korean teacher to help suit your needs best!
