Enkh-uils, who won the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Award at the 2023 KSI Korean Writing Contest

We met with Enkh-uils, who received the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Award at the 2023 KSI Korean Speech and Writing Contests, held on October 10, 2023. Here is the story about her dreams of rebuilding her father’s business and translating Korean novels into Mongolian after completing her studies in Korea and returning home.

Congratulations on winning the 2023 Korean Speech and Writing Contest. Please tell us about yourself.

I am Enkh-uils from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. After graduating from university in July 2022, I attended KSI Ulaanbaatar 2 to improve my Korean language skills while preparing to study abroad in Korea. In September of this year, I was given the opportunity to study in Korea, and I am currently attending a university there.

How did you first start studying Korean?

When I was in middle school, I listened to Exo’s “Growl” and fell in love with K-pop and K-drama. I wanted to understand the lyrics and watch dramas in Korean, so I began studying on my own using the internet.

How did KSI Ulaanbaatar 2 help you study Korean?

I initially aspired to study in Korea right after graduating from high school, but due my family’s circumstances, I had to give up that dream. Instead, I focused on majoring in the Korean language in college, immersing myself in the language and culture with the intention of pursuing my master’s degree in Korea. It was during this time that I came across a recruitment notice for KSI Ulaanbaatar 2 learners on Facebook, prompting me to enroll in the advanced class.

What I appreciated the most was the presence of teachers from Korea. I consider myself particularly fortunate to have received writing lessons from Instructor Lim Kwon-jeong. As my confidence in writing grew through these lessons, I eagerly anticipated each session. I would like to express my gratitude to Teacher Lim for encouraging me and teaching me how to overcome challenges in writing when I found it difficult. I want to convey to her how much I appreciate her support and guidance.

I understand that you have been studying in Korea since September of this year. Which university do you attend, and what is your field of study?

I am studying business administration at Chungbuk National University in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do. My father used to run a small business in Mongolia, but it collapsed due to his limited understanding of finance and management. Witnessing this, I resolved to major in management in Korea, aiming to become an accountant and expand my father’s small market into a more substantial enterprise.

What did you think when you participated in the 2023 Korean Speech and Writing Contest? Was there a reason why you chose the writing contest over the speech contest?

Since last year, I had been preparing to study in Korea while helping out at my father’s supermarket. After learning that the winners of the writing contest would have the opportunity to study in Korea, I decided to participate. I chose the writing contest because I was gaining confidence in my writing abilities. Presenting in front of many people makes me nervous, so I didn’t even consider the speech contest. However, participating in this contest helped me build confidence, and now I feel more comfortable speaking in front of an audience.

The theme of this writing contest was “Why do I learn the Korean language and culture,” and your piece was titled “The dream to study in Korea finally achieved: walking toward my dream by continuing to learn Korean at KSI.” In your writing, you expressed your ambition to renew Mongolia’s image in Korea. What is the new image of Mongolia that you want?

Upon my arrival in Korea, I discovered that most people view Mongolia as “the land of Genghis Khan” or “the land of nomads in the plains.” I felt disheartened by this perception and desired to alter the preconceived notions about Mongolia. In Mongolia, there is a culture of welcoming strangers into homes and treating them to warm food before bidding them farewell. This aspect bears resemblance to Korea’s “jeong” culture. I aim to elevate Mongolia’s image by introducing this warm culture, along with its history and lifestyle.

It wouldn’t be easy to write in Korean. How do you usually practice writing in Korean? What did you do to prepare to win this contest?

There are still times when I am confused about spelling and spacing. However, I believe that the composition and expression of the writing are more critical. My teacher, Lim, who taught me, once said, “The purpose of writing is to impress and persuade. You need to write with empathy so that the readers will be on your side. Take out your thoughts, make notes, outline them, and express them to improve your writing.” Thanks to her, I am no longer afraid of composing my writing. Furthermore, I have developed a habit of summarizing and organizing the content after reading, which helps enhance my background knowledge and ensure that my writing is content-rich and poignant.

What is your dream after finishing your studies in Korea and returning to Mongolia?

When I go back to Mongolia, my plan is to utilize my knowledge in business administration and Korean language skills to handle the finances of my father’s supermarket. Additionally, I aim to initiate trade with Korean companies. I believe this path will help me work towards my dream and also serve as a way to repay my parents for their hard work.

You toured various places in Korea through the “2023 Korean Cultural Experience Program for King Sejong Institute Learners.” As a student of the Korean language, what are your impressions of touring Korea?

It had been a month since I arrived in Korea, and my routine mainly consisted of going back and forth between school and home. Participating in this program allowed me to truly experience Korea, which was a wonderful opportunity. The night cruise on the Hangang River, in particular, left the most lasting impression. It was a bittersweet night, as I had to bid farewell to the friends I had grown close to during my stay, but it was also a night filled with joy as I marveled at the stunning night view.

Do you plan to continue to attend KSI when you return to Mongolia?

Yes. My Korean skills are still not very good. However, when I return to Mongolia, I will be a master’s graduate who can speak Korean confidently and understand Korean culture. By then, I believe I will be able to translate the Korean romance novels I like into Mongolian and also translate good Mongolian books into Korean. Meanwhile, I will be working on business management, which is my dream. I anticipate returning to KSI as a senior, where I can guide other students on how to study Korean and how to approach studying abroad in Korea.

Please share with KSI learners around the world the joy and rewarding moments that come with learning the Korean language.

I would like to emphasize that apart from the Korean language itself, it is crucial to cultivate an interest in various aspects such as Korean culture, history, economy, society, and geography, as this significantly enhances the learning process. While it may seem that Korean becomes increasingly challenging as you progress, it is important to persist and remember that foreign languages are inherently complex. Your ability to persevere without giving up is a valuable skill. Before long, you will find yourself miraculously understanding K-pop and K-drama as proficiently as native Koreans do.