In this blog post, I’ll present examples of personal statements submitted to the Department of Korean Language and Literature at Korea University, organized by section and refined for clarity and flow.
Efforts Devoted to Academics and Learning Experiences
When I entered high school, I started attending a cram school, just like my friends. I attended simply because everyone else was, but I ended up quitting after exactly six months. First, I felt the tuition would place an excessive financial burden on my parents. There was only one advantage to the cram school: it created an atmosphere that helped me focus on my studies. I decided it wasn’t right to ask my parents to pay a sum that would burden them every month just so I could “stay focused,” so I quit the cram school and resolved to study on my own starting that summer vacation.
I went through a lot of trial and error while studying on my own. When studying alone, my concentration would easily wander. When I was by myself, my mind would wander or I’d end up doing other things, and I’d even blame myself for it. Anyway, since I’d decided to study on my own, I figured I needed to find a way to manage my concentration. After much thought, I came up with the idea of using “alarms.”
The reason I couldn’t concentrate was that I had only set my study hours from a specific start time to a specific end time. Doing that made me wait for the end of the session while my mind wandered. At cram schools, problems are broken down specifically—for example, “Solve problems number so-and-so through so-and-so and have them checked”—which allows students to solve them quickly. Taking this into account, I used an alarm clock. I broke the problems into sets of five and made sure to finish them within the time set by the alarm. Amazingly, my concentration improved. It was a study method that worked for me. I was able to solve problems without wasting time or letting my mind wander, and my speed improved as well. That’s when I realized that study methods vary from person to person, and that finding your own unique approach is crucial.
Meaningful Extracurricular Activities
Serving as a school ambassador was an experience that helped me regain my confidence. I used to be outgoing and loved hanging out with friends. However, during high school, our family’s financial situation became difficult, and seeing my parents struggle made me realize I could no longer just be carefree, so I started spending more time alone. Amidst this, I was selected as a promotional ambassador, which allowed me to meet diverse people and explain the school’s strengths—and through that process, I was able to shake off my adolescent worries. I became more confident speaking in front of people, and by listening to the stories of various individuals, I realized that “I’m not the only one going through a hard time.” As I came to understand that everyone has their own struggles and sources of happiness, I overcame my adolescent struggles and developed an attitude of empathy toward others’ stories.
Volunteer work also had a significant impact on me. Our school spares no effort in supporting volunteer activities, allowing students to participate in a wide range of initiatives—from street cleanup to caring for the elderly in shantytowns and volunteering at children’s welfare centers. By applying for and participating in various volunteer opportunities, I was able to correct my tendency toward individualism. I realized that if I focused solely on my studies and personal activities, it would be difficult to truly understand others. Through volunteer work, I learned that I am not the center of the universe, that life is diverse, and that being different does not mean being wrong. Seeing people overcome their own challenges even in difficult circumstances led me to reflect deeply, and I came to truly appreciate the value and importance of living in harmony with others.
Examples of Consideration, Sharing, Cooperation, and Conflict Management
My role as class president was an activity through which I worked to foster cooperation and resolve conflicts. When I became class president, I resolved to live up to the trust my classmates had placed in me. So, I began to constantly check in with them to see if they were facing any hardships or difficulties. While doing so, I became aware of classmates who were struggling financially. While managing my classmates’ documents and certificates, I was surprised to discover that quite a few of them were struggling to pay for school lunches or tuition. I decided I had to help in any way I could.
As a student ambassador, I was well-informed about scholarship programs, but I also realized that many students within the school were unaware of these programs.
I shared information about scholarship programs with students who needed them and helped them apply. When they were hesitant or found the process difficult, I even submitted the applications on their behalf. I realized firsthand that simply raising awareness of these programs and explaining them clearly could make a big difference. I learned that even a small act of concern can help a friend’s situation and inner well-being, and can lead to positive change. From that point on, as class president, I made a point of paying attention not only to my studies but also to various social and environmental issues, and I made an effort to actively participate wherever I could be of help.
Motivation for Applying, Plans After Enrollment, and Future Career Path
After hearing the stories of various people while serving as a promotional ambassador, I began writing. I wanted to document my experience of healing through empathy during adolescence, and through writing, I discovered the appeal of the craft. As I continued to write, I gradually began to dream of becoming a writer, and that is my primary motivation for applying to the Department of Korean Language and Literature.
As I pursued my dream of becoming a writer, I read, critiqued, and transcribed various works, which led me to want to study literature more deeply. While consistently writing novels, essays, and prose, I strove to portray the inner worlds of diverse people, and through this process, I keenly realized the need for systematic and specialized knowledge in Korean language and grammar. Believing that I needed the ability to critique well-known works and interpret them according to my own insights, as well as a clear understanding of the Korean language itself, I continued to study Korean.
I believe these efforts will serve as a solid foundation for my studies in the Department of Korean Language and Literature at Korea University. I am confident that studying under the guidance of outstanding professors will allow me to further develop and enhance my vision as a writer. For this reason, I am determined to study in the Department of Korean Language and Literature at Korea University.
