Why I’m Deciding To Stop Korean Classes

I’ve been studying the Korean language since 2014, taking classes offline and online.

And much of the motivation at that time was because I was very into K-Pop.

Over time, though, as “more” important adulting comes into the picture, my passion for it is slowly dwindling.

Among many small reasons, the biggest reason is the time and effort needed to get my ass to the language centre.

That’s why I’m deciding to stop Korean classes once my current class package ends, which is 11 April 2020 if there’s no break in between any classes.

To clarify, I’m not giving up on Korean; far from that. I’m just not giving my all during classes and the preparation work needed to go for classes.

Time can be spent better

Plus, the class is 1.5 hours but the travelling time to and fro the school is an additional 2 hours.

Doing homework and preparing for class takes another 1-2 hours.

It’s just not good and efficient spending of time to learn a language, considering my level of commitment at this point.

Saving the money and time would give me more flexibility in terms of planning my weekends to spend time with my wife and on other matters that require more urgent attention.

Perhaps I could even spend the time to update my Korean blog again! Just thinking of that excites me more than attending classes again.

Just going through the motion

My wife and I have small disagreements every time we talk about my Korean language classes.

It’s no wonder – I have to admit sometimes it feels more of an obligation than a hobby or interest, which defeats the purpose of spending so much money and time on it.

I’m reminded of the days of schooling when I was in my pre-teens all the way to my late teens.

I was just there to show that I’m putting some form of effort, not doing my best to get the most out of it.

Before I even enter the class, I’m thinking of what I’m going to do after the class – how is that even healthy?

If this goes on, when I finally throw in the towel, I’ll never come back to the Korean language again, which will be both pity and regret.

Self-study hones my discipline

I think I’m at a point where a Korean teacher just gives me an opportunity to converse in Korean and introduces me to new expressions.

I’ve learned so much grammar and vocabulary that I can no longer remember more than half of them.

In my defence, I used to remember almost 100% of what I learned every lesson because of my commitment.

Also, in the earlier lessons, we learned more of the practical and commonly used expressions, grammar, and vocabulary in the Korean language.

Right now, the textbooks tend to talk about everything under the sun, without a real direction or focus on the practical aspects of the language.

(Probably elaborate that in a review of the higher levels of the Korean textbooks I’ve been studying.)

Where does this leave me?

I’m going to try allocating some time every week – either a weekday night or weekend 1-hour block – to self-studying.

That’s what I’ve been doing for this personal journalling, anyway.

It’s probably the only way I can reignite the passion and motivation to master the Korean language.

I’ve been plateauing for way too long, wasted way too much time and money to continue cruising.

It’s either I do it right or don’t do it at all.