Research on the Career Exploration of Korean Studies Majors in Taiwan: With A Focus on Narrative Inquiry Targeting Those Who Work in Korean-intensive Environments and Graduate Students Studying Korean

Objectives This study aims to explore the career exploration process of students who majored in Korean Studies in Taiwan, thereby examining the students’ Korean language learning process as well as the trajectory of Korean language education in Taiwan. Methods The participants of the study are four Taiwanese Korean Studies majors who are currently working in fields related to Korea or are planning to do so as graduate students in Korean Studies. The research was conducted through narrative inquiry, beginning with a survey in February 2024 and involving a total of 10 focused interviews (two individual interviews per participant and two group focus interviews) over approximately six months. Results The investigation into the subjects' history of Korean language learning revealed that they were first exposed to the Korean language and culture by exposing Korean mass culture during childhood. They voluntarily studied the Korean language and culture during adolescence, and in college, they majored or minored in Korean Studies. Participation in activities such as translating to or from Korean played a crucial role in navigating their careers, guiding them towards occupations related to Korean Studies. Furthermore, the subjects displayed strong will and had clearly defined goals to continue working in occupations related to Korean Studies and actively sought direct interactions with Koreans. Conclusions This study concludes that the Korean language and culture, which the Taiwanese Korean Studies majors have consistently engaged with since childhood, have positively influenced their personal and academic growth, leading them to establish themselves as Korean Studies experts. The development and expansion of Korean language and Korean Studies programs within Taiwan is anticipated to foster more Korean Studies professionals in the country.