EFL Learning Motivation in Korea: Historical Background and Current Situation

Abstract

This chapter deals with motivations for English learning in Korea from two major angles: historical context and motivational changes that occur at each educational stage. In Part I, socio-historical incidents in Korea that impacted students’ motivations for learning English are examined, and reasons for the historical increase in competitive motivations, or for students’ desire to attain superior social status over their peers, are investigated. In Part II, motivational changes are discussed in chronological order as learners advance through school from elementary to junior high, high school, and eventually college level. For each educational stage, salient subcomponents of students’ motivational profiles are identified and analyzed, with specific attention paid to major historical incidents. Finally, a summary is provided and future directions for research are suggested.