Meet 2025 Teacher of the Year for Korean Chiwon Chon

We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Korean, Chiwon Chon, to share her approach to language teaching and student growth. In this Q&A, Chiwon discusses creating a thoughtful, student-centered learning environment rooted in structure, warmth, and flexibility. She emphasizes confidence, sincere communication, and cultural empathy as essential elements of learning Korean, highlighting how careful preparation, encouragement, and real-world use help students grow into brave, connected, and capable speakers.

How would you describe your teaching studio?

My Korean teaching studio is grounded in structure while guided by warmth and flexibility. I value my students as individuals, so I intentionally adjust the pace, focus, and learning approach to meet what each learner needs on a given day. Before every class, I prepare carefully so that our time together feels purposeful and worthwhile

My students make space in their already busy lives to show up, practice, and complete their work, and I never take that commitment lightly. It continually leads me to reflect and ask, “How can I support them even better?” That question shapes both my mindset and the learning environment I strive to create, which feels respectful, encouraging, and thoughtfully designed for growth.

If you could gift your students one piece of automatic knowledge or ability about the Korean language, what would it be? 

If I could gift my students one automatic ability, it would be the confidence to speak freely, whether right or wrong, without hesitation. At the heart of language learning is human connection. I truly believe that when we speak sincerely and listen with care, communication can be meaningful even without perfect grammar.

Grammar matters, of course, but what I most hope to give my students is the mindset and confidence to communicate honestly, courageously, and comfortably with others. Beyond the language itself, I want them to understand that learning a new language is a lifelong journey of cultural empathy and self-discovery. I hope they remember that simply having the courage to try can open doors to meaningful connection anywhere in the world.

Anything you'd like to share about yours or your students’ accomplishments from 2025? 

In 2025, I earned my Virginia provisional teaching license, qualifying me to teach in both public and private K–12 settings, in addition to my Korean language teaching license earned in Korea. This milestone motivated me to continue studying current language-teaching practices and the evolving educational landscape. I’ve especially enjoyed applying new insights directly to my lessons and seeing how they positively support student growth.

This year also brought meaningful achievements for my students. One student chose to continue their studies at a university in Korea after learning with me, while several others traveled to Korea and successfully used their Korean in real-life situations. I’ve watched many students grow braver and more confident in speaking, taking risks that once felt intimidating. Seeing that growth has been one of the most rewarding parts of my year.

Is there anything else you would like to share with potential students about learning Korean?

If you’re considering learning Korean, I want you to know that you don’t need to be perfect to begin. Korean is a language rich in warmth, connection, and culture, and my goal is to help students experience all of that in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

Whether you’re learning for travel, personal interest, heritage connections, or long-term academic goals, I will meet you where you are and guide you step by step. You don’t need to arrive with confidence. I’m happy to help you build it along the way. Korean is a language you can grow with and use meaningfully, and I would be honored to be part of that journey.

If you are interested in learning more about Chiwon or would like to book a lesson with her, please visit her Lessonface profile here. 

Also, be sure to check out all of Lessonface’s 2025 Teachers of the Year here!