Jung Kyung-young draws on more than 30 years in the classroom to advise students and parents on English learning and college counseling; previously served as head of college guidance at Korea University High School and as a lead lecturer for EBS and the Korea Council for University Education

"Jung Kyung-young Column," a series written by Jung Kyung-young, a career and college counseling teacher at Sungui Girls' High School, has reached its 100th installment in EduKorea News, a Japan-based education media outlet. The column draws on more than 30 years of experience in English education and career counseling to address the learning and career challenges that students and parents face.

Jung Kyung-young, career and college counseling teacher at Sungui Girls' High School, in the counseling room [provided by Jung]
Jung Kyung-young, career and college counseling teacher at Sungui Girls' High School, in the counseling room [provided by Jung]

The column covers a wide range of topics, from everyday English expressions to students' learning motivation and career choices. Beyond memorizing vocabulary, it explains the contexts and cultural backgrounds in which expressions are used, and draws on the concerns of students Jung has met in counseling sessions to offer guidance on career development.

In the "JKY's English Stories" section, Jung uses everyday examples to show how familiar, basic words can carry different meanings depending on how they are used — exploring distinctions such as "come" versus "go" and the nuances of "up" and "over," while explaining the confusion that can arise from translating Korean expressions directly into English. The column also explores the history and culture embedded in language, touching on topics such as the origins of calendar names, seasons and days of the week.

Pieces on career and college counseling focus on the process of understanding students' situations and opening a dialogue. Jung shared with readers the concrete realities of the counseling room — including the difference between students who seek out counseling on their own and those who come at the urging of parents or teachers. The writing is grounded in years of exploring career paths alongside students, taking into account each person's different learning circumstances and interests.

Jung graduated from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies with a degree in English and earned a master's degree in English linguistics from the same institution. Jung later obtained a master's degree in TESOL from Oklahoma City University in the United States. Jung began a teaching career in 1992 as an English teacher at Korea University High School, going on to serve as head of the college guidance and career counseling departments, and remained at the school until August 2024. Jung currently handles career and college counseling at Sungui Girls' High School.

Outside the classroom, Jung has been active in English education and college admissions guidance. Jung has served as a reviewing teacher for EBS high school English programs, an English instruction consultant for the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, and a lead lecturer at college admissions information sessions organized by EBS and the Korea Council for University Education. Jung has also worked as a counseling teacher with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education's college guidance support team and the Seoul Career and College Information Center.

Jung Kyung-young in the career and college counseling room at Sungui Girls' High School, which is always open [provided by Jung]
Jung Kyung-young in the career and college counseling room at Sungui Girls' High School, which is always open [provided by Jung]

In 2017, Jung received a commendation from the deputy prime minister and minister of education for distinguished contributions to career education. Jung also co-authored a "Career and Vocation" textbook published in 2018. By connecting experience from English classes, career counseling and textbook writing into a column, Jung has continued to share cases from the front lines of education.

"English is not simply a subject on an exam — it is a tool that connects students to their careers and their lives," Jung said. "I hope this e-book serves as a useful guide for students, parents and teachers alike."


sjkim@heraldcorp.com