Most Koreans think when someone speaks English fluently, they're really smart and talented..etc, almost praising them.
Speaking English is NOT a talent; whereas being bilingual is, strictly speaking.
When someone was born and raised in an English spoken country, it's only natural that they speak English because its the native language.
Learning to speak Korean requires a lot of time - studying both the language itself and the culture - and that's what really should be praised of: Being able to speak Korean.
It's rather depressing how much of English is used in Koreans' lives today. For example, words like "well being." We have a beautiful word in Korean meaning the same thing, but most people recognizes the word well being but not the Korean word corresponding to it.
Plus I've seen some people even get embarassed when they couldn't answer to some English-speaking foreigner's question. It's NOTHING to be embarassed of; the people who can't even speak the language of the country they're traveling, are the ones should be ashamed (and pretty damn retarded).
I'm very proud to be able to speak, write and read Korean fluently, obviously more than I am of my English skills. There are so many meaningful and sophiscated words in Korean that can never be described in any other language, let alone English.
Please don't be baffled, for I'm not discouraging Koreans to learn English. Being able to communicate with variety of people from all over the word is priceless, and that can be only obtained by learning to speak other languages.
My wish is that for Koreans to never suffer or be embarassed by English. Because we are all gifted with the most beautiful language of all, Han Guel.
By Hari Won Thank you for your time and concern :)