A STUDY ON THE USE OF KIM GWANG-SEOK’S SONG “AROUND THIRTY” AS TEACHING MATERIAL FOR KOREAN LANGUAGE EDUCATION

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine ways of using the famous song “Around Thirty” (서른 즈음에) by singer Kim Gwang-seok as teaching material for advanced-level Korean language learners.
The song deeply reflects the symbolism of the age “thirty” in Korean society and the awareness of time.
It offers a rich range of advanced-level lyrical expressions through the “self-reflective monologue” of the lyrical persona.
Based on an analysis of expressions of memories of the past and abstract-thinking vocabulary presented in the song lyrics, a three-stage teaching and learning model is proposed.
The study suggests that Korean language education can develop toward reflective education, enabling learners to understand Koreans’ attitudes toward life and their life philosophy beyond simple language acquisition—particularly the philosophy that “a song is something that wraps and heals the wounds of life.”