English is a popular second language among Koreans due to globalization, international trade, and tourism. However, only 17.81% of adults in Korea are proficient in English according to the 2020 EF EPI (English Proficiency Index), ranking South Korea 31st out of 100 countries. Younger generations tend to have higher levels of English proficiency than older generations, and major cities like Seoul tend to have higher levels of proficiency compared to rural areas. English proficiency is crucial for Koreans who wish to enhance their career prospects, especially those in the tourism or international trade industries. The Korean government recognizes the importance of English proficiency and has implemented various initiatives to promote the language, but there is still much work to be done in improving language instruction and accessibility.