▲ President Hwasoon Jang

Korean women are still struggling to make a success in the society due to limited conditions and rather stagnat social recognition. It is true that more women are engaging in economic activities than ever before but they still have to cross over hurdles. Marriage and childbirth at first hand cut off their career which is still a disadvantage in our society. In this respect, Hwasoon Jang, President of the Korea Women Voters Association and CEO of Balgeun Hanja and Gyeonggi Hanja, is worth talking about.

Used to be a housewife, Jang obtained 16 certificates necessary for teaching Chinese characters and has grown to be recognized as one of the leading Chinese character educators not only in South Korea but also in the world. Her development of ‘associated method’ combined with taekwondo attracted a great attention from both Chinese character learners and educators and it created a sensation in the field. 

“Associated method is not about memorizing the characters but improve the understanding of Korean words derived from Chinese characters so that people can better and accurately understand the words when listening or speaking” introduces Jang.

Quite recently, Jang introduced another combined learning method for Chinese characters and English and published a book <Story for Easy Chinese and English>. 

Her role as the president of the Korea Women Voters Association is to check on legislative activities, gathering opinions of women voters and fostering talented women manpower. 

As a woman of generous heart, Jang also has donated every month 400,000 won (330 dollars) to families of children without parents but grandparents in cooperation with Namyangju City, as well as a scholarship to Yangseo High School in Yangpyeong County for 6 years.

In recognition of her contribution, she received the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (Obama Award) as the first Chinese character educator and the LA Mayor’s prize from the mayor Eric Garcetti last year. Also this year, she won the 13th Korea Education Industrial Awards 2019 for four years in a row and is to receive a medal from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on 30th September. 

“I will keep pushing myself forward to introduce better and more effective teaching methods alongside promoting women’s social status” says Jang.