Common English Mistakes by Korean Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Korean speakers from South Korea when writing in English.

Category:Journalism & Media
Writing for news, articles, and investigative reports.
Common Users:Journalists, Bloggers, Columnists.
Mistake Example #1

Journalism & Media / Editorial

Omitting articles ('a', 'an', 'the')

In recent years, climate change has becomean urgent issue that affects everyone globally. Many people in South Korea are beginning to realize theimportance of taking action to protect theenvironment. GThe government has introduced several initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, but more effort is needed from both public and private sectors to make asignificant impact.


Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States

"I added articles before certain nouns according to proper English grammar. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

In recent years, climate change has become an urgent issue that affects everyone globally. Many people in South Korea are beginning to realize the importance of taking action to protect the environment. The government has introduced several initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, but more effort is needed from both public and private sectors to make a significant impact.

In recent years, climate change has become urgent issue that affects everyone globally. Many people in South Korea are beginning to realize importance of taking action to protect environment. Government has introduced several initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, but more effort is needed from both public and private sectors to make significant impact.

Mistake Example #2

Journalism & Media / Feature Story

Incorrect word order in complex sentences

In the bustling streets of Seoul, where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly, a unique story unfolds. The city, known for its vibrant culture and technological advancements, offers a glimpse into the future while preserving its rich history. As the sun sets, the skyline, which is illuminated by countless lights, creates a breathtaking view that captivates both locals and tourists. The people, who are known for their hospitality and warmth, welcome visitors with open arms, eager to share their stories and traditions.


Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"The word order is fine."

In the bustling streets of Seoul, where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly, a unique story unfolds. The city, known for its vibrant culture and technological advancements, offers a glimpse into the future while preserving its rich history. As the sun sets, the skyline, which is illuminated by countless lights, creates a breathtaking view that captivates both locals and tourists. The people, who are known for their hospitality and warmth, welcome visitors with open arms, eager to share their stories and traditions.

In the bustling streets of Seoul, where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly, a unique story unfolds. The city, known for its vibrant culture and technological advancements, offers a glimpse into the future while preserving its rich history. As the sun sets, the skyline, which is illuminated by countless lights, creates a breathtaking view that captivates both locals and tourists. The people, who are known for their hospitality and warmth, welcome visitors with open arms, eager to share their stories and traditions.

Mistake Example #3

Journalism & Media / Interview Transcript

Omitting articles ('a', 'an', 'the')

Interviewer: Can you tell me about yourexperience working in themedia industry? Interviewee: Yes, I have worked asa journalist for five years. I started at alocal newspaper, then moved toa national broadcasting company. It was achallenging but rewarding job.


Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"Don't forget to include articles! : )"

Interviewer: Can you tell me about your experience working in the media industry? Interviewee: Yes, I have worked as a journalist for five years. I started at a local newspaper, then moved to a national broadcasting company. It was a challenging but rewarding job.

Interviewer: Can you tell me about experience working in media industry? Interviewee: Yes, I have worked as journalist for five years. I started at local newspaper, then moved to national broadcasting company. It was challenging but rewarding job.

Mistake Example #4

Journalism & Media / Investigative Report

Omitting articles ('a', 'an', 'the')

Ina recent investigation, we discovered that pollution levels in thecity have increased significantly overthe past year. Residents reported that air quality has deteriorated, causing health issues among children and theelderly. GThe government has promised to implement measures to address theproblem, but many citizens remain skeptical about theeffectiveness of proposed solutions.


Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaks to include missing articles ("the," "an," etc.)."

In a recent investigation, we discovered that pollution levels in the city have increased significantly over the past year. Residents reported that air quality has deteriorated, causing health issues among children and the elderly. The government has promised to implement measures to address the problem, but many citizens remain skeptical about the effectiveness of proposed solutions.

In recent investigation, we discovered that pollution levels in city have increased significantly over past year. Residents reported that air quality has deteriorated, causing health issues among children and elderly. Government has promised to implement measures to address problem, but many citizens remain skeptical about effectiveness of proposed solutions.

Mistake Example #5

Journalism & Media / News Article

Incorrect word order in complex sentences

IYesterday in Seoul,yesterday a significant event took place, which many people attendedin order to witness the launch of the new technology product. The company, known for its innovative designs, has announced that the product will be available in stores next month, which many consumers are eagerly waiting. The CEO, dDuring the press conference, the CEOstated that the product,is designed to improve daily life,and will change how people interact with technology,. which eExperts are predicting a major shift in the market.


Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed the word order a little and made some stylistic improvements."

Yesterday in Seoul, a significant event took place which many people attended in order to witness the launch of the new technology product. The company, known for its innovative designs, has announced that the product will be available in stores next month, which many consumers are eagerly waiting. During the press conference, the CEO stated that the product is designed to improve daily life and will change how people interact with technology. Experts are predicting a major shift in the market.

In Seoul, yesterday a significant event took place, which many people attended to witness the launch of the new technology product. The company, known for its innovative designs, has announced that the product will be available in stores next month, which many consumers are eagerly waiting. The CEO, during the press conference, stated that the product, designed to improve daily life, will change how people interact with technology, which experts are predicting a major shift in the market.

Mistake Example #6

Journalism & Media / Op-Ed

Omitting articles ('a', 'an', 'the')

In recent years, climate change has becomean urgent issue that affects everyone globally. In South Korea,the government has taken steps to reduce carbon emissions, but more action is needed. Citizens must also play arole in conserving energy and supporting renewable resources. It is time for us to come together and make adifference for future generations.


Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I added some missing articles. Great job overall!"

In recent years, climate change has become an urgent issue that affects everyone globally. In South Korea, the government has taken steps to reduce carbon emissions, but more action is needed. Citizens must also play a role in conserving energy and supporting renewable resources. It is time for us to come together and make a difference for future generations.

In recent years, climate change has become urgent issue that affects everyone globally. In South Korea, government has taken steps to reduce carbon emissions, but more action is needed. Citizens must also play role in conserving energy and supporting renewable resources. It is time for us to come together and make difference for future generations.

Mistake Example #7

Journalism & Media / Press Release

Confusion with prepositions ('in', 'on', 'at')

For Immediate Release: Seoul, South Korea - October 15, 2023 - The new art exhibition will open at the National Gallery in Seoul on November 1st. Visitors can enjoy the collection of contemporary pieces at the gallery ion weekdays and weekends. The exhibition will be available on display until the end of December, offering a unique opportunity to experience modern art in the heart of the city.


Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I just made some minor changes, including changing the preposition "in" to "on"."

For Immediate Release: Seoul, South Korea - October 15, 2023 - The new art exhibition will open at the National Gallery in Seoul on November 1st. Visitors can enjoy the collection of contemporary pieces at the gallery on weekdays and weekends. The exhibition will be on display until the end of December, offering a unique opportunity to experience modern art in the heart of the city.

For Immediate Release: Seoul, South Korea - October 15, 2023 - The new art exhibition will open at the National Gallery in Seoul on November 1st. Visitors can enjoy the collection of contemporary pieces at the gallery in weekdays and weekends. The exhibition will be available on display until the end of December, offering a unique opportunity to experience modern art in the heart of the city.