Korean Job Discussion Forums

[curiousaboutkorea]

Ok, why on earth do people spell it this way. Why do I see people write "Corea" instead of "Korea"? Are these people living in 1875? They do it so nonchalantly. 'Korea' with a 'K' is the standard spelling nowadays. Is it just my opinion, or are these people who spell it with a 'C' just trying to be cool and different.

[Xuanzang]

They say that is how it was supposed to be spelt. I see my elementary school students doing it and wonder where it`s coming from.

[the_beaver]

There's a persistent rumor (actually, I've heard that it might even be in Korean history textbooks) that Japan wanted Korea to start with a 'K' instead of a 'C' so that is would come after them when alphabetized.

99% the rumor is wrong based on logic alone, but when nationalism comes into play it's one of those things that comes up.

[Ya-ta Boy]

It became a public issue in the run-up to the 2002 World Cup because the name of the event became the subject of some nationalist debate: Should it be called the 'Korea-Japan World Cup' or the 'Japan-Korea World Cup.

The issue has been debated endlessly here. It is unlikely anyone has any new information, but there is a wealth of old information available.

Have fun googling it up and reading it.

At present, the official name of the country, in English, is the Republic of Korea. This is what is used at the UN and other international meetings. If someone wants to change it, they will have to ask the government of the Republic of Korea to officially make the change. They are the only ones with the authority.

[bluelake]

It's a question that you see here at least once a year...

As mentioned, there is the popular myth that it was done because of the Japanese; however, if you look into it a little, you will see that is simply not the case. When Western forces first started coming to the country (esp. French in 1866 and US in 1871), the spelling was exclusively with a "C" (in France, it still is). Towards the end of the 19th century, you will find many sources that fluctuated between a "C" and a "K". By the 20th century, "K" was preferred. It should be noted that the Japanese romanized the final dynasty's name as "Chosen" and kept it that way as the name of the country through the colonial period (officially 1910-1945).

[Smee]

Yeah, it's a nationalistic urban legend that defies all logic and sense, and needs to be squashed.

http://kushibo.blogspot.com/2005/05/korea-versus-corea.html

Don't stand for it.

[jdog2050]

[samcheokguy]

Because, as Bluelake has said...the french hate the letter K.