Meeting with Abiyorova Nafisa,
Grand Prize Winner of the
2024 KSI Korean Writing Contest

The finals of the 2024 KSI Korean Writing Contest, which began in May with the participation of 1,613 learners from KSIs around the world, were held on October 7 in Seoul, South Korea. Nine outstanding learners competed, showcasing their refined Korean writing skills, and the prestigious grand prize was awarded to Abiyorova Nafisa from KSI Dushanbe1 in Tajikistan. Nafisa dreams of attending a Korean medical school and becoming an obstetrician-gynecologist. Here’s her story.

Hello, Abiyorova Nafisa! It’s great to meet you. Congratulations on winning the grand prize at the 2024 KSI Korean Writing Contest. To start, could you introduce yourself?
 

Hello! My name is Abiyorova Nafisa, and I’m 22 years old. I live in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Currently, I am a sixth-year pre-med student at the Tajik National Medical University. I’ve been learning Korean for about four years now and am still studying it at KSI Dushanbe1.
 

What first inspired you to start studying Korean?
 

It was during my winter break in 2017. I was home alone when I happened to watch a Korean drama, ❬The Heirs❭. At the time, I didn’t even know it was a Korean drama, but as I watched, I became more and more curious about the story. That was when I developed an interest in Korean language and culture. In Tajikistan, most people watch dramas translated into Tajik or Russian. However, at some point, I wanted to hear and understand Korean dramas in their original language without relying on translations. That’s when I decided I wanted to learn Korean.
 

Why did you choose KSI Dushanbe1 among various Korean learning methods?
 

When I first decided to learn Korean, I had no idea how to start or where to study. I searched on the internet and asked friends for advice. One of my friends told me about a place in Dushanbe where I could learn Korean, and that’s how I found KSI Dushanbe1.

At that time, KSI Dushanbe1 was the only place in Dushanbe offering Korean language education. Now, there are several institutions teaching Korean in the city. However, I still chose KSI Dushanbe1 because their step-by-step teaching method, led by both Korean and local instructors, was the most effective for me. I didn’t hesitate much in making my decision, as their approach seemed perfect for my learning style.
 
 

How did KSI Dushanbe1 help you in learning Korean?
 

When I first went to KSI to learn Korean, everything felt unfamiliar and awkward, which made me very worried. However, at KSI Dushanbe1, there were not only Korean teachers but also Tajik teachers, which helped ease some of my discomfort. In the beginner class, I was able to enjoy learning Korean as the Tajik teacher taught in a simple and fun way. Starting my first lesson on a positive note sparked my interest and curiosity in the Korean language. Step by step, I advanced through the levels, and now I am studying the "Sejong Korean 7" course. As the levels progressed, there were many challenging aspects, but I felt an even greater sense of fulfillment as I realized my skills were improving. Of course, there were many difficulties while studying Korean, but the teachers at KSI were always kind and helpful, allowing me to overcome those challenges without giving up.

I also really enjoyed the time spent learning about Korean culture at KSI. I learned traditional Korean dances and even made a variety of Korean dishes. Since the classes were not limited to just textbook learning, but also included diverse activities, I never found the lessons boring. Each class brought new and exciting experiences, which kept me motivated and engaged. Thanks to KSI, I was able to maintain my interest and enthusiasm for Korean language learning.
 

What made you decide to learn Korean while attending medical school, even though it’s a foreign language? Is there a special reason or motivation for your continued dedication to studying Korean?
 

I started learning Korean in high school with the dream of studying abroad in Korea after graduation. However, my parents were hesitant to approve, so I ended up enrolling in medical school first. Although I had to take a break from learning Korean, the interest and passion I had for the language stayed alive within me. The main reason I am studying Korean so diligently now is that I want to attend a Korean medical graduate school and specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. In Tajikistan, the birthrate is very high, but women in rural areas have very limited access to obstetric and gynecological healthcare. Most doctors in Tajikistan prefer to work in hospitals in major cities like Dushanbe, Khujand, and Bokhtar, leaving rural hospitals understaffed. This situation deeply saddens me. That’s why I dream of studying in Korea and returning to my hometown to work in an obstetrics and gynecology hospital to help women in rural areas who are struggling.

This dream has motivated me to stay committed to learning Korean without giving up. The thought that I can achieve my dream through the language I love makes me even more passionate about Korean. When I study in Korea, I hope to learn how to use the country’s advanced medical equipment. My goal is to share the knowledge and skills I gain in Korea with doctors in Tajikistan.
 
 

What was your mindset going into the ‘2024 KSI Korean Writing Contest,’ and how do you feel about winning the grand prize?
 

Learning Korean hasn’t been easy for me. Balancing it with my university studies meant I didn’t have much time to dedicate to studying Korean, and the language itself was also quite challenging for me. But when I heard that KSI Dushanbe1 was hosting a Korean Writing Contest, I learned that the first-place winner would have the chance to visit Korea. That’s when I decided I had to participate and put in my best effort to prepare. Going to Korea has been a dream of mine since I was a child, so I was determined to seize this opportunity.

However, I never imagined I would win the grand prize. When I found out I had received the top award in the contest, I couldn’t believe it. Of course, I hoped for the best, but it still felt like an impossible achievement. At the award ceremony, when the name "Nafisa from KSI Dushanbe1" was called as the grand prize winner, I was completely shocked. Even now, it feels surreal to think that I was chosen from among 1,613 participants from KSIs worldwide.

When I stepped down from the stage, I couldn’t hold back my tears. I cried a lot, overwhelmed with gratitude, and immediately contacted the teachers at KSI. They were so happy and sincerely congratulated me, which meant a lot to me. The friends I made from other countries during the contest also warmly congratulated me, and I was deeply thankful for their support. I also shared the news with my mother over a video call, and she cried tears of joy as well. Those were tears of happiness for both of us. The most meaningful part of winning the grand prize is that I now have the opportunity to study in Korea. I feel like I’ve taken a big step closer to achieving my dream. I can’t wait to return to Korea soon.
 
 

Writing in Korean is no easy task. Do you have any special study methods you’ve used to improve your Korean writing skills?
 

I believe the most important part of writing is the content itself. While I still occasionally get confused about spelling and spacing rules, I think the structure and expression of the writing are even more crucial. When I start writing, I focus on conveying my emotions in a way that the reader can easily understand. However, crafting such writing is not simple. To improve, whenever I received writing assignments in class at KSI, I expressed my thoughts honestly and shared my work with my teachers. They would carefully review my writing and correct any mistakes in my expressions, spelling, or grammar. Afterward, I made sure to repeatedly practice and memorize the corrections so I wouldn’t make the same mistakes again.

One particular challenge for me has been understanding and using honorifics correctly. My teachers have consistently pointed out and corrected my use of honorifics in both speaking and writing, which has been a tremendous help. My study methods aren’t anything extraordinary—I focus on listening, reading, and writing a lot. Among these, I believe the most effective study method is sheer effort.
 
 

With the grand prize, you will study in Korea next year. What are you most looking forward to? When you study in Korea next year, is there something you’re especially excited about? What’s something you definitely want to do while studying abroad in Korea?
 

When I go to Korea next year, I want to explore more places with beautiful night views. I’d like to visit not just Seoul but also other famous locations in Korea known for their stunning nightscapes. The first thing I want to do is try samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), which I had during a Korean culture class at KSI.

Of course, the main goal of studying abroad will be to focus on learning Korean diligently. But I also want to study Korean culture at the same time. A teacher at KSI once said, “To truly understand a language, you need to understand the culture of the country.” While I’ve been able to attend Korean culture classes at KSI, I think experiencing and learning about the culture directly in Korea will be very different. So, when I go for language training next year, I hope to not only study Korean but also visit museums, historical sites, and explore Korea’s food culture. I want to gain as many experiences as possible and create opportunities to better learn about and understand Korea. I’m eagerly looking forward to the day I can go to Korea!
 

As this year’s grand prize winner, could you share advice or words of encouragement for KSI learners worldwide preparing for the Korean writing contest?
 

To my friends at KSIs around the world, I want to say this: “Acknowledge your weaknesses, but always believe in yourself and never stop working hard.” Believe that your dreams will come true and keep striving until the very end. I’m also working hard and not giving up as I pursue my own dream. I truly believe that without effort, there can be no success. I encourage you to consistently practice reading, writing, and speaking. Don’t neglect these habits—they’re the foundation of progress. This approach is what I learned during my time at KSI, and I hope that my small experience can be of help to KSI learners across the globe.