Sotikov Normartkhon, an alumnus of the Global Korea Scholarship program from Uzbekistan, arrived in South Korea without speaking a word of Korean and has since built a career and a family in the country, according to an interview published by The Korea Times. His journey highlights the opportunities and integration challenges facing international talent as South Korea works to attract and retain skilled foreign workers in its labor market.
From Tashkent to Seoul: Overcoming the Language Barrier
Before moving to South Korea, Normartkhon researched scholarship opportunities while his older brother was already studying in the country, according to The Korea Times. That initial glimpse into Korean university life gave him the confidence to apply for the Global Korea Scholarship, transforming what could have been an overwhelming relocation into a manageable step. Arriving without prior knowledge of the language, he relied on university exchange programs to build relationships with local students, gradually adapting to daily life through active campus participation.
Transitioning From Campus Life to the Corporate Sector
Language proficiency proved essential when Normartkhon moved from higher education into the corporate sector, as reported by The Korea Times. He secured a position at KT (Korea Telecom), working as a product planner focusing on customer-facing and artificial intelligence-related services over a three-and-a-half-year period. Korean classmates assisted his job hunt by reviewing application materials and conducting mock interviews.
Building a Long-Term Future in South Korea
Normartkhon now lives in South Korea with his wife and young child, having established his family life alongside his professional career, according to The Korea Times. Citing the country’s safety and infrastructure, he notes that his priorities have expanded to include the future of his dependents. He credits the Global Korea Scholarship with providing the foundational support necessary to turn an overseas education into a permanent home, advising future students to leverage their academic experiences and professional networks.
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