A new year brings a sense of hope and a hint of worry, and the same goes for Koreans and expatriates facing 2012.

For most, the topic of family comes up when thinking about their hopes and worries about the future, whether it be starting a new one, or adding to the old.

For Jang Sou-ie, a recent graduate student, starting her own family next year is a hope she wants to realize.

“Every year my New Year’s resolution is to get married,” said 28-year-old Jang.

“I don’t have to get married next year, as long as I meet the guy that I’m getting married to,” she said, adding that it was simply pressure she puts on herself.

Others are looking to add members to their family.

“I am really looking forward to having another child this year,” said Cha You-jin, a 31-year-old mother of one.

Some were simply worried about the health of their family now.

“The most important thing for me is raising my son into a healthy child, especially because my son is getting bigger and bigger and 2012 will be his first birthday,” said Im Hyang, the mother of a 6-month-old son.

“I am both hopeful and worried about my children’s education and my family’s wellbeing in 2012,” said Lee Kyung-hyung, a 44-year-old mother of three.

One issue that was struck more with worries than hopes was education.

“I’m preparing to go to medical school, but I’m worried about even getting in as the test that I am studying for will be discontinued soon,” said 26-year-old Lee Han-nah.

“I heard that the College Scholastic Ability Test will be getting easier next year and instead they will have to focus more on essays, which are difficult for my children,” said 46-year-old Lee who has a daughter entering high school next year.

And in keeping with the Korean workaholic mentality, many are struggling to find a balance between things, which for some will only become a harder act next year.

“I am studying at Seoul Cyber University and next year will be my third year, so I have to study even harder, and find time to squeeze in my practical exams,” said Im, who also juggles with work and her newborn son.

Expats too shared professional hopes for 2012, like 26-year-old Sarah Budd.

“My hope is to stay in Korea for another year,” said the English teacher, who wishes to teach in Seoul next year.

And with 2012 bringing an unprecedented number of elections throughout the world, hopes for new leadership came up as well.

“I hope that a good president gets elected next year, one that can communicate with the people,” said Lee Han-nah.

By Robert Lee
(robert@heraldcorp.com)