1. Introduction to the text
South Korea has emerged as a global powerhouse in the world of e-sports, or competitive video gaming. The country’s love affair with video games and high-speed internet infrastructure has contributed to the phenomenal growth of this industry. E-sports has become a cultural phenomenon, with professional gamers enjoying celebrity status and dedicated arenas hosting major tournaments.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 이스포츠 | isupocheu | e-sports |
| 프로게이머 | peurogeihmeo | professional gamer |
| 게임대회 | geimdaehoe | gaming tournament |
| 온라인게임 | onlaingeim | online game |
| PC방 | PC bang | internet cafe |
| 팬덤 | paendeom | fandom |
| 스타크래프트 | seutakeulaepeuteu | StarCraft |
| 리그오브레전드 | rigueobullejendeu | League of Legends |
| 방송 | bangsong | broadcast |
| 스폰서 | seuponseo | sponsor |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
한국은 이스포츠 강국으로 자리 잡았다.
Korea has established itself as a powerhouse in e-sports.
1990년대 후반부터 온라인게임이 인기를 끌기 시작했고, PC방이 전국적으로 확산되었다.
Online gaming started gaining popularity in the late 1990s, and internet cafes (PC bangs) spread across the country.
스타크래프트와 같은 실시간 전략 게임이 청소년들 사이에서 큰 인기를 얻었다.
Real-time strategy games like StarCraft became hugely popular among teenagers.
2000년대 초반, 프로게이머라는 직업이 생겨나면서 이스포츠 생태계가 형성되기 시작했다.
In the early 2000s, the profession of professional gamers emerged, and an e-sports ecosystem began to take shape.
정규 리그와 대회가 열리고, 팬덤이 형성되면서 이스포츠는 대중문화의 일부가 되었다.
With regular leagues and tournaments being held, and the formation of fanbases, e-sports became a part of mainstream culture.
리그오브레전드와 같은 다중접속역할수행게임(MMORPG)의 인기로 이스포츠의 영향력은 더욱 커졌다.
The popularity of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) like League of Legends further amplified the influence of e-sports.
주요 대회는 전국적으로 방송되고, 프로게이머들은 스타 같은 인기를 누리게 되었다.
Major tournaments were broadcast nationwide, and professional gamers enjoyed star-like popularity.
기업들은 이스포츠 팀과 대회에 스폰서를 하면서 산업이 더욱 성장했다.
Corporate sponsorships of e-sports teams and tournaments further fueled the industry’s growth.
전용 경기장이 건설되고, 이스포츠 전문 방송국도 생겨나면서 한국의 이스포츠 문화는 계속 진화하고 있다.
With the construction of dedicated arenas and the emergence of e-sports-focused broadcasting channels, Korea’s e-sports culture continues to evolve.
한국 정부도 이스포츠를 공식 종목으로 인정하고 육성 정책을 펴고 있다.
The Korean government has also recognized e-sports as an official sport and implemented policies to promote its growth.
4. Reading comprehension questions
1. What factors contributed to the rise of e-sports in Korea?
2. How did the popularity of StarCraft and other online games influence the e-sports industry in Korea?
3. Explain the role of corporate sponsorships in the growth of e-sports in Korea.
4. What steps has the Korean government taken to support the e-sports industry?
5. How has the e-sports culture in Korea evolved over time?
5. Cultural and historical notes