This chapter examines the early development of English education in Korea from the late nineteenth century through the Korean Empire period, emphasizing the strong connection between English learning and aspirations for social mobility. Following the establishment of official relations with Western powers in the 1880s, English was widely perceived as a practical tool for economic advancement rather than as an academic or cultural pursuit. With the abolition of the traditional civil service examination system and the opening of ports to foreign trade, individuals from modest backgrounds could secure stable employment and elevated social status through English proficiency. As a result, both public and private English institutions attracted highly motivated learners, and enthusiasm for English learning was particularly pronounced during this period. However, the chapter also notes that this utilitarian focus often prioritized immediate communicative skills over deeper linguistic mastery, potentially limiting long-term proficiency development. Overall, the chapter situates early English education in Korea within a broader context of modernization and highlights how instrumental views of English shaped educational practices and learner motivations during this formative stage.