This chapter provides an overview of the historical progression of English education in Korea from its introduction in the late nineteenth century to the present, situating English learning within broader sociopolitical and cultural contexts. Beginning with the establishment of the first public English institutions in the 1880s, the chapter traces how English became closely associated with social mobility, academic success, and national development. Through comparative references to China and Japan, the chapter highlights the distinctive trajectory of English education in Korea, which has consistently emphasized the pragmatic value of English rather than oscillating between nationalism and resistance. The chapter further examines how major historical events—including Japanese colonization, the Korean War, rapid industrialization, and globalization—shaped attitudes toward English and reinforced its role in competitive examinations and employment. While this emphasis contributed to economic growth and rising overall proficiency, it also intensified educational competition and social inequality, leading to what is now described as the “English divide.” The chapter concludes by outlining the structure of the book and framing key issues for subsequent chapters.