[하루리딩] 고환율 원달러환율 인플레이션으로 기름값상승 고물가 생활물가상승에서 살아남기

소개글

오늘도 시사 이야기로 영어 공부를 시작하겠습니다.

고환율이 한국 경제 전반에 미치는 영향은 기름값과 식탁 물가, 원자재 비용, 그리고 유학비처럼 우리의 일상 깊숙한 곳까지 확산되고 있습니다. 

최근 환율 급등은 기업과 가계 모두에게 부담을 안기며 생활비 상승이라는 직접적인 변화를 가져왔고, 한국뿐 아니라 해외에서 공부하는 학생들까지 큰 영향을 받고 있습니다. 

이 글은 이러한 복합적인 변화들을 쉽게 이해할 수 있도록 정리하고, 어떤 요인들이 물가 상승을 유발하며 우리 삶에 어떤 파장을 미치고 있는지 차분하게 짚어봅니다.

하루 리딩 공부

📘 English Reading Passage

The Korean economy has entered a period of unusually high exchange rates, with the won–dollar rate hovering around the mid-1,500 range, far higher than in previous years. 

This shift began after a sudden political crisis, and although the political uncertainty has eased, global tensions and trade disputes continue to push the rate upward. 

As the exchange rate climbs, both companies and ordinary citizens are struggling to cope with rising costs in nearly every aspect of life. One of the most immediate effects appears at gas stations, where the price of diesel and gasoline has surged sharply. 

Many drivers now travel long distances just to find cheaper fuel, and some workers say their monthly fuel expenses have risen by hundreds of thousands of won. 

According to national data, average gasoline and diesel prices have climbed steadily for three consecutive weeks, driven by rising international oil prices and the weakening Korean won. 

The burden is heavier because tax cuts on fuel were also reduced, amplifying the increase that consumers feel at the pump.

The impact of the high exchange rate has also reached the dinner table. 

Beef prices, already high, have risen even more, making imported beef—once known for affordability—much less attractive to consumers. 

Many households are switching to cheaper alternatives like pork as both domestic and imported beef prices continue to climb. 

Data from recent months show that beef, chicken, and several seafood items have all become more expensive due to higher import costs. 

Even the price of everyday coffee has risen, as Korea relies on imported beans and global brands adjusted their prices upward.

Small businesses are feeling similar pressure. 

Hardware stores and construction-related shops report that basic materials such as copper, tin, and other metals are now significantly more expensive. 

These increases stem from the soaring import cost of raw materials, which eventually flows into construction and interior renovation prices.

The burden extends beyond Korea’s borders as well. Korean students studying abroad, particularly in the United States, say that daily expenses, restaurant bills, and tipping culture have become much more difficult to manage as the strong dollar amplifies every cost. 

Statistics show that the total amount of money spent on overseas education has risen sharply, and when converted to Korean won, the financial impact feels even more dramatic. 

Simple calculations suggest that the effective cost of studying abroad has increased by more than 70 percent solely due to exchange rate changes.

Overall, the high exchange rate is reshaping financial habits across the country. 

Consumers are cutting back on spending, companies are reevaluating strategies, and families are searching for ways to reduce everyday expenses. 

Many experts warn that unless the exchange rate stabilizes, Korea may enter a prolonged period in which high prices become the new normal.

실전 문제들

✅ TOEIC Questions (2)

TOEIC 1 — Reading (Multiple Choice)

According to the passage, what is one major reason fuel prices have risen in Korea?
(A) Increased demand for domestic travel
(B) Reduced production of diesel within Korea
(C) The weakening value of the Korean won
(D) Government subsidies on gasoline purchases

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TOEIC 2 — Reading (Inference)

What can be inferred about Korean drivers based on the passage?
(A) They have stopped using their cars due to extreme fuel shortages.
(B) They are traveling farther distances to find more affordable fuel.
(C) They now prefer imported gasoline over domestic gasoline.
(D) They believe fuel prices will return to normal soon.

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✅ IELTS Questions (2)

IELTS 1 — Reading (Short Answer)

According to the passage, what food item have many Korean households turned to as a cheaper alternative to beef?

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IELTS 2 — Reading (True/False/Not Given)

The passage states that construction materials have become cheaper due to reduced demand.

• True

• False

• Not Given

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✅ TOEFL Questions (2)

TOEFL 1 — Reading (Multiple Choice)

What is the author’s primary purpose in this passage?
(A) To argue that Korea should ban imported goods
(B) To explain how high exchange rates affect various aspects of daily life
(C) To compare Korea’s economy with that of the United States
(D) To highlight the benefits of rising fuel prices

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TOEFL 2 — Reading (Paragraph Insert)

Where would the following sentence best fit in the passage?

“This shift has made studying abroad significantly more challenging for Korean families.”

Possible placement:
(A) Before the sentence “The burden extends beyond Korea’s borders as well.”
(B) After the sentence “Korean students studying abroad, particularly in the United States, say that daily expenses….”
(C) After the sentence “Statistics show that the total amount of money spent on overseas education has risen sharply…”
(D) After the sentence “Overall, the high exchange rate is reshaping financial habits across the country.”

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마무리글

고환율 시대는 단기간에 끝나지 않을 가능성이 높기 때문에, 변화된 경제 환경을 정확히 이해하는 것이 무엇보다 중요합니다. 

기름값부터 식재료, 커피, 원자재, 해외 소비까지 이어지는 연쇄적 변화를 파악하면 앞으로의 지출 전략을 세우는 데 큰 도움이 됩니다.