I had my students choose English names in winter camp.  I don't see why people are anti-English names. We used Spanish names in High School, and everyone liked it. My kids didn't mind at all. They liked that they got to pick their own names. I think it's ok whether you want to  use their Korean names or have them choose English names.

Personally I hated using Spanish names in high school.  I never responded well to being called Maria all semester because my name is not in fact Maria. 
Some students like English names and some don't.  I just try to call the students whatever name they tell me, if it's English fine, if it's Korean also fine.  However, I think that students respond much better (and quicker) when you call on them using their real name rather than an English name. 

The idea of English names, to me, seems too similar to the forced taking of Japanese names during the colonization period. But yes some kids do like English names so up to the teacher.

Just to give everyone a head's up...had kids make namecards with their Korean names and of my 280 students, about 5 asked me if they could use their English name.  One begged to be Abraham Lincoln and actually started quoting the Gettysburg Address.  I think everyone was right about the kids using their names.  Thanks again for the input. 

At the beginning of class I had all the students introduce themselves and if they used an English name I wrote it down next to their Korean one on my seating chart. A lot of my students go to hagwons so it seems like they're used to using English names in English class but I prefer using their Korean names (especially if they're misbehaving) because they actually respond when I do. I find they're more likely to ignore me if I use their English names...

Why the hell is there even a debate here? This is the one opportunity you have in life to play god with hundreds of children. Give them all names and address them accordingly. I have three or four Bobs, a few Joes, yes, because that well does not run eternal. But theres also a Boba Fett, one kid is named Vonnegut. You complete artistic license. Use it.

I have a few students that want to use English names, but to force one on a student seems slightly off to me.  I'd recommend using name cards that they carry with them- maybe in the textbooks.  It can be a fun initial project to make them too.

The idea of English names, to me, seems too similar to the forced taking of Japanese names during the colonization period. But yes some kids do like English names so up to the teacher.

I agree and it is that exact reason why I do not give my students English name. I dont introduce the concept. I think many of them have gotten accustomed to NT having them do this. I tell them, no not this year. I instead have them write their names in hangul and alphabet. They put them on the desk and when I need to call them, I read the name. Most students, I have memorized their names, the more quiet ones, I usually have to look at their card.

I once had an NT tell me she choose to bring up giving her students English names because the pronouciation was easier. Rubbish! You are in Korea, learn the names and yes some of the phonetic sounds are difficult  but it gets easier. I feel to impose names on students that are mostly uninterested in learning another language, will cause them to become less interested. It sends the message, you are speaking English, now you must change your identity as well.

Thats my take on it. During camp at a new school, a teacher insisted that the students have names. One little boy began crying because he didnt want to change his name. During the entirety of the camp, he was withdrawn. However I have some students that insist on using an English name, they seem to be upset when they cant be called by it. I wont do it inside the classroom but during lunch i will refer to them by their chosen name.  They are happy with the compromise. I also explain to them why I feel its un-unnecessary to have it.

I've also had this conversation with adult Koreans that have changed their name because their foreign friends due to pressure or being told its too difficult, I will call you..... What message is this sending?

I learned Hangul before I came and it was useful right away because I'm a solo teacher and had to read the roll sheets. If  I hadn't read the roll sheets everyday for every class I certainly wouldn't have learned their names, I would have had to use nametags which are a huge distraction. It took me a really long time to memorize their names but I know them all now(roughly 200) and use them a lot. At first I didn't have the confidence to use their names in class but it's pretty effective.

Because of this having English names was kind of pointless and didn't even occur to me at first. Now some of them have told me their English names and I can see that that could be a problem. I have several Amys. I'd rather use their real names because for administrative purposes it's important. I make the roll sheets, do all the testing and records and evaluations etc. If you are just an assistant teacher and have large classes you don't see often I wouldn't try to memorize everyones names, English or not. Just ask the names of the kids that talk to you a lot and you can learn their names.

Most students don't really take the English names seriously so I don't either.

I have given my students names before and sometimes they stick, sometimes they dont. The students who have English names that I use, I have a special bond with them so they will automatically answer regardless if I call them by their English name or Korean one.

I always try to learn their Korean names, too. I think it's important.

There are two students who I have called "Bean" and "Cappuccino" since Grade 1 (they are in Grade 3 middle school now) and actually respond automatically if i call them that. They even sign their name with that nickname on all their tests and worksheets I give them. It's quite funny.

I would be in the 'don't rename them' camp. That said a couple of my students like using English names, but the others prefer Korean.

Also it's important to learn the correct pronunciation of their names. You don't want to be calling 김청일 김정일 by mistake!