Ever come across a Korean word that just doesn’t translate neatly into English? Words like 정 (jeong) or 눈치 (nunchi) carry meanings so deep that a simple translation doesn’t do them justice. In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, we explore some of these “untranslatable” words and uncover what they reveal about Korean society.

You’ll learn:

• The cultural significance of words like 정, 한, and 눈치.
• How understanding these expressions can give you an edge on the TOPIK exam, especially in the reading and writing sections.
• Practical tips for using cultural knowledge to make your TOPIK II essays more thoughtful and nuanced.

Whether you’re studying for TOPIK or just curious about Korean culture, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How Language and Culture Are Connected
    
   • Why some Korean words are considered “untranslatable” and what that reveals about Korean society.
2.  
   • Eliza’s personal experience learning cultural expressions and how they deepened her understanding of Korean life.
3.  
4. Vocabulary Spotlight:
    
   • 정 (jeong)
5.  
   • 한 (han)
6.  
   • 눈치 (nunchi)
7.  
   • 시원섭섭하다 (siwon-seopseop-hada)
8.  
   • 답답하다 (dapdap-hada)
9.  
   • 어이없다 (eo-i-eopda)
10.  
    • 얼큰하다 (eolkeun-hada)
11.  
    • 치사하다 (chisa-hada)
12.  
13. Grammar Spotlight: Using -(으)며
     
    • Learn how to connect ideas using -(으)며 to make your explanations smoother and more natural, especially in writing tasks.
14.  
15. TOPIK Focus:
     
    • How cultural expressions like 정 and 눈치 can appear in reading or writing prompts.
16.  
    • Practice with a sample essay prompt:
      "Choose one Korean cultural concept and explain how it reflects Korean society."
17.  
    • Tips for integrating cultural knowledge to create more thoughtful and impactful responses on the TOPIK exam.
18.  

What’s your favorite Korean cultural word or untranslatable expression? Share it on Instagram! 📸 Tag @korean.joaacademy and use #topikandbeyond, and I might share your post!

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d be so grateful if you could:
💬 Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
📢 Share this episode with a friend who’s learning Korean.
👂 Comment on Instagram and let me know how you’re using these expressions in your studies.

Your support helps me continue creating content to guide you on your Korean learning journey. 감사합니다! 😊