TOPIK & Beyond

#65: Why Speaking Korean Feels So Mentally Exhausting (And What to Do Instead)


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Do you feel mentally exhausted when you try to speak Korean?
Does your mind go blank, feel crowded, or shut down even though you’ve studied?


In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, Eliza explains why speaking Korean feels so mentally draining — and why this has nothing to do with your intelligence, effort, or motivation.


Instead of focusing on grammar or vocabulary, this episode looks at what’s happening inside your brain when you speak Korean, and how pressure, perfectionism, and overthinking create mental overload.


You’ll also learn simple, practical shifts that help you speak Korean more calmly and naturally — without “losing your mind.”


In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

  • Why speaking Korean feels harder than studying Korean
  • What learners mean when they say:
    • 생각이 많아요 (I have too many thoughts)
    • 머리가 복잡해요 (My head feels complicated)
    • 말이 안 나와요 (Words don’t come out)
  • Why mental overload blocks speech
  • How perfectionism makes speaking more difficult
  • Why slowing down actually improves fluency
  • How to reduce pressure and speak more naturally

This episode is especially helpful for learners who feel anxious, tense, or mentally tired when speaking Korean.


🎓 Free Webinar Mentioned in This Episode

Eliza also mentions her upcoming free webinar:
Speaking Korean Without Losing Your Mind

In the webinar, she’ll explain:

  • why your mind freezes when you speak
  • how to reduce mental pressure
  • how to speak Korean more naturally and calmly

You can register here: https://joaacademy.easywebinar.live/speak-korean-without-losing-your-mind 

If This Episode Helped You

  • Share it with a friend who feels nervous speaking Korean
  • Save it for days when speaking feels overwhelming
  • Subscribe to TOPIK & Beyond so you don’t miss future episodes

Your support helps more Korean learners find calm, realistic guidance.

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TOPIK & BeyondBy Eliza Wang