Authentic Korean

Authentic Korean

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Authentic Korean episodes

  • S1E27 Korean Listening Practice (TOPIK 2–3) | Winter Night (韓国의 厄払い「エクテム」の意味)

    🎬 Study this episode with Korean subtitles on YouTube:

    https://youtu.be/bq_0MPi05PY

    🌍 Multilingual subtitles available (EN / JP / FR and more)

    In this final episode of the day, Yuka finishes her delicious homemade Japchae and insists on doing the dishes. However, a small accident happens in the kitchen:

    • Gratitude in Action: Yuka expresses her thanks by taking over the dishwashing duty, showing the polite Korean way of sharing house chores.

    • The Kitchen Accident: While washing up, Yuka accidentally breaks a plate. Feeling terribly sorry, she learns about the kindness of her host.

    • Warm Comfort: Instead of being upset, Ajumeoni cares more about Yuka’s safety, teaching her that "people come first."

    • Korean Wisdom 'Aektaem': Learning the unique Korean expression 'Aektaem'—the belief that a small misfortune can ward off greater bad luck for the year.

    This episode is perfect for practicing apologies and reassurance, as well as understanding Korean emotional expressions (-다친 데는 없어?, -했다고 치자). It’s a touching lesson for TOPIK 2–3 learners on how to handle mistakes and use comforting phrases in Korean.

    2 min
  • ​S1E26 Korean Listening Practice (TOPIK 2–3) | Cooking Japchae (チャプチェの作り方のコツ)

    🎬 Study this episode with Korean subtitles on YouTube:

    https://youtu.be/bq_0MPi05PY🌍 Multilingual subtitles available (EN / JP / FR and more)

    After a long day of New Year’s cleaning, Ajumeoni rewards Yuka by teaching her how to cook 'Japchae'. Yuka rolls up her sleeves and dives into the world of Korean home cooking:

    • Prep Work: Learning the importance of knife skills—slicing carrots and onions thinly while being careful not to cut her fingers.

    • The Secret of Noodles: Discovering 'Dangmyeon' (glass noodles) and the technique of soaking them before stir-frying to get the perfect texture.

    • Texture Matters: Understanding why each vegetable should be stir-fried separately—a lot of work, but essential for the best 'Sikgam' (mouthfeel)!

    • The Final Touch: Balancing the flavors with soy sauce and sugar, and finishing it off with the fragrant aroma of sesame oil.

    This episode is perfect for practicing cooking-related verbs (썰다, 볶다, 불리다) and sequential instructions (-고 나서, -기 전에). It’s a must-watch for TOPIK 2–3 learners who want to talk about recipes and cooking processes in Korean.

    2 min
  • ​S1E25 Korean Listening Practice (TOPIK 2–3) | Cleaning (大掃除と懐かしい思い出)

    🎬 Study this episode with Korean subtitles on YouTube:

    https://youtu.be/bq_0MPi05PY🌍 Multilingual subtitles available (EN / JP / FR and more)


    In this episode, Yuka helps with New Year’s cleaning and discovers a dusty old photo album. As she flips through the pages with 'Ajumeoni', they share stories from the past:

    • Childhood Photos: Seeing Sejun and Yeona as children—from Sejun’s mischievous bike-riding days to Yeona’s adorable house-playing memories.

    • Wedding Memories: Hearing the touching story behind Ajumeoni’s wedding day, where even the rain couldn't dampen the blessings for a happy marriage.

    • A Special Friend: Meeting 'Nureongi', the clever family dog who was Sejun’s loyal companion many years ago.

    • The Beauty of Print: Reflecting on how looking at physical photo albums feels different and more nostalgic than digital pictures in our modern world.

    This episode is excellent for practicing descriptive modifiers (-고 있는, -던) and learning how to reminisce about the past (-었을 적, -던지) in Korean. Perfect for TOPIK 2–3 learners who want to improve their ability to describe people and past events naturally.

    2 min
  • S1E24 Korean Listening Practice (TOPIK 2–3) | New Year (韓国の正月料理と日の出)

    🎬 Study this episode with Korean subtitles on YouTube:

    https://youtu.be/bq_0MPi05PY

    🌍 Multilingual subtitles available (EN / JP / FR and more)


    In this episode, Yuka experiences the warm traditions of a Korean New Year. She shares her first Seollal (Lunar New Year) memories:

    • Culinary Discovery: Tasting 'Tteokguk' for the first time and learning the meaning behind sliced 'Garae-tteok'—wishing for a long, healthy life.

    • New Year's Sunrise: Braving the freezing cold to watch the first sunrise of the year and feeling hopeful for the months ahead.

    • Heartfelt Wishes: Sharing New Year's resolutions with friends—from Yuka's goal of improving her Korean to Seho’s determination to start a diet.

    • Cultural Nuance: Understanding the playful Korean saying that you only "grow one year older" after finishing a bowl of Tteokguk.

    This dialogue-based episode is perfect for practicing future plans (-기로 하다), cultural vocabulary, and conversational structures used among friends and elders. Ideal for TOPIK 2–3 learners who want to naturally learn about Korean seasonal customs and daily life expressions.

    3 min
  • ​S1E23 Korean Listening Practice (TOPIK 2–3) | Yuka’s Diary (韓国語で日記:心温まる冬)

    🎬 Study this episode with Korean subtitles on YouTube:https://youtu.be/5JOkR09eyVI

    🌍 Multilingual subtitles available (EN / JP / FR and more)


    In this episode, Yuka reflects on her eventful days in Korea through her personal diary.She talks about:

    •Proud Moments: Being mistaken for a local and helping someone find their way to Seoul Station.

    • Social Life: Recapping her first 'Somaek' experience with new friends, Seho and Hyeonju.
    • Delicious Memories: Finally tasting 'Dak-hanmari' after only seeing it on YouTube.
    • A Special Birthday: Celebrating her 20th birthday with a warm bowl of 'Miyeok-guk' (Seaweed soup).
    • Mixed Emotions: Feeling proud, joyful, and grateful for her life in Korea.


    This diary-style episode is perfect for practicing past tense expressions and descriptive adjectives in a natural context.Perfect for TOPIK 2–3 learners who want to improve their storytelling and reflection skills in Korean.

    2 min
  • ​S1E22 Korean Listening Practice (TOPIK 2–3) | Birthdays (韓国の誕生日とわかめスープ)

    🎬 Study this episode with Korean subtitles on YouTube:https://youtu.be/5JOkR09eyVI

    🌍 Multilingual subtitles available (EN / JP / FR and more)


    In this episode, Yuka celebrates her first birthday in Korea and learns about local traditions.She talks about:

    • Birthday Food: Trying 'Miyeok-guk' (Seaweed soup) and learning why Koreans eat it on their birthdays.

    • Mother's Love: The touching meaning behind the soup—remembering one's mother after childbirth.

    • Age Gap: Understanding the difference between 'International age' and 'Korean age' (20 vs. 21).

    • Counting Age: Learning how to say "Seu-mu-sal" (20 years old) correctly.

    • Birthday Gifts: Receiving a warm gift (gloves) from a friend.

    This episode is perfect for understanding the emotional and cultural side of Korean birthdays.Perfect for TOPIK 2–3 learners who want to deepen their cultural knowledge while practicing natural conversation.

    2 min
  • S1E21 Korean Listening Practice (TOPIK 2–3) | Making Friends (友達作りとソメク体験)

    🎬 Study this episode with Korean subtitles on YouTube:https://youtu.be/5JOkR09eyVI

    🌍 Multilingual subtitles available (EN / JP / FR and more)

    In this episode, Yuka meets her friends' boyfriend and best friend, and experiences a typical Korean dinner outing.She talks about:

    • Korean Slang: Learning abbreviations like 'Namchin' (boyfriend) and 'Jeolchin' (best friend)

    • Making Friends: Meeting same-age friends and deciding to speak casually ('Mal-nwa')

    • Ordering Food: Ordering 'Dak-hanmari' with Kalguksu noodles and drinks

    • Dining Culture: Learning about 'Self-bars' for side dishes and the famous 'Somaek' (Soju + Beer)

    • Toast for Success: Celebrating Yuka’s life in Korea with a heartfelt 'Geonbae!' (Cheers!)

    This episode is packed with essential social vocabulary and insights into Korea's vibrant food and drink culture.Perfect for TOPIK 2–3 learners who want to sound more like a local!

    3 min
  • S1E20 Korean Listening Practice (TOPIK 2–3) | Subway (地下鉄の乗り方と道案内)

    🎬 Study this episode with Korean subtitles on YouTube:https://youtu.be/5JOkR09eyVI

    🌍 Multilingual subtitles available (EN / JP / FR and more)

    In this episode, Yuka navigates the busy streets and subway stations of Seoul.She talks about:

    • Checking directions: Confirming the right way to Hongdae

    • Taking the subway: Learning about the "opposite direction" (반대 방향)

    • Asking for help: Helping someone find their way to Seoul Station

    • Transferring lines: Navigating complex stations like Dongdaemun History & Culture Park

    • Using useful phrases: Expressions like "~할 뻔했네" (almost did something)

    This episode focuses on the practical language needed for public transportation in Korea.Perfect for TOPIK 2–3 learners who want to master real-world navigation and subway-related vocabulary.

    2 min
  • ​S1E19 Korean Listening Practice (TOPIK 2–3) | Shopping (韓国語で買い物と約束)

    🎬 Study this episode with Korean subtitles on YouTube:https://youtu.be/5JOkR09eyVI


    🌍 Multilingual subtitles available (EN / JP / FR and more)

    In this episode, Yuka goes shopping for shoes and makes plans for the evening.She talks about:

    • Trying on shoes: Asking for a different size and color

    • Getting a discount: Learning about year-end sales and cash discounts

    • Making a purchase: Choosing the perfect pair of boots

    • Meeting friends: Planning a get-together in Hongdae at 7 PM

    • Sharing location: How to confirm the meeting spot with friends

    This dialogue-based episode helps learners practice essential shopping expressions and natural ways to make appointments in Korean.Perfect for TOPIK 2–3 learners who want to improve their practical Korean speaking and listening skills.

    2 min
  • ​S1E18 Korean Listening Practice (A2–B1) | A Busy Winter Day (韓国의 忙しい冬の一日)

    🎬 Study this episode with Korean subtitles on YouTube:


    https://youtu.be/2yMzrwj6G6o


    🌍 Multilingual subtitles available (EN / JP / FR and more)


    In this episode, Yuka reflects on her day.

    She talks about:

    • Feeling nervous about her level test

    • Visiting a Korean convenience store

    • Taking a crowded bus

    • A small misunderstanding at school

    • Meeting a new friend from France

    This summary-style diary helps learners practice past tense expressions naturally.

    Perfect for A2–B1 learners who want to improve Korean listening through storytelling.


    2 min

About Authentic Korean

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Authentic Korean is a Korean learning podcast by Jina, a Korean language teacher living in Paris.