Did you know that using Korean proverbs (속담) can instantly improve your fluency and boost your TOPIK score? 📚✨

In today’s episode of TOPIK & Beyond, we’re diving into essential Korean proverbs that will help you sound more natural in conversations, strengthen your writing skills, and prepare for TOPIK.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to:
 ✅ Recognize common proverbs in daily conversations & K-dramas 🎬
 ✅ Use 5 must-know proverbs in real-life situations & writing ✍️
 ✅ Understand how proverbs appear in the TOPIK Reading & Listening sections 📖🎧
 ✅ Use a proverb to enhance your essay writing for higher scores ✨

Whether you’re studying for TOPIK or just want to sound more fluent and natural in Korean, these proverbs will take your Korean to the next level! 🚀

📝 TOPIK Focus – How Proverbs Appear in the Exam:

🎯 Reading Section: Learn how to identify the correct proverb in inference-based multiple-choice questions.
🎯 Listening Section: Discover how proverbs appear in dialogues where speakers give advice or encouragement.
🎯 Writing Section: Learn how to use proverbs effectively in essay responses for a more polished and natural answer.

✍️ Your Challenge: Try using one of today’s proverbs in a short paragraph!
 📸 Share it on Instagram and tag @korean.joaacademy with #topikandbeyond, or DM me for feedback!

📩 Need help choosing the best proverbs for your level? Want to improve your TOPIK score? Let’s study together!

⭐ Loved this episode? Leave a review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
 Your support helps more Korean learners find this podcast and improve their skills! 💜

Did you know that in Korea, Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples—and that March 14th, White Day, is just as important? But that’s not all! Korea also has a special relationship-themed holiday on the 14th of every month, including Black Day for singles, Kiss Day, and even Hug Day! 🤗

By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to talk about dating, romance, and celebrations in Korean—and even impress your Korean friends with what you know! 💕

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ White Day traditions in Korea & how couples celebrate
 ✅ The meaning behind Korea’s 14th-day holidays (like Black Day & Kiss Day!)
 ✅ Essential dating vocabulary & romantic expressions in Korean
 ✅ Listening practice with real-life dating conversations
 ✅ TOPIK listening strategies for recognizing relationship-related dialogues

📝 TOPIK Focus – Listening Practice:

💡 Listening Challenge: Test your skills with two short dating-related dialogues and try to catch the key details!
 💡 Study Tips: Learn how to recognize relationship vocabulary & speaker intent in the TOPIK listening section.

💌 Today’s Challenge:

• What’s your ideal White Day gift or celebration? 🎁
• Or, if you're single, what’s your go-to Black Day 짜장면 order? 🍜

📸 Share your answers on Instagram! Tag @korean.joaacademy and use #topikandbeyond.

📩 Want to Learn Korean with Me?

Need help improving your Korean? Book a lesson with me! 🎉
 📩 Email me at [email protected]
📩 Or DM me on Instagram @korean.joaacademy

⭐ Love the Podcast? Leave a Review!

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
 Your support helps more Korean learners find this podcast and stay motivated on their journey. 💙

Choosing the right sentence ending in Korean can make all the difference in how polite, natural, or expressive you sound! In this episode, we’ll break down some of the most commonly used sentence endings, explain their meanings, and show you how they appear in the TOPIK II exam.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly when to use endings like -거든요, -잖아요, -네요, and -지 to sound more fluent and confident in Korean! 🇰🇷✨

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How different sentence endings change the meaning of a sentence
✅ When to use -요 vs. -습니다 (politeness levels)
✅ How to use -거든요 (giving background info) & -잖아요 (reminding someone)
✅ Expressing impressions with -네요 & seeking agreement with -지
✅ How these endings appear in the TOPIK reading, writing, and listening sections
✅ Tips for using the right sentence endings in your own writing and conversations

📝 TOPIK Focus:

💡 Reading Section: Recognizing sentence endings in multiple-choice questions
💡 Writing Section: Using the correct ending to match tone and intent
💡 Listening Section: Understanding speaker intention based on sentence endings

📌 Your Challenge: Write a sentence using one of today’s sentence endings and post it on Instagram!
📸 Tag @korean.joaacademy and use #topikandbeyond so I can see your examples and give feedback!

⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or review! Your support helps more Korean learners discover this podcast. 💜

📣 Follow & Connect:

📍 Instagram: @korean.joaacademy
📍 Website: www.joaacademy.com
📍 Hashtag: #topikandbeyond

감사합니다, 여러분! See you in the next episode! 😊

Welcome back to TOPIK & Beyond! In today’s full Korean episode, we reflect on two important events in Korean history: the 2.28 Student Democratic Movement and the March 1st Independence Movement. These events shaped Korea’s fight for democracy and independence and teach us valuable lessons about strategy, unity, and persistence—qualities that are crucial not just in history but also when preparing for the TOPIK II exam!

But first, I’m excited to announce my free webinar on March 3rd! If you’re preparing for TOPIK II, this webinar will help you study smarter with:
✅ A 3-step study plan for listening, reading, and writing
✅ Tips on avoiding common pitfalls
✅ Time management strategies to stay calm and finish strong

📅 Sign up by clicking here

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Korean History Overview (in Korean):
    
   • 2.28 Student Democratic Movement (1960): High school students in Daegu protested against unfair politics and demanded democracy, sparking nationwide change.
2.  
   • March 1st Movement (1919): Koreans organized a nonviolent demonstration to demand independence from Japanese rule.
3.  
4. Related Vocabulary:
   Words from today’s history lesson that will also help with TOPIK II reading and writing:
    
   • 민주 (democracy), 부당 (unfair), 정치 (politics), 정의 (justice), 혁명 (revolution), 독립 (independence), 비폭력 (nonviolence), 전략 (strategy), 끈기 (persistence), and more.
5.  
   • Example sentences from the history segment with clear explanations.
6.  
7. TOPIK Focus:
    
   • Learn how to write a strong TOPIK II essay on historical or social events by following this structure:
      
     1. Introduction – Provide background information.
   •  
     1. Main Content – Explain the event in detail with key outcomes.
   •  
     1. Conclusion – Summarize its significance and reflect on its lessons.
   •  
8. 
   
   • Tips on using transition words and organizing your thoughts for higher scores!
9.  

 📅 Join the free webinar on March 3rd and learn TOPIK II strategies: Click here to register

📸 Practice today's grammar and vocabulary! Share your sentences on Instagram and tag @korean.joaacademy with #topikandbeyond.

💬 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review or rating on your favorite podcast platform—it helps other learners discover the show!

Thanks for listening, and see you in the next episode! 😊

Particles are small, but they’re powerful in Korean! In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, we’re diving into three commonly confused particles: -도 (also), -만 (only), and -밖에 (nothing but). These particles can make or break your sentences, so mastering them is key to sounding fluent and scoring higher on the TOPIK exam.

You’ll learn how to use each particle correctly, avoid common mistakes, and create precise, natural sentences. Plus, we’ll practice with examples and even tackle a TOPIK-style writing prompt!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Overview:
    
   • Why particles like -도, -만, and -밖에 are essential for fluency and comprehension.
2.  
   • Common mistakes that learners make when using these particles and how to fix them.
3.  
4. Particle Breakdown:
    
   • -도 (also, too)
5.  
   • -만 (only)
6.  
   • -밖에 (nothing but)
7.  
8. Grammar Spotlight:
    
   • How to correctly use -밖에 + negative verb for expressing limitations.
9.  
10. TOPIK Focus:
     
    • How to recognize and use particles correctly in the reading and writing sections of TOPIK II.
11.  
    • Practice writing with the prompt
12.  

📸 Practice Makes Perfect!
Write your own sentences using -도, -만, and -밖에, and share them with me on Instagram!
Tag @korean.joaacademy and use #topikandbeyond.

💬 Loved the episode?
Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode with a fellow Korean learner!

Let’s master these particles and take your Korean to the next level! 😊

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! 💖 In this special episode of TOPIK & Beyond, we’re spreading the love—Korean style! Today, I’ll introduce you to my TOPIK II Mastery Program, the program I created with love and care to help learners like you succeed on the TOPIK II exam.

Whether you struggle with writing, reading, listening, or even speaking, this program provides a well-rounded approach to mastering each section with personalized guidance, practical exercises, and step-by-step feedback. And because it’s Valentine’s week, there’s something special for you—a 10% discount on pre-registration! Don’t miss this chance to take your learning to the next level.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Valentine’s Spirit and Love for Teaching:
    
   • Why love, care, and motivation are at the heart of how I teach Korean.
2.  
   • How the TOPIK II Mastery Program is designed to give you personalized support and practical skills.
3.  
4. Pre-Registration Benefits:
    
   • Get 10% off if you pre-register now during our Valentine’s special!
5.  
6. Program Highlights:
    
   • Writing Section: Learn how to structure essays, connect ideas with grammar like -(으)니까, and get personalized feedback on your essays.
7.  
   • Reading Section: Practice comprehension strategies and vocabulary building to read faster and understand longer passages.
8.  
   • Listening Section: Improve active listening, identify key information, and work on shadowing practice for fluency.
9.  
   • Speaking Section: Build confidence and practice real-life scenarios to improve both expression and comprehension.
10.  
11. Grammar Spotlight:
     
    • Learn how to use -(으)니까 to give reasons and explanations—perfect for writing essays or making everyday conversation sound more natural.
12.  
    • Example: 지금 등록하면 할인받을 수 있으니까 놓치지 마세요! (If you register now, you can get a discount, so don’t miss out!
13.  

📸 Share the Love!
Tell me what excites you about the TOPIK II Mastery Program or your TOPIK goals for 2025! Post on Instagram and tag @korean.joaacademy with #topikandbeyond.

🔗 Ready to pre-register and get 10% off? Visit HERE and join us before the special offer ends!

If you enjoyed this episode:
💬 Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps other Korean learners find us.
📢 Share this episode with a friend or study partner who’s preparing for TOPIK.

Let’s grow together, and remember: every small step counts. Happy Valentine’s Day! 💖

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! 😊

새해 복 많이 받으세요! (Happy New Year!) In this full-Korean episode of TOPIK & Beyond, we celebrate the Lunar New Year by diving into the fascinating world of Korean idioms and proverbs. Learn how these expressions enrich your understanding of the Korean language and culture, and discover some meaningful idioms perfect for starting the new year with motivation and positivity.

From the origins of idioms to their practical use in daily life, this episode is packed with insights for intermediate Korean learners. And don’t miss our grammar breakdown and a sneak peek at how to use idioms in TOPIK writing questions.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

1. The Origins of Korean Idioms and Proverbs
    
   • How idioms reflect Korean culture and history.
2.  
   • Why idioms are key to enhancing your fluency and cultural understanding.
3.  
4. Lunar New Year Vocabulary and Idioms
    
   • Essential terms like 설날 (Lunar New Year), 세배 (New Year’s bow), and 복 (blessing).
5.  
   • Inspiring idioms such as:
      
     • 고생 끝에 낙이 온다 (Joy comes after hardship).
   •  
     • 시작이 반이다 (Starting is half the battle).
   •  
     • 작은 고추가 더 맵다 (Small peppers are spicy).
   •  
6. 
   
7. Grammar Breakdown: Understanding Idioms
    
   • How to analyze idiomatic expressions like 고생 끝에 낙이 온다 for better comprehension and usage.
8.  
9. TOPIK Focus:
    
   • Example TOPIK writing question featuring idioms.
10.  
    • Tips for connecting idioms to personal experiences in essays.
11.  

What’s your favorite Korean idiom or proverb? Share it on Instagram and let us know how it inspires your language journey! 📸 Tag us at @korean.joaacademy and use #topikandbeyond.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to:

1. Rate and review the podcast on your favorite platform—it helps us reach more learners like you!
2. Share this episode with friends studying Korean.

Follow Us:
Stay connected for more tips, insights, and inspiration:

• Instagram: @korean.joaacademy
• Hashtag: #topikandbeyond

새해에도 좋은 일만 가득하시길 바랍니다! (Wishing you a year full of good fortune!)

Does the listening section of the TOPIK exam make you nervous? You’re not alone! In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, Eliza breaks down the essentials to help you approach the listening section with confidence and clarity.

From the evolution of listening tests in language learning to the importance of listening for fluency, you’ll gain valuable insights to sharpen your skills. Plus, we’ll explore key vocabulary, grammar tips on 은/는 and 이/가, and even tackle a beginner-friendly practice question.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

1. The Importance of Listening in Korean Fluency
    
   • The history and purpose of listening tests in language exams.
2.  
   • Why improving your listening skills is essential for real-life communication in Korean.
3.  
4. Study-Related Vocabulary and Grammar
    
   • Must-know listening-related terms like 듣다 (to listen), 집중 (focus), and 음성 (audio).
5.  
   • Grammar spotlight: Understanding 은/는 and 이/가 to grasp the context in spoken Korean.
6.  
7. TOPIK Focus: Beginner Listening Practice
    
   • A sample TOPIK I listening question and how to break it down.
8.  
   • Strategies for identifying key words and context in listening comprehension.
9.  
10. Next Week’s Teaser
     
    • Eliza reveals that the next episode will be entirely in Korean—perfect for sharpening your listening skills further!
11.  

Enjoyed this episode? Here’s how you can support and engage with the show:

1. Rate and review the podcast on your favorite platform to help other Korean learners find it.
2. Share this episode with friends who are preparing for the TOPIK exam or want to improve their Korean listening skills.
3. Join the conversation! Complete a short listening practice this week, and share your experience or study setup on Instagram. Tag @korean.joaacademy and use the hashtag #topikandbeyond—I’d love to cheer you on!

Follow Us:
Stay connected for more tips and inspiration:

• Instagram: @korean.joaacademy
• Hashtag: #topikandbeyond

Struggling to stay consistent in your Korean language studies? In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, Eliza shares practical strategies to help beginner learners overcome common challenges and build effective study habits. Learn how the brilliance of 한글 (Hangul) makes learning Korean more accessible and discover essential study-related vocabulary, grammar, and tips for mastering TOPIK II.

Whether you’re just starting your Korean journey or preparing to tackle the next level of the TOPIK exam, this episode will give you the tools and inspiration to succeed.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

1. Overcoming Beginner Challenges
    
   • The story of how 한글 transformed literacy in Korea and simplified language learning for all.
2.  
3. Study-Related Vocabulary and Grammar
    
   • Key terms like 공부하다 (to study), 복습 (review), and 효율적 (efficient).
4.  
   • Grammar spotlight: Using -(으)면 좋겠다 to express hopes and wishes.
5.  
6. TOPIK II Focus
    
   • An overview of the TOPIK II structure, including listening, reading, and writing sections.
7.  
   • Actionable tips for transitioning from TOPIK I to TOPIK II with confidence.
8.  
   • How to tackle essay writing and advanced vocabulary for higher scores.
9.  
10. Free Resource Alert!
     
    • Don’t miss Eliza’s free guide: Essential TOPIK Vocabulary to help you bridge the gap between TOPIK I and TOPIK II. Download the guide to level up your preparation.
11.  

📥 Download the guide here: Free TOPIK Vocabulary Guide

What does your study setup look like? Share a photo of your workspace or favorite study spot on Instagram and tag @korean.joaacademy with the hashtag #topikandbeyond. Let’s inspire and motivate each other to create the perfect environment for Korean learning success!

Follow Us:
Stay connected and get updates on upcoming episodes:

• Instagram: @korean.joaacademy
• Hashtag: #topikandbeyond

Join the Conversation:
Have questions about preparing for TOPIK II? Drop your thoughts in the comments or send a message. I’d love to hear from you and support your journey to mastering Korean!