Slow Korean - podcast cover

Slow Korean

Kim Explains Koreanpodcasters.spotify.com
Stay current, improve Korean faster! Welcome to Slow Korean – the podcast made just for Korean learners (Intermediate Level)! We cover the hottest topics and must-know essentials to help you level up your Korean skills. Each episode is spoken at a slightly slower pace, giving you the perfect opportunity to sharpen your listening. Plus, with PDF transcripts available, you’ll improve not only your listening but also your reading, vocabulary, grammar, and cultural knowledge. This is exactly what you’ve been looking for to take your Korean to the next level!

Episodes

밸런타인데이

김선생님은 밸런타인데이의 유래와 한국만의 독특한 밸런타인데이 문화를 소개합니다. 밸런타인데이의 기원과 한국에서 여자가 남자에게 초콜릿을 주는 문화가 어떻게 시작되었는지 설명하고, 본인의 밸런타인데이 계획을 공유합니다.

Feb 13, 20255 minSeason 1Ep. 11

혼밥, 혼술, 혼행

Why have terms like ‘혼밥’ (eating alone), ‘혼술’ (drinking alone), and ‘혼행’ (traveling alone) become so common in Korea? In this episode, we dive into the background of these trends and explore the appeal of doing things solo in a rapidly changing society. Want to take your Korean learning further? Free Download: Transcript & Fill-in-the-blank worksheet https://buymeacoffee.com/kimexplainskorean/e/363111 You can also watch this episode (transcript along) on my YouTube. https://youtu.be/_iPIpL7j...

Jan 23, 20255 minSeason 1Ep. 10

오징어 게임

Squid Game: Nostalgia, Survival, and Global Phenomenon In this episode, we dive into the captivating world of Squid Game —why it became a global sensation, the nostalgic childhood games that made it so special for Koreans. Tune in for cultural insights! Want to take your Korean learning further? Free Download: transcript & fill-in-the-blank worksheet https://buymeacoffee.com/kimexplainskorean/e/355998 You can also watch this episode (transcript along) on my YouTube. https://youtu.be/o5KiTpxq...

Jan 09, 20255 minSeason 1Ep. 9

아보하

Korea’s 2025 Trend, Aboha. In this episode, we dive into Korea's 2025 trend, "아보하" (A Very Ordinary Day). How does it differ from the popular term "소확행" (Small but Certain Happiness)? Discover why embracing the simplicity of unshared, peaceful moments is gaining attention and how it reflects a shift in modern Korean culture. Want to take your Korean learning further? Grab my PDF , which includes transcript, key vocabulary, comprehension questions and Must-Know expressions. https://buymeacoffee.c...

Dec 19, 20245 minSeason 1Ep. 8

김밥 시즌

Why is everyone in Korea wearing black in winter? In this episode, we dive into the funny term 'Kimbap Season,' coined by foreigners to describe Korea's winter fashion. Discover the quirky "no color rule" dominating Korean winter fashion and the cultural and practical reasons behind. Tune in to learn how practicality, culture, and style come together in Korea's cold season! Want to take your Korean learning further? Grab my PDF , which includes transcript, key vocabulary, comprehension questions...

Dec 05, 20244 minSeason 1Ep. 7

천만에요.

Why do Koreans often downplay expressions of gratitude?This episode dives into the fascinating story behind 천만에요 , its true meaning. We'll explore cultural roots influenced by Confucianism and you'll also learn the modern alternatives Koreans prefer today. Want to take your Korean learning further? Grab my PDF , which includes transcript, key vocabulary, comprehension questions and special Feature: An in-depth exploration of the phrase "Humility is a virtue" in Korean culture. https://buymeacoff...

Nov 21, 20245 minSeason 1Ep. 6

아파트 (feat. 로제)

We dive into the story behind Apartment, the song by BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Bruno Mars that’s captivated listeners worldwide! We'll introduce two popular Korean drinking games that bring people together in Korea’s social scene. Want to take your Korean learning further? Grab my PDF , which includes transcript, key vocabulary, writing exercise and comprehension questions to test your understanding. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://buymeacoffee.com/kimexplainskorean/e/328460 You can also watch this episode (transcript...

Nov 07, 20244 minSeason 1Ep. 5

채식주의자 (feat. 한강)

Han Kang has just won the Nobel Prize in Literature, a historic moment for Korean literature. In this episode, we explore the author, her impactful works like The Vegetarian, and the reasons behind her Nobel win. Want to take your Korean learning further? Grab my PDF , which includes Must-Know expression, key vocabulary and comprehension questions to test your understanding. ⁠⁠⁠ https://buymeacoffee.com/kimexplainskorean/e/322110 You can also watch this episode (transcript along) on my YouTube. ...

Oct 24, 20244 minSeason 1Ep. 4

커플천국, 솔로지옥

Ever wondered why it feels like couples are everywhere in Korea? From cozy cafes to bustling parks, it seems like love is always in the air. Why Are There So Many Couples in Korea? In this episode, we dive into the unique reasons - why it stands out, what makes it so visible. Tune in as we explore the iconic phrase "Couple's Paradise, Single's Hell". Want to take your Korean learning further? Grab my PDF, which includes Grammar points, key vocabulary and comprehension questions to test your unde...

Oct 10, 20245 minSeason 1Ep. 3

변화하는 명절 문화 (feat. 추석)

Tradition Meets Trend: The New Face of Korean Holidays.A look at how Korea’s holiday customs are blending with modern lifestyles. Want to take your Korean learning further? Grab my PDF, which includes Grammar points, key vocabulary , writing exercises, and comprehension questions to test your understanding. https://buymeacoffee.com/kimexplainskorean/e/305442 You can also watch this episode (Listen and Read the transcript at the same time) on my YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_hFy_tCDo...

Sep 19, 20244 minSeason 1Ep. 2

Korean Slang 엄친아 (엄마 친구 아들)

Have you heard of the Korean Slang " 엄친아"(엄마 친구 아들) ? Or are you watching the Korean drama called 엄마 친구 아들? In this episode, we dive into the term " 엄친아 " and explore its meaning in Korean culture and dramas. Whether you're a K-drama fan or just looking to improve your Korean, this is the perfect way to learn while having fun! Want to take your learning further? Grab my PDF, which includes key vocabulary , writing exercises, and comprehension questions to test your understanding. https://buymeac...

Sep 19, 20243 minSeason 1Ep. 1