Convenience stores in Korea are more than snack stops—they’re a big part of everyday life! In this episode, Eliza breaks down everything you need to know about using a 편의점 like a local. From heating up a 도시락 to sending packages, you'll learn key vocabulary, practical phrases, and a grammar point that shows up often on the TOPIK exam. Plus, test your reading skills with a TOPIK-style question and get inspired to write your own mini passage. What You’ll Learn: What you can buy and do at Korean con...
Apr 01, 2025•15 min•Ep. 24
Handwriting might seem like a small detail, but in Korean culture, 글씨체 (handwriting style) carries a lot of significance! From traditional calligraphy (서예) to modern handwriting, the way you write can affect how others perceive your work—and in the case of TOPIK II, it can even impact your score! In this full Korean episode, we explore: ✅ The different types of Korean handwriting styles ✍️ ✅ The role of 서예 (calligraphy) in Korean culture 🖌️ ✅ Why clear handwriting is critical for the TOPIK II w...
Mar 25, 2025•10 min•Ep. 23
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 ✍️ ✅ Unde...
Mar 18, 2025•17 min•Ep. 22
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 tra...
Mar 11, 2025•22 min•Ep. 21
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 ...
Mar 04, 2025•23 min•Ep. 20
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’...
Feb 25, 2025•22 min•Ep. 19
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 wr...
Feb 18, 2025•14 min•Ep. 18
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. An...
Feb 11, 2025•18 min•Ep. 17
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 an...
Feb 04, 2025•31 min•Ep. 16
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...
Jan 28, 2025•15 min•Ep. 15
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...
Jan 21, 2025•24 min•Ep. 14
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, th...
Jan 14, 2025•17 min•Ep. 13
Welcome to year 2025's very first episode of TOPIK & Beyond! In this episode, your host Eliza shares the inspiring story behind the creation of the podcast and why the TOPIK exam is a game-changer for Korean learners worldwide. Whether you’re just beginning your Korean journey or preparing to ace the TOPIK exam, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips to set you up for success. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The Backstory of the Podcast How TOPIK & Beyond was created ...
Jan 07, 2025•21 min•Ep. 12
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your progress and set new goals for 2025. In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, we dive into the art of reflection and goal-setting for language learners. You’ll learn: ✨ Common Korean phrases to express your achievements and goals. ✨ Practical tips for creating realistic language learning goals that stick. ✨ Inspiring listener stories about their journeys in 2024. This episode is designed to help you feel motivated, reflect on your ...
Dec 31, 2024•27 min•Ep. 11
In this festive episode of TOPIK & Beyond, we explore how Korea celebrates Christmas and New Year, blending global customs with uniquely Korean traditions. From romantic Christmas dates to the meaningful rituals of New Year, you’ll gain insights into the joy and reflection these holidays bring in Korea. Whether you’re curious about how Koreans spend Christmas or want to learn about 새해 (Gregorian New Year), this episode is packed with stories, vocabulary, and cultural tidbits to enrich your l...
Dec 24, 2024•23 min•Ep. 10
In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, we’re diving into the world of Korean holiday foods, where tradition meets flavor. Learn about the dishes that take center stage during Korea’s most beloved celebrations, from the Lunar New Year to the Winter Solstice. We’ll explore the history and meaning behind iconic holiday dishes like: ✨ 떡국 (tteokguk): A rice cake soup eaten to symbolize new beginnings. ✨ 전 (jeon): Savory pancakes representing abundance and variety. ✨ 동지팥죽 (dongji patjuk): Red bean por...
Dec 17, 2024•28 min•Ep. 9
Winter in Korea is a season filled with charm, warmth, and unique traditions. In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, we explore the magic of Korean winter—from iconic festivals to nostalgic street foods that will warm your heart (and hands!). Whether you’ve experienced winter in Korea or dream of visiting someday, this episode will help you connect with the season while expanding your Korean vocabulary. We also introduce our brand-new TOPIK Focus segment, designed to help you practice Korean in ...
Dec 10, 2024•15 min•Ep. 8
In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, we dive into the Korean tradition of 송년회 (song-nyeon-hoe), or end-of-year parties. These gatherings are a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration with family, friends, or coworkers. Whether you’re planning to attend one, want to talk about it in Korean, or simply want to understand more about Korean culture, this episode has you covered. We’ll explore the significance of 송년회, teach you essential vocabulary and phrases, and share tips to participate ...
Dec 03, 2024•11 min•Ep. 7
Episode Description: In this episode, we dive into three essential areas to help you express yourself naturally in Korean: describing your feelings, talking about preferences, and sharing opinions. These phrases and tips will make your Korean sound more conversational and confident. Plus, I’m sharing an exciting sneak peek of a special Black Friday offer designed to take your speaking skills to the next level. Don’t miss it! 🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to describe your feelings in ...
Nov 26, 2024•19 min•Ep. 6
In this full-Korean episode, we’re focusing on two essential forms, -어요 and -는 거예요, that can make your Korean sound more natural and conversational. These expressions are key to adding depth and personality to your everyday conversations, whether you’re describing your day or emphasizing a strong feeling. I’ll guide you through practical examples and answer common questions about when and how to use these forms. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The difference between -어요 and -는 거예요 and when to use...
Nov 19, 2024•17 min•Ep. 5
In this episode, we dive into a key ingredient for sounding natural in Korean: fillers! Learn how to use essential fillers like 음 (um…), 그러니까 (so…), and 글쎄요 (well…) to make your Korean conversations feel smooth and effortless. These small words have a big impact, helping you bridge pauses, connect thoughts, and bring a relaxed, native tone to your speaking. Plus, get a sneak peek into next week’s full Korean episode and an exciting mini speaking challenge coming for Black Friday! Key Notes: Why ...
Nov 12, 2024•14 min•Ep. 4
In this episode, we explore how the present tense in Korean transitions from formal, textbook-style language to natural, conversational expressions. I’ll guide you through three versions of a passage to highlight the differences between formal, beginner conversational, and intermediate conversational Korean. By understanding these styles, you’ll be able to adapt your Korean for different situations and sound more fluent. Plus, don’t miss my cultural note about Pepero Day, coming up on November 1...
Nov 05, 2024•19 min•Ep. 3
In this episode, we’ll explore key vocabulary to help you start transitioning from TOPIK Level I to Level II. These words will not only support your exam preparation but also enhance your everyday Korean conversations. I’ll guide you through practical examples and share tips on how to use these words correctly in context. You’ll also learn how to effectively use my free PDF vocabulary guide, which is available in the show notes. I’ll walk you through how you can create your own sentences using t...
Oct 29, 2024•23 min•Ep. 2
Welcome to the first episode of TOPIK & Beyond! I'm Eliza, a certified Korean teacher, and in this podcast, I'm here to guide you through your Korean language learning journey. Whether you're preparing for the TOPIK exam or just looking to improve your everyday Korean, you’re in the right place. In this episode, I'll share why I started this podcast and how my experiences learning other languages—like English, Chinese, and French—have shaped my approach to teaching Korean . I know firsthand ...
Oct 19, 2024•2 min•Ep. 1
