🟠 Discussing Pros and Cons in Korean | Intermediate Level (TOPIK 3–4)
⚖️ Discussing Pros and Cons in Korean: Master TOPIK 3–4 Discussions
Ready to share your opinion like a pro? Teacher Hoon explains how to navigate advantages and disadvantages (장점과 단점) for successful debates, essays, and Korean workplace life.
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📘 Series Note: This lesson is a key part of our Intermediate Series (TOPIK 3–4). Mastering these logical structures is crucial for your writing and speaking exams.
Why Nuance is Your Secret Weapon
Being able to discuss 장점 (advantages) and 단점 (disadvantages) shows you have reached a sophisticated level of Korean. It’s not just about what you like; it’s about analyzing multiple perspectives respectfully—a skill highly valued in Korean social and professional settings.
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🎯 Learning Goal
- Master key expressions to present both 장점 and 단점.
- Apply polite logical connectors like 하지만 (but) and 반면에 (on the other hand).
- Prepare for TOPIK 3–4 level essays and interview questions.
📖 Logical Grammar Patterns
Use these frames to structure your thoughts clearly:
- ... 장점은 ... / 단점은 ... (The advantage is... / The disadvantage is...)
- ... 반면에 ... (On the other hand...)
- 좋은 점도 있고 나쁜 점도 있다 (There are both pros and cons)
- 한편으로는 ... 하지만 다른 한편으로는 ... (On one hand... but on the other hand...)
📖 Reading Practice: Remote Work (재택근무)
재택근무의 장점은 출퇴근 시간이 필요 없어서 시간을 절약할 수 있다는 점입니다. 하지만 단점은 집과 직장의 구분이 모호해져서 업무 시간이 길어질 수 있다는 것입니다.
The advantage of working from home is saving time on commutes. However, the disadvantage is that the line between home and work becomes blurred, leading to longer hours.
📝 Vocabulary & Expressions
| Korean | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 장점 / 단점 | jangjeom / danjeom | Advantage / Disadvantage |
| 절약하다 | jeoryak-hada | To save (time/money) |
| 모호하다 | moho-hada | To be vague / blurred |
| 협업 / 집중 | hyeobeop / jipjung | Collaboration / Concentration |
| 고려하다 | goryeo-hada | To consider |
💡 Teacher Hoon's Pro Tip: Avoid Literal Translation
Don't just translate "pros and cons." In natural Korean discussions, we almost always use 장점과 단점 (merits and defects) or 좋은 점과 나쁜 점 (good points and bad points). For very formal reports, you might hear 손익 (loss and gain). Stick to 장단점 for your TOPIK essays!
🗣 Practice Dialogue: Living in Korea
A (Hoon): 한국에서 사는 것의 장점은 뭐라고 생각해요?
(What do you think is the advantage of living in Korea?)
B (Student): 교통이 편리한 반면에 집값이 비싸다는 단점이 있어요.
(Transportation is convenient, but the downside is high housing costs.)
📝 TOPIK 3–4 Style Quiz
스마트폰은 편리하다. (____) 중독될 수도 있다. Which connector fits best?
Click to reveal answer
Answer: 하지만 or 반면에. Use these to signal a shift from pro to con!
Ready to Level Up Your Debate Skills?
Mastering "Pros and Cons" is the gateway to TOPIK 5 and 6. Book a 1:1 intermediate session with me on italki. We'll practice real-life debates and I'll give you instant feedback on your logical structure!
🚀 Practice Intermediate Korean with Hoon👤 About Teacher Hoon
With over 20 years of experience, I specialize in helping learners bridge the gap between "textbook Korean" and "real-life fluency." Join me on italki for personalized coaching that gets results.
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