🎤 How to Write a Speech in Korean – Advanced Level (TOPIK 5–6)

Have you ever needed to give a speech in Korean but weren’t sure where to begin?
This guide will teach you how to structure formal speeches in Korean, use advanced honorifics, and incorporate cultural elements to impress in academic, business, or public settings.

📚 Table of Contents

• Why Speech Writing Matters in Korean
• Formal Speech Structure
• Key Phrases and Honorifics
• Example Speech Excerpts
• Practice Exercise
• Did You Know?
• Final Thoughts

💡 Why Speech Writing Matters in Korean

Korean speeches (연설문) reflect not only language skills but also cultural understanding. Properly crafted speeches use honorifics, indirect expressions, and humility—essential for showing respect in business, academic ceremonies, and public events.

📝 Formal Speech Structure

Typical Korean speeches follow a three-part structure:

• Opening (시작): Greetings and gratitude to the audience
• Main Body (본론): Key message, argument, or storytelling
• Closing (마무리): Appreciation, call to action, or hopeful message

Tip: Always acknowledge the audience respectfully, especially in hierarchical settings. Example: “존경하는 교수님과 동료 여러분…” (Respected professors and colleagues…)

🔑 Key Phrases and Honorifics

• 먼저, 이 자리에 함께해 주셔서 감사합니다. – First, thank you for being here today.
• 존경하는 여러분께 말씀드리고자 합니다. – I would like to address you with respect.
• 이 기회를 통해 배운 점을 공유하고 싶습니다. – I wish to share what I have learned through this opportunity.
• 마지막으로, 여러분의 발전을 기원합니다. – Finally, I wish you continued success.

💡 Note: The use of “여러분” (everyone) is inclusive and respectful, making it common in public speeches. Adjust to “선생님들,” “동료 여러분” for specific audiences.

💬 Example Speech Excerpts

Opening:

존경하는 교수님과 학우 여러분, 오늘 이 자리에 서게 되어 큰 영광입니다. 지난 1년간의 연구 과정을 통해 배운 점을 함께 나누고자 합니다.

Respected professors and fellow students, it is a great honor to stand here today. I wish to share what I have learned during the past year of research.

Closing:

이 연설을 통해 저의 진심이 전해지길 바라며, 앞으로도 함께 성장해 나가길 기원합니다. 경청해 주셔서 감사합니다.

I hope my sincerity has reached you through this speech and I look forward to growing together. Thank you for listening.

🧩 Quick Check: Can you rewrite the closing using “발전” (development) instead of “성장” (growth)?

🗣 Practice Exercise

Task: Write a short opening for a farewell speech to colleagues. Use at least one honorific phrase (e.g., 존경하는, 여러분께, 기원합니다).

Example: “존경하는 동료 여러분, 그동안 함께한 소중한 시간에 감사드립니다. 이별은 아쉽지만 앞으로의 여정을 응원합니다.”

🌏 Did You Know?

Korean speeches often start with humble apologies (e.g., “부족한 제가”) even in celebratory events. This reflects Confucian modesty, where lowering oneself shows respect to the audience—a tradition still visible in graduations, corporate events, and political addresses.

📦 Final Thoughts

Writing a Korean speech requires mastering formality, cultural nuance, and structured expression. Practice by analyzing real speeches (graduations, award ceremonies) and mimic their respectful tone. Over time, you’ll develop a natural rhythm for public speaking in Korean.

May these insights inspire your journey in Korean language and culture. Visit often to find new lessons and deepen your understanding!

🔗 Related Posts

• Korean Business Meetings: Key Phrases & Etiquette
  Essential expressions and etiquette tips for corporate Korean meetings.
• How to Write a Speech in Korean – Advanced
  Learn formal structures, honorifics, and cultural elements for Korean speeches.

🎓 Want to perfect your Korean speech writing with feedback?
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