🔵 Mastering Complex Korean Connectors: 뿐만 아니라 & -(으)므로 | Advanced Level (TOPIK 5–6)

At the advanced level, understanding connectors is crucial for **cohesive and persuasive communication** in Korean. Two essential connectors — 뿐만 아니라 and -(으)므로 — often appear in essays, news, and professional presentations. In this post, I’ll explain their nuances, show real examples, and share strategies to use them naturally in academic or workplace settings.

💡 Meaning & Usage

뿐만 아니라 – “Not only… but also”

Used to add extra information or emphasize that something includes more than what was mentioned before. Common in formal writing, speeches, and academic contexts.

-(으)므로 – “Because / Therefore (formal)”

Expresses a reason or cause in formal speech or writing. Frequently used in reports, announcements, and legal or academic texts.

📝 Example Sentences

1. 환경 문제는 개인의 노력뿐만 아니라 정부의 정책 변화도 필요합니다.
Environmental issues require not only individual effort but also government policy changes.

2. 이 프로젝트는 시간과 비용이 충분히 검토되었으므로 바로 진행할 수 있습니다.
Since the time and cost for this project have been fully reviewed, we can proceed immediately.

3. 그는 한국어를 유창하게 말할 뿐만 아니라 한국 문화도 깊이 이해하고 있습니다.
He not only speaks Korean fluently but also deeply understands Korean culture.

4. 규정이 변경되었으므로 새로운 절차를 따라야 합니다.
Because the regulations have changed, we must follow the new procedures.

🔍 Key Differences Between the Two

뿐만 아니라 adds extra information → good for highlighting multiple strengths, qualities, or points.
-(으)므로 shows cause/reason in a formal tone → common in announcements, essays, and research papers.
Combining them in one essay makes your writing sound more nuanced and professional.

🗣 Practice Dialogue + Grammar Insight

  A: 이 회사에 지원한 이유가 무엇인가요?  
     Why did you apply to this company?

  B: 이 회사는 근무 환경이 좋을 뿐만 아니라 사회적 가치 실현에도 앞서 있기 때문에 지원했습니다.  
     Not only does this company provide a good working environment, but it also leads in realizing social values, so I applied.

  A: 그렇다면, 본인의 경험이 회사의 목표에 어떻게 기여할 수 있다고 생각합니까?  
     Then, how do you think your experience can contribute to the company’s goals?

  B: 저는 국제 프로젝트 경험이 많으므로 글로벌 시장 확장에 도움이 될 수 있다고 생각합니다.  
     I believe my extensive international project experience can help expand into the global market.
  

Grammar Insight 👀

Notice how 뿐만 아니라 emphasizes additional benefits, while -(으)므로 logically connects to conclusions. Using both demonstrates nuanced and advanced Korean, which is ideal for TOPIK essays and professional contexts.

💡 Teacher’s Tips

When writing essays or speaking in formal contexts, try replacing basic connectors like “그래서 (so)” with -(으)므로 for a more academic tone. And when showcasing multiple strengths or reasons, 뿐만 아니라 is perfect for emphasizing your well-rounded profile. Practice combining them in one paragraph — this is exactly what TOPIK graders look for in higher-level writing tasks.

🔗 Additional Resources for Self-Study

📦 Final Thoughts

Mastering connectors like 뿐만 아니라 and -(으)므로 elevates your Korean from fluent to persuasive. Use them to structure arguments, write essays, and impress in professional or academic interviews. If you want feedback on your writing or speaking using these connectors, let’s work together in a session.

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❹ Expressing Emotions Using -고 싶다 / -기 싫다 – Intermediate Level

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Keep exploring more posts like these and grow your Korean skills step by step!

✏️ Need feedback on your advanced writing or interviews? Book a lesson with me on italki — we’ll refine your use of connectors and formal expressions together.

💬 I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post — did it help? If there’s any topic you’d like me to cover next, let me know in the comments. Your feedback inspires me to keep creating posts that support your Korean learning journey. 🙏✨