🔵 Writing Opinion Essays in Korean - Advanced Level (TOPIK 5–6)

Are you preparing for TOPIK II or aiming to write persuasive Korean essays? Opinion writing, especially in Korean, requires not only grammar mastery but also cultural understanding and vocabulary precision. Let’s learn how to write high-quality opinion essays with structure, advanced expressions, and cultural depth. 🖋️

🧠 Understanding the Structure

Korean opinion essays usually follow this format:

서론 (Introduction): Present the topic and your stance.
본론 (Body): Provide supporting reasons, examples, or counterarguments.
결론 (Conclusion): Summarize your argument and give a final opinion or solution.

Use connectors such as:
첫째로, 게다가, 반면에, 따라서, 결국에는
to enhance flow and cohesion.

📄 Sample Essay: Should Korea Ban Plastic Bags?

📝 서론 (Introduction)

오늘날 환경 오염 문제는 전 세계적으로 심각해지고 있으며, 특히 일회용 플라스틱 사용은 주요 원인 중 하나이다. 따라서 한국에서도 플라스틱 봉투를 전면 금지해야 한다는 의견에 동의한다.

Onelnal hwangyeong oyeom munjeneun jeon segyeteukjeok-eulo simgakhaejigo issgo, teughi ilhoeyong peullaseutik sayongeun ju-yo wonin jung hanaida. Ttara seo Hangug-eseodo peullaseutik bongtureul jeonmyeon geumjihaeya handaneun uigene dong-uihanda.

Environmental pollution has become a global crisis, and single-use plastics are a major cause. Therefore, I agree with the idea that Korea should completely ban plastic bags.

📄 본론 (Body)

첫째, 플라스틱은 분해되기까지 수백 년이 걸리며, 해양 생태계에 심각한 피해를 준다. 실제로 많은 해양 생물이 플라스틱을 먹이로 착각하여 생명을 잃는 사례가 빈번히 보고되고 있다.

Cheotjae, peullaseutigeun bunhaedoegi kkaji subaek nyeoni geollimyeo, haeyang saengtaege-e simgakhan pihaereul junda. Siljero manheun haeyang saengmuli peullaseutigeul meogi-ro chakgakhaeyeo saengmyeongeul ilhneun saryega binbeonhi bogodwego itda.

First, plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose and causes serious damage to marine ecosystems. In fact, many marine animals mistake plastics for food and die.

둘째, 플라스틱 봉투를 생산하고 처리하는 데 드는 에너지와 자원은 상당하다. 이를 줄이기 위해 재사용 가능한 천가방 사용을 장려할 필요가 있다.

Duljae, peullaseutik bongtureul saengsanhago cheorihaneun de deuneun eneojiwa jawoneun sangdanghada. Ireul jurigi wihae jaesayong ganeunghan cheongabang sayongeul jangnyeohal piryoga itda.

Second, the energy and resources required to produce and dispose of plastic bags are significant. Promoting reusable cloth bags can reduce this burden.

📄 결론 (Conclusion)

결국에는 환경 보호와 지속 가능한 미래를 위해 플라스틱 봉투 금지는 필요하다. 정부는 법적 규제를 강화하고 시민들도 자발적으로 참여해야 한다.

Gyeolgugeneun hwangyeong boho-wa jisok ganeunghan miraereul wihae peullaseutik bongtu geumjineun piryohada. Jeongbuneun beobjeok gyuje-reul ganghwahago simindo-deuldo jabaljeogeuro chamyeohaeya handa.

Ultimately, banning plastic bags is necessary to protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future. The government should strengthen regulations, and citizens must participate voluntarily.

🧾 Vocabulary and Advanced Expressions

Word/Expression	Meaning	Usage
전면 금지	Total ban	전면 금지 조치를 취하다 (take full ban action)
자발적으로	Voluntarily	자발적으로 참여하다 (participate voluntarily)
지속 가능하다	Be sustainable	지속 가능한 사회 (sustainable society)

💡 Did You Know?

Korea has one of the most advanced recycling systems in the world! ♻️ In most neighborhoods, you must separate food waste, plastic, paper, and glass— and food waste is turned into fertilizer or biogas. Be sure to follow local rules when staying in Korea!

💬 Practice Korean with Me on italki!

Would you like to write better essays in Korean and receive real feedback? Join my italki class to improve your writing, speaking, and grammar with personalized guidance! Let’s explore Korean current issues and cultural topics together 🧠✍️

💌 Final Thoughts:
Opinion writing in Korean can feel challenging, but it's also rewarding. Use this essay structure, apply powerful expressions, and keep practicing. I believe you can express your ideas clearly and confidently. 😊

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