Learning Korean with me

Ethics and Philosophy in Korean Language | Advanced Korean (TOPIK 5–6) Have you ever wanted to debate ethical dilemmas or explore philosophical ideas in Korean? This lesson equips advanced learners with the vocabulary, grammar, and cultural insights needed to discuss profound topics like morality, duty, and human nature—perfect for academic discussions, debates, or TOPIK 6 preparation. 📚 Table of Contents Why Study Ethics and Philosophy in Korean? Key Vocabulary for Ethics and Philosophy Advanced Grammar & Expressions Example Sentences Practice Dialogue Did You Know? Final Thoughts 💡 Why Study Ethics and Philosophy in Korean? Korean ethics and philosophy are deeply rooted in Confucianism, Buddhism, and modern democratic ideals . Understanding these frameworks allows you to interpret Korean proverbs, moral debates, and social expectations accurately—key for high-level fluency and cultural literacy. 📜 Key Vocabulary f...

Talking About History and Traditions in Korean | Advanced Korean (TOPIK 5–6) Do you want to talk about Korea’s long history and rich traditions in Korean with confidence? This guide helps you master advanced vocabulary, honorifics, and cultural context for conversations or presentations about history and traditions, suitable for TOPIK 5–6 learners and professionals. 📚 Table of Contents Why Learning Historical Expressions Matters Essential Vocabulary for History & Traditions Key Grammar & Phrases Example Sentences Practice Dialogue Did You Know? Final Thoughts 💡 Why Learning Historical Expressions Matters Discussing history and traditions in Korean requires more than vocabulary. It involves understanding honorific language, cultural references, and context . These skills are crucial for academic presentations, professional meetings, and meaningful conversations with native speakers who value historical awareness. ...

Korean Business Meetings: Phrases & Etiquette | Advanced Korean (TOPIK 5–6) Do you want to navigate Korean business meetings with confidence? In this advanced lesson, we’ll explore key phrases, etiquette rules, and cultural insights that professionals use in Korean corporate settings. This guide is perfect for TOPIK 5–6 learners preparing for real-world business communication. 📚 Table of Contents Why Business Meeting Etiquette Matters in Korea Essential Korean Business Meeting Phrases Key Etiquette Points for Professional Settings Practice Dialogue: Negotiation Meeting Did You Know? Corporate Culture in Korea Final Thoughts 💡 Why Business Meeting Etiquette Matters in Korea Korean business culture emphasizes respect, hierarchy, and indirect communication. Using correct phrases and etiquette helps build trust and ensures smooth negotiations. Mastering this skill allows you to adapt in multinational environments and handle formal meetings w...

Hello friends out there, I wanted to take a moment to share something personal — why I started writing this blog and why I continue to do so . Many of you visit here looking for ways to learn Korean, understand Korean culture, or prepare for a trip to Korea. I’m grateful you’re here, and I hope this little corner of the internet becomes a helpful space for you. Teaching Korean to Students Around the World I’ve been teaching Korean on italki for a year, meeting students from over 20 different countries . Each student brings their own story, reasons for learning, and cultural background. Watching someone who didn’t even know Hangeul (the Korean alphabet) eventually read menus, order food, and proudly say, “ I spoke Korean with a local! ” fills me with joy as a teacher. It’s in those moments I feel truly proud of what I do. Why Korean Feels Difficult (But Worth It!) For many English speakers, Korean can feel like a mountain to climb. The alphabet looks completely different...

Want to elevate your Korean speaking to the next level? If you're preparing for an academic debate, a panel discussion, or a formal presentation, this post will help you use refined, persuasive Korean expressions with confidence. 📌 Key Debate Phrases and Their Functions Expression Meaning & Usage 제 의견은 이렇습니다. "My opinion is this" – Used to introduce your point clearly. 우선, 본 주제에 대해 간단히 설명드리겠습니다. "First, I will briefly explain the topic" – Used to open your argument with structure. 이에 대한 근거는 다음과 같습니다. "The basis for this is as follows" – Used when presenting supporting evidence. 반론을 제기하자면, 다음과 같은 문제가 있습니다. "To raise a counterargument, the following issues arise" – Used to challenge an opponent's point. 이상으로 제 주장을 마치겠습니다. "That concludes my argument" – Used to wrap up your speaking turn. 🧠 Advanced Sentence Patterns for Debates...

Satire and humor are an essential part of Korean language and culture. From political cartoons and variety shows to online slang and memes, understanding Korean humor requires not only linguistic skill but also cultural awareness. This post will guide you through key expressions, cultural references, and examples of Korean satire. 🌀 What is Korean Satire? Korean satire often takes the form of exaggeration (과장), irony (반어), and wordplay (말장난). It can appear in entertainment shows like Gag Concert , in YouTube skits, or even in political commentary. A common theme is the criticism of social inequality, bureaucracy, or hypocrisy. 🗣️ Sample Satirical Sentences “아무 일도 하지 않는 게 요즘 공무원의 미덕이래요.” → “Apparently, doing nothing is now considered a virtue for public officials.” 미덕: virtue 아무 일도 하지 않다: doing nothing – an ironic jab at inefficiency “저는 월급 루팡이에요.” → “I’m a salary thief.” (A humorous self-deprecating term for someone doing little work at their j...

In this post, you'll learn how to understand and discuss advanced political and economic topics in Korean using real-life expressions from news editorials. Perfect for TOPIK 5–6 learners aiming to sharpen their comprehension, vocabulary, and argumentation skills. 🗣️ Sample Editorial Sentences “심상찮은 서울 집값 상승세는 공급 부족이 주된 원인이다.” “This alarming rise in Seoul housing prices is primarily due to supply shortages.” 어휘: 심상찮다: to be serious or concerning 상승세: upward trend 공급 부족: supply shortage “법인세 인하에도 불구하고 기업 투자와 소비가 둔화되었다.” “Despite corporate tax cuts, business investment and consumer spending have slowed.” 어휘: 법인세 인하: corporate tax reduction 투자: investment 둔화되다: to decelerate, to slow down 📚 Vocabulary Table Korean Meaning 상승세 upward trend 공급 부족 supply shortage 투자 investment 둔화되다 to slow down 법인세 인하 corporate tax reduction 🛠 Discussing Politics & Economy 정부는 부동산 정책의 근본적인 개혁이 필요합니다. (The government need...

At the advanced level of Korean learning (TOPIK 5–6), understanding how to craft professional emails is crucial. In modern Korean business communication, a balance between formality and practicality is key. This guide covers updated formats, vocabulary, and real-world expressions, with a bilingual sample email for reference. 📌 Updated Email Opening Expressions Instead of old-fashioned phrases like “존경하는 ○○님께” , these are commonly used in 2025 business settings: ○○님, 안녕하세요. – [Name], hello. 안녕하세요, ○○님. – Hello, [Name]. ○○팀장님께 (for someone with a position) – To Manager ○○ (still used in more formal settings) These expressions are polite but not overly stiff. They're ideal for email communication between professionals, especially within startups, global companies, or external partners. ✉️ Sample Business Email (Korean + English) Subject: 협업 제안 관련 회의 일정 문의드립니다 Subject: Requesting a Meeting Regarding Collaboration Proposal ○○님, 안녕하세요. Hello, [Name]. 저...