Learning Korean with me

What does it mean to be successful, fulfilled, or truly happy in Korean society? In this post, we explore how abstract concepts like 자아정체감 (identity), 자존감 (self-esteem), and 상대적 박탈감 (relative deprivation) are discussed in Korean at an advanced level. 🌐 Understanding Abstract Terms in Korean Korean has rich and nuanced vocabulary to express complex psychological or philosophical ideas. These words are frequently used in news editorials, academic discussions, and public discourse. Word Meaning Example 자아정체감 Sense of self-identity 그는 자아정체감의 혼란을 겪고 있다. Geuneun jaajeongchegam-ui honran-eul gyeotgo itda. He is experiencing confusion about his identity. 자존감 Self-esteem 자존감이 낮으면 삶의 만족도가 떨어진다. Jajongam-i naj-eumyeon salm-ui manjokdo-ga tteoreojinda. When self-esteem is low, life satisfaction decreases. 상대적 박탈감 Relative deprivation 그는 친구와 비교하며 상대적 박탈감을 느꼈다. Geuneun chingguwa bigyohamyeo sangdaejeok bakt...

Are you ready to dive into real Korean news articles? 🧐 If you're preparing for TOPIK 5–6 or want to understand Korean society deeply, reading and analyzing news is essential. In this post, we’ll break down a sample article, explain complex vocabulary, and show you how Korean news writing differs from casual language. 📰 Why Analyzing News Matters Korean news articles use formal structures, passive voice, and subject-specific terminology. Mastering this style helps you read official statements, understand political discourse, and write academic Korean. Let's begin with key features of Korean news writing. 1. Passive Constructions News reports often avoid personal subjects. Instead of saying "The president decided," you might read: 결정되었다 (was decided) rather than 대통령이 결정했다 (The president decided). 2. Objective Tone Korean journalism prioritizes neutrality. Words like 공식적으로 (officially) , 확인되다 (to be confirmed) , and 발표하다 (to announce) are c...

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 peu...