Talkbokki: Learn Casual Korean through Natural Conversations

Do you love starting conversations with strangers, or do you spend your day actively trying to avoid them? This week, Lucy and Sunyoung discover they are on complete opposite ends of the small talk spectrum! Tune in as we debate the pros and cons of casual chatting—and discuss whether making small talk gets even scarier when you're doing it in a foreign language. Which side do you fall on? Let us...

Ever worry your texts in a foreign language are giving off the wrong vibe? This week, Lucy and Sunyoung share their own messaging fails! From an English text that accidentally sounded passive-aggressive to a Korean phrase that sounded totally uninterested, we’re breaking down how easily things get lost in translation. Tune in to fix these common text traps and start messaging like a native! If you...

Do you have a personal goal you’re working toward right now? This week, we’re checking in on our own passion projects. Lucy shares how her half-marathon training is shaping up, while Sunyoung celebrates one year of amazing progress in belly dancing. Tune in as we discuss our personal tips, tricks, and how we stay motivated to keep growing! Want to learn Korean with Sunyoung? Book a 25min trial les...

Have you heard about the morning trends taking over Korea right now? From 8:00 AM raves to coffee-shop debates, people are redefining what it means to be an early bird. Sunyoung has been diving right into the trend and is here to tell us all about it. Could you handle an early morning dance party? Tune in to find out! Want to learn Korean with Sunyoung? Book a 25min trial lesson ! Love the show? S...

This week, Lucy had a dentist appointment and walked out with some highly unexpected advice. As it turns out, sometimes our bodies send us warning signs in the places we least expect. Tune in to hear the full story! Want to learn Korean with Sunyoung? Book a 25min trial lesson ! Love the show? Support us on Patreon so we can keep the show going!! Any feedback? Drop us a line at thetalkbokki@gmail....

Have you ever been to a 한의원 (Korean traditional medicine clinic)? This week, Sunyoung shares her recent and very interesting experience visiting one. Will she be able to convince Lucy to brave the acupuncture needles on her next trip to Korea? Tune in to find out! Want to learn Korean with Sunyoung? Book a 25min trial lesson ! Love the show? Support us on Patreon so we can keep the show going!!...

Have you ever heard of "snap sajin" (스냅사진)? Korea has a completely unique wedding and couple photoshoot culture and this week we share our personal experiences stepping in front of the camera. Tune in to hear how it differs from Western wedding photography, what to expect with pricing, preparations, location, and what the experience is actually like behind the scenes! If you have any feedback...

What happens when you find a new dream? In this episode, we share the recent goals that have us inspired. Plus, we’re sharing practical tips for mastering advanced vocabulary and levelling up your language-learning journey. Tune in and get excited to chase your own next big thing! Sunyoung's other Instagram account: @yaysunnyvibe If you have any feedback or suggestions, drop us a line at thetalkbo...

Saju (사주) meets Silicon Valley! This week, we’re checking our fortunes using AI. Was it really accurate or way off the mark? Listen in as we break down our results and chat about the fun side of Korean fortune-telling. If you have any feedback or suggestions, drop us a line at thetalkbokki@gmail.com If you enjoy the show, consider joining our Patreon to support what we do and get access to bonus...

What do you fear the most? This week, we’re diving deep into our personal fears and discussing whether it’s truly possible to overcome them. For language learners, the ultimate challenge is often public speaking. We share our personal experiences with speaking in a foreign tongue and explore why it never seems to get any easier, plus, how we get through it anyway. If you have any feedback or sugge...

This week, we’re coming to you together in person! Lucy managed to squeeze in a lightning-fast weekend trip to Korea, and we made every second count. We’re skipping the usual tourist traps to bring you along on our local adventures, including a glimpse into the delicious world of 고사리 (bracken) and other hidden gems. If you’re looking for Korea recommendations that you won’t find in a standard g...

Spring, don't leave just yet! In this episode, we’re mourning the cherry blossoms, battling the Tokyo humidity and the Seoul heat, and trying to survive the worst hayfever season yet. We also break down the expression 봄을 탄다 (bom-eul tan-da): that strange, melancholic feeling the season brings, and share how we’re coping with the sudden jump to summer heat. Whether you’re sneezing your way thro...

BTS, zombies, and the hidden messages in our sleep: this week, we’re decoding our weirdest dreams and sharing the Korean phrases you need to wish someone "sweet dreams." Head over to our YouTube channel to watch the podcast and see our conversations in action! If you enjoy the show, consider joining our Patreon to support what we do and get access to bonus content. If you have any feedback or sugg...

We’re back for Part 2 (이부) of our special conversation with Boseul! After sharing how we all met, it’s time to get into the real talk. From counting down the days to navigating time zones between Korea, America, and Australia—how do we actually make it work? We’re sharing our most honest advice and the reality of long-distance life. Head over to our YouTube channel to watch the podcast and see o...

This week on Talkbokki, we are joined by a very special guest, Boseul! What do the three of us have in common? Korea, America, and Australia. All three of us are currently in Long-Distance Relationships (롱디) with partners spread across the globe. We decided it was time to get together and get honest: what is it really like to love someone thousands of miles away? Head over to our YouTube channel...

We’re nearly three months into the year, so it’s time for a reality check on those January goals. Did we actually stick to them, or have things already gone off the rails? Join us for an honest update on our progress—and we'd love to hear from you, too. How are your own resolutions holding up? Head over to our YouTube channel to watch the podcast and see our conversations in action! If you enjoy t...

Do Koreans really care that much about luxury brands? 👜 We’ve all seen the flashy lives in K-Dramas like The Art of Sarah, but what’s the actual reality? Today, we’re getting honest about 명품 (luxury goods) and FOLEX.......... Head over to our YouTube channel to watch the podcast and see our conversations in action! If you enjoy the show, consider joining our Patreon to support what we do and ge...

Would you travel 8,000km for a surprise? Last week, Lucy headed all the way from Japan to the beautiful wilderness of Tasmania for a friend’s wedding. She was ready for cake, vows, and a scenic train ride to the secret venue, or so she thought! After 20 minutes on the tracks, a mysterious QR code changed everything. This week, we’re sharing the story of the most 황당한 (absurd/unexpected) wedding...

Have you been keeping up with the Hey Tablo! podcast? This week, the Talkbokki team is diving into a recent episode that really hit home: the essential role of persistence (꾸준함). As any language learner knows, progress isn’t always a straight line. Just like making a great Tteokbokki, sometimes you just have to let the sauce simmer a bit longer to get the best results. It’s those quiet moments...

Do you prefer a rock-hard mattress or a soft, squishy one? Are you the type of person who can fall asleep anywhere, or do you wish you could travel with your own bed tucked in your suitcase? Most importantly: are you actually getting enough rest? This week, Lucy and Sunyoung dive deep into the world of sleep, sharing their personal bedtime habits, cultural differences in catching Zs, and plenty of...

Do you know the most important holiday in the Korean calendar? This week on The Talkbokki, we dive into the traditions of Seollal (Korean New Year) and contrast them with the sweets and treats of Valentine’s Day. Plus, Sunyoung shares a "must-know" tip for anyone sending Valentine's gifts to a Korean partner. Whether you're curious about lunar traditions or wondering why Valentine's Day looks so d...

Is there a food you crave the second you land after a long trip? Or a local spot you have to hit before even unpacking? This week, we’re diving into our post-vacation routines and the "welcome home" meals we can't live without. Can you guess which foods we missed most while overseas? Hint: Our tastes couldn't be more different! Head over to our YouTube channel to watch the podcast and see our conv...

Could you handle an unintentional digital detox? Sunyoung did, and it got us thinking. This week, we discuss the science of boredom, the Korean 갓생 (God-saeng) productivity craze, and the polar-opposite schedules we keep. Are you Team Reset or Team Hustle? Head over to our YouTube channel to watch the podcast and see our conversations in action! If you enjoy the show, consider joining our Patreon...

Have you ever felt stuck in a rut? This week, we’re joined again by Pauline to get real about our experiences with "The Slump" and how we navigate our way back to the light. Plus, Lucy reveals a secret motivation hack that has helped her learn three different Asian languages. Whether you’re feeling uninspired or just need a boost, this episode is for you! Head over to our YouTube channel to watch...

Have you heard of Korea’s latest dessert craze, the Dujjonku (두쫀꾸)? This week, Sunyoung is reporting live from New York with returning guest Pauline! After a food tour through K-Town, the duo compares the US version of the Dujjonku to the original. Does the hype hold up? Tune in to find out as we introduce the viral treats taking over Korea, Japan, and the US. Head over to our YouTube channel t...