TOPIK & Beyond

We're closing out May with something special: a full Korean listening practice episode 🎧 In this episode, Eliza shares a story from her month of May—from family events and cultural holidays in Korea and France, to what it’s like juggling motherhood, teaching, and running a Korean learning community. You'll hear: Natural, native-level storytelling in Korean Real expressions and sentence flow to tr...

Not everyone has access to 1:1 Korean lessons or real-time feedback. But that doesn’t mean you can’t improve. In this week’s episode of TOPIK & Beyond, Eliza shares how to start reviewing your Korean writing and speaking like a native teacher would. Whether you’re prepping for TOPIK or just want to feel more confident, you’ll learn how to spot mistakes, self-edit, and build real progress betwe...

Do you still translate every Korean sentence in your head before speaking or writing?  That habit might be the #1 thing slowing down your fluency—and in this episode, we're going to fix that. In this week’s TOPIK & Beyond, Eliza guides you through how to stop thinking in English and start thinking in Korean, even if you're not fluent yet. This episode is filled with mindset shifts, language ch...

Feeling overwhelmed by Korean grammar? You’re not alone. But here’s some good news: you don’t need to master everything to succeed at TOPIK II or to speak confidently in real life. In this week’s episode of TOPIK & Beyond, Eliza shares the most important grammar patterns you should focus on if you're aiming for TOPIK II Level 4—or simply want to sound more natural in everyday Korean conversati...

Feeling stuck or guilty about your Korean progress lately? You're not alone — and you're not behind. In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, Eliza shares a practical, low-stress guide to restarting your Korean studies after a slump. Whether you took a break because of work, school, or life (it happens!), today’s episode will help you reconnect with your goals without overwhelm. In this episode, you...

This special full Korean episode is all about helping you gain confidence in one of the most challenging sections of TOPIK II: the writing section. Eliza walks you through how to build a consistent writing practice routine, avoid common mistakes, and structure your essays for clarity and impact—all in Korean. Whether you understand 70% or just 30%, listening to natural Korean at this level will st...

Feeling overwhelmed with how to study for the TOPIK exam? Whether you’re just getting started or trying to reach that next level, this episode gives you a clear, practical guide to building a study routine that actually works. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why consistency > intensity in TOPIK prep What a week of smart study looks like (sample schedules included!) How to turn K-dramas and podca...

Headed to Korea this spring? Whether it’s for cherry blossoms, sightseeing, or simply soaking in the culture, this episode is your ultimate Korean survival guide. Eliza shares 25+ real-life phrases for travelers—covering shopping, transportation, eating out, and more—plus grammar tips, a repeat-after-me practice, and a TOPIK-style reading challenge. You’ll Learn: Survival phrases for everyday trav...

Convenience stores in Korea are more than snack stops—they’re a big part of everyday life! In this episode, Eliza breaks down everything you need to know about using a 편의점 like a local. From heating up a 도시락 to sending packages, you'll learn key vocabulary, practical phrases, and a grammar point that shows up often on the TOPIK exam. Plus, test your reading skills with a TOPIK-style question...

Handwriting might seem like a small detail, but in Korean culture, 글씨체 (handwriting style) carries a lot of significance! From traditional calligraphy (서예) to modern handwriting, the way you write can affect how others perceive your work—and in the case of TOPIK II, it can even impact your score! In this full Korean episode, we explore:  ✅ The different types of Korean handwriting styles ✍️...

Did you know that using Korean proverbs (속담) can instantly improve your fluency and boost your TOPIK score? 📚✨ In today’s episode of TOPIK & Beyond, we’re diving into essential Korean proverbs that will help you sound more natural in conversations, strengthen your writing skills, and prepare for TOPIK. By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to:  ✅ Recognize common proverbs in daily c...

Did you know that in Korea, Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples—and that March 14th, White Day, is just as important? But that’s not all! Korea also has a special relationship-themed holiday on the 14th of every month, including Black Day for singles, Kiss Day, and even Hug Day! 🤗 By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to talk about dating, romance, and celebrations in Korean—and even impr...

Choosing the right sentence ending in Korean can make all the difference in how polite, natural, or expressive you sound! In this episode, we’ll break down some of the most commonly used sentence endings, explain their meanings, and show you how they appear in the TOPIK II exam. By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly when to use endings like -거든요, -잖아요, -네요, and -지 to sound more...

Welcome back to TOPIK & Beyond! In today’s full Korean episode, we reflect on two important events in Korean history: the 2.28 Student Democratic Movement and the March 1st Independence Movement. These events shaped Korea’s fight for democracy and independence and teach us valuable lessons about strategy, unity, and persistence—qualities that are crucial not just in history but also when prepa...

Particles are small, but they’re powerful in Korean! In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, we’re diving into three commonly confused particles: -도 (also), -만 (only), and -밖에 (nothing but). These particles can make or break your sentences, so mastering them is key to sounding fluent and scoring higher on the TOPIK exam. You’ll learn how to use each particle correctly, avoid common mistakes, an...

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! 💖 In this special episode of TOPIK & Beyond, we’re spreading the love—Korean style! Today, I’ll introduce you to my TOPIK II Mastery Program, the program I created with love and care to help learners like you succeed on the TOPIK II exam. Whether you struggle with writing, reading, listening, or even speaking, this program provides a well-rounded approach to m...

Ever come across a Korean word that just doesn’t translate neatly into English? Words like 정 (jeong) or 눈치 (nunchi) carry meanings so deep that a simple translation doesn’t do them justice. In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, we explore some of these “untranslatable” words and uncover what they reveal about Korean society. You’ll learn: The cultural significance of words like 정, 한, and 눈...

새해 복 많이 받으세요! (Happy New Year!) In this full-Korean episode of TOPIK & Beyond, we celebrate the Lunar New Year by diving into the fascinating world of Korean idioms and proverbs. Learn how these expressions enrich your understanding of the Korean language and culture, and discover some meaningful idioms perfect for starting the new year with motivation and positivity. From the origins...

Does the listening section of the TOPIK exam make you nervous? You’re not alone! In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, Eliza breaks down the essentials to help you approach the listening section with confidence and clarity. From the evolution of listening tests in language learning to the importance of listening for fluency, you’ll gain valuable insights to sharpen your skills. Plus, we’ll explor...

Struggling to stay consistent in your Korean language studies? In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, Eliza shares practical strategies to help beginner learners overcome common challenges and build effective study habits. Learn how the brilliance of 한글 (Hangul) makes learning Korean more accessible and discover essential study-related vocabulary, grammar, and tips for mastering TOPIK II. Whethe...

Welcome to year 2025's very first episode of TOPIK & Beyond! In this episode, your host Eliza shares the inspiring story behind the creation of the podcast and why the TOPIK exam is a game-changer for Korean learners worldwide. Whether you’re just beginning your Korean journey or preparing to ace the TOPIK exam, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips to set you up for success....

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your progress and set new goals for 2025. In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, we dive into the art of reflection and goal-setting for language learners. You’ll learn: ✨ Common Korean phrases to express your achievements and goals. ✨ Practical tips for creating realistic language learning goals that stick. ✨ Inspiring listener stor...

In this festive episode of TOPIK & Beyond, we explore how Korea celebrates Christmas and New Year, blending global customs with uniquely Korean traditions. From romantic Christmas dates to the meaningful rituals of New Year, you’ll gain insights into the joy and reflection these holidays bring in Korea. Whether you’re curious about how Koreans spend Christmas or want to learn about 새해 (Grego...

In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, we’re diving into the world of Korean holiday foods, where tradition meets flavor. Learn about the dishes that take center stage during Korea’s most beloved celebrations, from the Lunar New Year to the Winter Solstice. We’ll explore the history and meaning behind iconic holiday dishes like: ✨ 떡국 (tteokguk): A rice cake soup eaten to symbolize new beginning...

Winter in Korea is a season filled with charm, warmth, and unique traditions. In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, we explore the magic of Korean winter—from iconic festivals to nostalgic street foods that will warm your heart (and hands!). Whether you’ve experienced winter in Korea or dream of visiting someday, this episode will help you connect with the season while expanding your Korean vocab...