TOPIK & Beyond

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...

In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, we dive into the Korean tradition of 송년회 (song-nyeon-hoe), or end-of-year parties. These gatherings are a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration with family, friends, or coworkers. Whether you’re planning to attend one, want to talk about it in Korean, or simply want to understand more about Korean culture, this episode has you covered. We’ll expl...

Episode Description: In this episode, we dive into three essential areas to help you express yourself naturally in Korean: describing your feelings, talking about preferences, and sharing opinions. These phrases and tips will make your Korean sound more conversational and confident. Plus, I’m sharing an exciting sneak peek of a special Black Friday offer designed to take your speaking skills to th...

In this full-Korean episode, we’re focusing on two essential forms, -어요 and -는 거예요, that can make your Korean sound more natural and conversational. These expressions are key to adding depth and personality to your everyday conversations, whether you’re describing your day or emphasizing a strong feeling. I’ll guide you through practical examples and answer common questions about when and ho...

In this episode, we dive into a key ingredient for sounding natural in Korean: fillers! Learn how to use essential fillers like 음 (um…), 그러니까 (so…), and 글쎄요 (well…) to make your Korean conversations feel smooth and effortless. These small words have a big impact, helping you bridge pauses, connect thoughts, and bring a relaxed, native tone to your speaking. Plus, get a sneak peek into next...

In this episode, we explore how the present tense in Korean transitions from formal, textbook-style language to natural, conversational expressions. I’ll guide you through three versions of a passage to highlight the differences between formal, beginner conversational, and intermediate conversational Korean. By understanding these styles, you’ll be able to adapt your Korean for different situation...

In this episode, we’ll explore key vocabulary to help you start transitioning from TOPIK Level I to Level II. These words will not only support your exam preparation but also enhance your everyday Korean conversations. I’ll guide you through practical examples and share tips on how to use these words correctly in context. You’ll also learn how to effectively use my free PDF vocabulary guide, which...

Welcome to the first episode of TOPIK & Beyond! I'm Eliza, a certified Korean teacher, and in this podcast, I'm here to guide you through your Korean language learning journey. Whether you're preparing for the TOPIK exam or just looking to improve your everyday Korean, you’re in the right place. In this episode, I'll share why I started this podcast and how my experiences learning other langua...