TOPIK & Beyond

Eliza Wang

Welcome to TOPIK & Beyond! Whether you're just starting to learn Korean or preparing to pass the TOPIK exam, this podcast is your companion on the journey. In each episode, we’ll explore useful vocabulary, essential grammar, and real-life stories from daily life in Korea to help you master the language and feel more confident. Tune in to learn practical tips, cultural insights, and much more, taking your Korean skills beyond the classroom!

  1. 4 NGÀY TRƯỚC

    #51: The #1 Mistake in TOPIK II Writing (and How to Fix It)

    Are you losing valuable points in your TOPIK II Writing section without even realizing it? You’re not alone. In this episode, Eliza breaks down the #1 mistake most students make - focusing on complex grammar instead of clear structure - and shows you exactly how to fix it. You’ll learn a simple 3-step essay framework, natural Korean connectors that instantly improve your writing, and a short practice exercise you can do right now to boost your score. Whether you’re preparing for your first TOPIK II or trying to level up your writing score, this episode will help you write with confidence and clarity. What You’ll Learn The biggest writing mistake TOPIK learners make (and how to avoid it). The 3-step structure every high-scoring essay follows. Essential connectors and expressions to make your writing flow naturally. A short practice activity to start improving right away. Why clarity > complexity in the eyes of TOPIK examiners.   Practice Prompt from the Episode Try this question: “Do you prefer studying online or offline?” Write two sentences using the connectors you learned today: 첫째로 (firstly) 그러나 (however) 따라서 (therefore) 왜냐하면 (because) 💡 Pro tip: Read your sentences out loud to check if they sound natural. Free Resource Mentioned Download your free guide: 👉 Master TOPIK Vocabulary: Essential Words to Level Up from TOPIK I → II Get flashcard-style essential vocab with examples, tips, and exercises to help you level up with confidence. 🔗 https://www.joaacademy.com/mastertopikvocab Coming Soon: TOPIK II Writing Confidence Lab (November Launch!) If you loved this episode and want to go deeper, stay tuned for my upcoming TOPIK II Writing Confidence Lab - a step-by-step course that helps you build structure, expand vocabulary, and get real feedback on your essays. Make sure you’re on my email list so you don’t miss the announcement! Connect with Me 🌐 https://www.joaacademy.com 📸 Instagram: @korean.joaacademy 💌 Join the Korean FLOW Club: Learn real Korean every week (reading, listening, speaking & writing). 🎧 Listen to past episodes: TOPIK & Beyond If You Enjoyed This Episode Follow, rate, and share this podcast with a fellow Korean learner! Your support helps more learners discover TOPIK & Beyond and keeps this community growing

    14 phút
  2. #49: Paranoia, Conflict, and K-Drama Phrases: Language Lessons from They Come in Peace

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    #49: Paranoia, Conflict, and K-Drama Phrases: Language Lessons from They Come in Peace

    Want to watch this conversation? We recorded the full interview on video - catch it here: https://www.joaacademy.com/jim-figueroa-korean-culture-interview    In this special episode of TOPIK & Beyond, Eliza welcomes author Jim Figueroa to talk about his book They Come in Peace - a gripping sci-fi thriller that weaves in Korean culture and the realities of trust, paranoia, and survival. Jim shares his experiences living and working in Korea, and together we explore how language shapes connection - whether in a tense thriller moment or a romantic K-drama scene. You’ll even get to practice a mini speaking scene with Eliza, learning four powerful Korean phrases that can be used in both conflict and love story moments. If you’ve ever frozen up when trying to speak Korean, this episode will show you how stories can unlock your confidence. Don’t forget: The 5-Day K-Drama Speaking Challenge starts September 29! Step into daily scenes, practice out loud, and get personalized feedback from Eliza. Spots are limited - [https://www.joaacademy.com/5day-speaking-challenge]. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The inspiration behind They Come in Peace and its Korean cultural ties Jim’s personal experiences living and working in Korea at KBS, and eventually MBC and Hollywood Why language is the key to real connection A live mini speaking scene: 4 Korean phrases you can use in conflict and romance How the 5-Day K-Drama Speaking Challenge helps learners finally speak naturally Connect with Jim Figueroa: Get They Come in Peace here: Amazon | https://a.co/d/34Cyzk6Follow Jim on social media: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nyneteen84/ Note: This isn’t an affiliate link - We don’t earn commission if you buy the book. We simply enjoyed supporting Jim as a sensitivity reader and wanted to share his work with you.

    1 giờ 8 phút
  3. 2 THG 9

    #46: Back to Korean — How to Reset After Summer (Even If You Feel Behind)

    Back to school.Back to work.Back to Korean. If you’ve taken a break over the summer — or if you’re feeling a little behind — this episode is for you. Eliza shares five real Korean expressions to help you restart gently, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with your goals — without guilt or overwhelm. In This Episode:   Common emotional blocks in September — and how to shift them   Korean phrases for saying “I’m starting again” (in real life)   Speaking practice: repeat-after-me segments to get back into your flow   What’s coming to TOPIK & Beyond this season   A sneak peek at the upcoming 5-Day Speaking Challenge  Today’s Korean Phrases:   다시 시작하려고요 – I’m trying to start again   요즘 좀 쉬었어요 – I’ve been on a break lately   이번 달부터 다시 해보려고요 – I’ll try again starting this month   괜찮아요, 천천히 해도 돼요 – It’s okay. You can go slowly   이번엔 꾸준히 해보고 싶어요 – I want to stay consistent this time Resources Mentioned: ➕ Practice Real Korean — With Confidence ➕ Get Ready for the 5-Day Speaking Challenge Details coming soon — stay on the email list to be the first to know!Want a personal invite to the challenge? Join my email list at www.joaacademy.com Resources & Links: www.joaacademy.com – study tools & program updatesInstagram: @korean.joaacademy Enjoyed this episode?Follow the podcast and leave a rating or review—it helps TOPIK & Beyond reach more Korean learners around the world 💜

    16 phút
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    #45: How to Practice Real Korean: From Hesitation to Confidence

    You’ve studied vocabulary. You’ve memorized grammar. But speaking still feels awkward... and confidence? Still missing? This episode is for you. We’re wrapping up the summer series with a powerful transition into your next stage of Korean learning. Eliza shares the exact mindset + method shift that helps learners finally move from passive study → to real, confident Korean usage. Inside the episode: Why you're stuck and it's not what you think What “real” Korean practice looks like How to build confidence even if you feel unsure A free tool to help you shift your practice habits now A special invite to the upcoming live webinar on Aug 28! Episode Highlights: The “hesitation zone” and how to break through it Active vs. passive practice: what’s actually building your fluency? A behind-the-scenes preview of the Practice Real Korean Kit How the Korean FLOW Club supports daily, realistic progress The upcoming webinar: Speak Korean Naturally in Just 3 Steps That Finally Stick (Aug 28!) 🧰 Resources Mentioned: ✅ Practice Real Korean Freebie Build your confidence with real-life prompts and speaking support👉 Download here 🎉 Free Live Webinar – August 28 Topic: How to Practice Korean with Confidence Details and registration 👉 Check out here   🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or search “TOPIK & Beyond.” Resources & Links: 🌐 www.joaacademy.com – study tools & program updates 📸 Instagram: @korean.joaacademy 💌 Want feedback or guidance? Email Eliza directly! Enjoyed this episode? Follow the podcast and leave a rating or review—it helps TOPIK & Beyond reach more Korean learners around the world 💜

    10 phút

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Welcome to TOPIK & Beyond! Whether you're just starting to learn Korean or preparing to pass the TOPIK exam, this podcast is your companion on the journey. In each episode, we’ll explore useful vocabulary, essential grammar, and real-life stories from daily life in Korea to help you master the language and feel more confident. Tune in to learn practical tips, cultural insights, and much more, taking your Korean skills beyond the classroom!

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