TOPIK & Beyond

Eliza Wang
  • 5.0 (1)
  • LANGUAGE LEARNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 3D AGO

    #67: From Translation to Intuition: How Korean Starts to Feel Natural

    Many Korean learners don’t struggle because they lack vocabulary or grammar. They struggle because everything still has to pass through another language first. In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, Eliza revisits a key turning point in the Korean learning journey — the shift from translating to relating to Korean more directly. This episode explores what happens when Korean begins to feel less like a mental exercise and more like a lived language.Not fluent.Not perfect.But more natural. If you’ve ever felt that you “know” Korean but still hesitate, freeze, or feel mentally tired when using it, this episode speaks to that in-between phase. In this episode, we reflect on: why constant word-by-word translation creates friction in speaking and writingthe moment when studying more stops helping in the same waythe shift from building sentences to recognizing language chunkshow “thinking in Korean” starts long before fluencywhy intuition comes from exposure and familiarity, not effort or perfectionThis episode is not about forcing yourself to stop translating.It’s about understanding why translation fades naturally — and what replaces it. This episode will resonate especially if: you understand Korean but feel slow or blocked when speakingyour writing is correct but still feels awkwardconversations don’t flow the way you expectKorean feels mentally tiring even after years of studyyou’re somewhere between “learning” and “using” the languageIf you’ve ever thought: “I know the words, but it still doesn’t feel natural,”this episode is worth listening to. If This Episode Helped Save it for days when speaking feels heavyShare it with a friend who’s learning KoreanSubscribe to TOPIK & Beyond so you don’t miss future episodesYour support helps more learners find calm, human-centered Korean learning. Prefer reading while you listen? If you are a visual learner,→ Read this episode on Substack Connect with Me 🌐 Website: https://www.joaacademy.com/📸 Instagram: @korean.joaacademy💌 Join the Korean FLOW Club for weekly practice in real Korean (reading, listening, speaking & writing).

    25 min

  2. JAN 27

    #66: Before You Try to Speak Korean Again, Listen to This

    If speaking Korean feels heavy, overwhelming, or emotionally draining right now, this episode is for you. In this quiet, grounding episode of TOPIK & Beyond, Eliza invites you to pause before trying to “fix” your Korean or push yourself to speak better. Instead of techniques or study tips, this episode focuses on the moment before speaking — where pressure, tension, and self-judgment often appear. This is not an episode about performance or improvement.It’s an episode about permission, safety, and approaching Korean more gently. Perfect for learners who: feel stuck or blocked when speakingavoid speaking because of pressurefeel nervous or tense before conversationsneed reassurance more than adviceThis episode is: calm and slowreflective and reassuringfocused on emotional experiencesupportive of nervous or tired learnersThis episode is not: a speaking technique lessona grammar explanationa motivation pusha “try harder” messageYou don’t need to take notes.You don’t need to practice afterward.Just listening is enough. 🎓 Free Webinar Mentioned in This Episode Eliza also gently mentions her upcoming free live webinar: Speaking Korean Without Losing Your Mind In the session, she will explore: why speaking often feels overwhelminghow pressure builds before we speakhow to approach Korean speaking more calmly and naturallyFor registration link: https://joaacademy.easywebinar.live/speak-korean-without-losing-your-mind There is no pressure to join — it’s simply an open invitation. Prefer reading while you listen? I’m experimenting with a new way to support visual learners!→ Read this episode on Substack Connect with Me 🌐 Website: https://www.joaacademy.com/📸 Instagram: @korean.joaacademy💌 Join the Korean FLOW Club for weekly practice in real Korean (reading, listening, speaking & writing).

    6 min

  3. JAN 20

    #65: Why Speaking Korean Feels So Mentally Exhausting (And What to Do Instead)

    Do you feel mentally exhausted when you try to speak Korean?Does your mind go blank, feel crowded, or shut down even though you’ve studied? In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, Eliza explains why speaking Korean feels so mentally draining — and why this has nothing to do with your intelligence, effort, or motivation. Instead of focusing on grammar or vocabulary, this episode looks at what’s happening inside your brain when you speak Korean, and how pressure, perfectionism, and overthinking create mental overload. You’ll also learn simple, practical shifts that help you speak Korean more calmly and naturally — without “losing your mind.” In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why speaking Korean feels harder than studying KoreanWhat learners mean when they say:생각이 많아요 (I have too many thoughts)머리가 복잡해요 (My head feels complicated)말이 안 나와요 (Words don’t come out)Why mental overload blocks speechHow perfectionism makes speaking more difficultWhy slowing down actually improves fluencyHow to reduce pressure and speak more naturallyThis episode is especially helpful for learners who feel anxious, tense, or mentally tired when speaking Korean. 🎓 Free Webinar Mentioned in This Episode Eliza also mentions her upcoming free webinar:Speaking Korean Without Losing Your Mind In the webinar, she’ll explain: why your mind freezes when you speakhow to reduce mental pressurehow to speak Korean more naturally and calmlyYou can register here: https://joaacademy.easywebinar.live/speak-korean-without-losing-your-mind  If This Episode Helped You Share it with a friend who feels nervous speaking KoreanSave it for days when speaking feels overwhelmingSubscribe to TOPIK & Beyond so you don’t miss future episodesYour support helps more Korean learners find calm, realistic guidance. Prefer reading while you listen?I’m experimenting with a new way to support visual learners!→ Read this episode on Substack

    10 min

  4. JAN 13

    #64: How to Use Korean Even on Busy Days (Without Studying More)

    Many Korean learners stop studying not because they don’t care — but because life gets busy. In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, Eliza shares practical, realistic ways to use Korean even on busy days, without adding extra study time or pressure. Instead of long study sessions, this episode focuses on small, real-life moments that help you stay connected to Korean — and that also build a strong foundation for TOPIK. If you often feel like you’re “too busy” to study Korean, this episode will show you how busy-day Korean still counts. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why busy days often break Korean study routinesHow to use Korean in 1–5 minute momentsWhy listening still helps even when you’re tiredHow to practice speaking with just one sentenceHigh-frequency Korean vocabulary and grammar that appear often in TOPIKWhy everyday Korean is foundational for real fluencyThis episode is ideal for learners balancing work, family, or studies — and for anyone who wants Korean to fit into real life. Busy-Day Korean That Helps TOPIKThis episode naturally introduces high-frequency TOPIK vocabulary and grammar, including: 바쁘다 — to be busy시간이 없다 — to not have time잠깐 / 조금만 — just a moment / just a little듣다 / 들리다 / 보다 — to listen / to be heard / to watch익숙해지다 — to become familiar–아/어 보다 — to try–(으)려고 하다 — to plan or intend–지만 — but / although미루다 — to postpone그래서 / 하지만 / 자주 / 조금 — common TOPIK connectors and adverbsThese expressions appear frequently in TOPIK reading and writing because they reflect real-life Korean. Looking for Support?Eliza also briefly mentions the Korean FLOW Club, a monthly practice space designed for learners with busy lives. It’s built to support: real-life Korean usageconsistency without pressureflexible listening, speaking, and writing practiceIf You Enjoyed This Episode Share it with a friend who’s busy but learning KoreanSave it for days when motivation is lowSubscribe to TOPIK & Beyond so you don’t miss future episodesYour support helps more Korean learners find practical, sustainable guidance. Prefer reading while you listen?I’m experimenting with a new way to support visual learners!→ Read this episode on Substack Connect with Eliza 🌐 Website: https://www.joaacademy.com/📸 Instagram: @korean.joaacademy💌 Join the Korean FLOW Club for weekly practice in real Korean (reading, listening, speaking & writing).

    10 min

  5. JAN 6

    #63: A Simple Korean Routine You Can Actually Keep in 2026

    The start of a new year often comes with pressure — new goals, new plans, and the fear of repeating the same cycle with Korean learning. In this first episode of 2026, Eliza offers a different approach. Instead of resolutions or strict study schedules, she shares a simple, realistic Korean routine designed to fit real life — even when you’re busy, tired, or inconsistent. This episode introduces the FLOW routine — a gentle learning rhythm based on: FoundationListeningOutputWorld immersionRather than doing everything every day, listeners are encouraged to stay connected to Korean in small, sustainable ways they can actually keep throughout the year. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why many Korean study routines fail (and why it’s not your fault)How pressure and guilt (부담) stop long-term progressWhat a “keepable” Korean routine really looks likeA simple explanation of the FLOW methodHow to keep going even after missing days or weeksWhy consistency matters more than motivation in 2026This episode is perfect for learners who want to start the year calmly — without burnout or unrealistic expectations. A Supportive Learning Space: Korean FLOW Club In the episode, Eliza briefly mentions the Korean FLOW Club — a monthly practice space built around the FLOW routine.It’s designed for learners who want: a place to return tobalanced listening, speaking, and writingguidance without pressurea routine that respects real lifeIf This Episode Helped You Share it with a friend learning KoreanSave it for a gentle reset anytimeLeave a short review to support the podcastYour support helps more learners discover calm, sustainable Korean learning. Prefer reading while you listen? I’m experimenting with a new way to support visual learners!→ Read this episode on Substack Connect with Me 🌐 Website: https://www.joaacademy.com/📸 Instagram: @korean.joaacademy💌 Join the Korean FLOW Club for weekly practice in real Korean (reading, listening, speaking & writing).

    11 min

  6. 12/30/2025

    #62: How I’d Learn Korean in 2026 (If I Were You)

    As 2025 comes to a close, this episode offers a calm, honest reflection on how to approach Korean learning in the new year — without pressure, burnout, or unrealistic resolutions. In this final episode of 2025, Eliza shares how she would learn Korean in 2026 if she were starting (or restarting) today: with less perfectionism, more consistency, and a gentler, more sustainable routine. This episode is not a study plan or a New Year’s resolution.It’s a mindset shift — designed to help Korean learners feel confident, supported, and motivated going into 2026. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why trying to study Korean perfectly (완벽하게) often slows progressWhy consistency matters more than motivationHow 조금씩, 꾸준히 (little by little, consistently) leads to real fluencyHow to set gentle intentions using –(으)려고 하다Why good learners don’t “quit” — they 다시 돌아와요 (come back)How to approach Korean in 2026 without restarting or burning outThis episode is ideal for learners who feel tired, stuck, or unsure how to move forward — and want Korean to feel more human and doable again. A Gentle Invitation: Korean FLOW Club In the episode, Eliza also shares why she created the Korean FLOW Club — a monthly practice space focused on: real Korean usagelistening, speaking, and writingshowing up imperfectlybuilding a routine you can return to anytime🎁 Soft Launch Offer $57/month until the end of DecemberRegular price $67/month starting January 2026Join the Korean FLOW Club for weekly practice in real Korean (reading, listening, speaking & writing). Key Korean Words & Expressions from the Episode 완벽하게 — perfectly조금씩, 꾸준히 — little by little, consistently–(으)려고 하다 — to intend / plan to다시 돌아오다 — to come back괜찮아요 — it’s okayNo memorization required — just gentle exposure. If This Episode Helped You Share it with a friend learning KoreanSave it as a reminder for 2026Leave a short review to support the podcastYour support helps more Korean learners find calm, sustainable guidance. Prefer reading while you listen?I’m experimenting with a new way to support visual learners!→ Read this episode on Substack Connect with Me 🌐 Website: https://www.joaacademy.com/📸 Instagram: @korean.joaacademy

    9 min

  7. 12/23/2025

    #61: A Cozy Christmas Abroad - A Gentle Story in Korean

    This special Christmas episode is a gentle Korean listening experience — no studying, no pressure, just listening and feeling. In this episode, Eliza shares a short Christmas story in Korean about spending the holidays abroad. She reflects on the contrast between Christmas in Korea, which often feels quiet and low-key, and Christmas in France, where streets are filled with lights, trees, busy shops, and families preparing for holiday meals. Told at an A2 friendly pace, this episode is perfect for Korean learners who want to relax, enjoy the sound of Korean, and connect emotionally with the language — especially during the holiday season. What You’ll Hear in This Episode A cozy Christmas story in easy, slow KoreanCultural reflections on Christmas in Korea vs abroadA gentle reminder that understanding everything is not requiredA calm listening practice you can enjoy anywhereA special Christmas gift for learners interested in living, working, or settling down in KoreaHow to Use This Episode Listen while walking, resting, or enjoying a warm drinkFocus on tone and feeling, not translationLet Korean wash over you naturallyEnjoy it more than once if you like — no effort requiredTo celebrate the holidays, Eliza collaborated with other professionals who support foreigners in Korea to create a free resource bundle. 🎁 The Korea Success Resource Bundle includes free resources from: Korean teachersAn expat coach living in KoreaAn entrepreneur who helps foreigners do business in KoreaAn entrepreneur who helps foreigners settle down in KoreaEach contributor shared one resource to help you study, work, do business, or build a life in Korea with more confidence. 👉 Download the bundle for free. Prefer reading while you listen? I’m experimenting with a new way to support visual learners!→ Read this episode on Substack ⭐ If You Enjoyed the Episode… Please consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a quick review. It helps more Korean learners discover the podcast and feel supported on their TOPIK journey. Connect with Me 🌐 Website: https://www.joaacademy.com/📸 Instagram: @korean.joaacademy💌 Join the Korean FLOW Club for weekly practice in real Korean (reading, listening, speaking & writing).

    6 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    #60: How TOPIK Graders Actually Read Your Essay

    Many learners lose points not because their grammar is bad, but because their writing lacks clear structure, logical flow, or consistent written style (문어체). In this episode, Eliza explains how graders scan essays, what they look for first, and why clarity matters more than “advanced” grammar. If you’ve ever felt frustrated thinking “My writing isn’t that bad, so why is my score low?” — this episode will help everything finally make sense. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✔ How TOPIK graders read essays - What graders focus on — and what they don’t care about as much as you think. ✔ Why many learners lose points without realizing it - Common issues like unclear topic sentences, weak connectors, and mixed speaking/writing styles. ✔ The difference between spoken Korean and written Korean (문어체) - Why writing the way you speak can lower your TOPIK score. ✔ One powerful “Think Like a Grader” rule - A simple mindset shift that instantly improves how you approach TOPIK writing. ✔ How to review your own TOPIK essay more effectively - A low-pressure self-check you can use with essays you’ve already written. Key TOPIK Writing Concepts Covered: TOPIK essay structureTopic sentences and logical flowWriting consistency (문어체)Common TOPIK writing mistakesClarity vs advanced grammarHow TOPIK essays are evaluatedPractice Take one old TOPIK essay you’ve written and check: Do I have a clear topic sentence?Are my ideas logically connected?Is my writing style consistent throughout?You don’t need to rewrite — awareness alone improves writing quality. What’s Next For listeners who want to go deeper with structured lessons and real feedback, enrollment for the TOPIK II Writing Confidence Program opens this Friday, December 19, 2025. If you’re interested or want to learn more, make sure you’re on the waitlist. 👉 Join the waitlist here →  https://www.joaacademy.com/writing-confidence-lab-waitlist  ⭐ If You Enjoyed the Episode… Please consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a quick review. It helps more Korean learners discover the podcast and feel supported on their TOPIK journey. Connect with Me 🌐 Website: https://www.joaacademy.com/📸 Instagram: @korean.joaacademy💌 Join the Korean FLOW Club for weekly practice in real Korean (reading, listening, speaking & writing).

    10 min
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Eliza Wang
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Joa Academy
  • Show Website
    TOPIK & Beyond

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