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
How to Use This Episode
To 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:
Each 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
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:
Practice
Take one old TOPIK essay you’ve written and check:
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
If you feel like TOPIK Writing is confusing, overwhelming, or just “too hard”… you’re not alone.
In this episode, Eliza explains the real reasons TOPIK Writing feels difficult — and why it has nothing to do with your intelligence or Korean ability.
You’ll hear a simple, beginner-friendly Korean story about a common TOPIK mistake (writing exactly like you speak)… and you’ll learn how to shift from spoken Korean to written Korean (문어체) in a clear, stress-free way.
Finally, Eliza gives you one of her signature frameworks for Level 4–5 writing, so you can instantly improve your next TOPIK essay.
Whether you’re preparing for TOPIK II, struggling with sentence flow, or just want to feel confident writing in Korean, this episode will help everything “click.”
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✔ Why TOPIK Writing feels hard (it’s not your fault!)
The three major reasons most learners struggle — and how understanding them changes everything.
✔ The difference between speaking Korean and writing Korean (문어체)
A simple Korean story demonstrates why spoken patterns (like “너무… 너무… 너무…”) don’t work for TOPIK.
✔ How to avoid the “childish writing” trap
Common Level 3–4 mistakes and how to fix them.
✔ A simple TOPIK Writing structure you can use immediately
Eliza teaches a clear framework: Topic → Reason → Example → Ending
Perfect for TOPIK Level 4–5 tasks.
✔ A mini writing challenge to build confidence
Learn how to express a negative experience or inconvenience in a logical, TOPIK-friendly format.
Key Korean Expressions From the Episode:
Perfect for learners who want practical vocabulary for TOPIK essays.
Your Weekly Writing Challenge:
Think of one small inconvenience you experienced this week (e.g., transportation issue, weather, schedule issue).
Write a short paragraph using the TOPIK structure: Topic → Reason → Example → Ending.
Small practice grows big confidence.
Want Personalized Feedback on Your TOPIK Writing?
The TOPIK Writing Confidence Lab opens very soon.
If you want to write clear, logical, Level 4–5 essays with guidance and supportive feedback:
👉 Join the waitlist here → https://www.joaacademy.com/writing-confidence-lab-waitlist
You'll be the first to know when doors open + receive special bonuses.
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
December is the perfect moment to pause, breathe, and look back at your Korean learning journey.
In today’s gentle episode, Eliza helps you realize something important: You improved more in Korean this year than you think.
We explore a simple, personal story from Eliza’s life in France — a moment that revealed how language growth often happens quietly and naturally. Then, we break down three signs of invisible progress that Korean learners often miss.
Whether you’re preparing for TOPIK, learning Korean for daily life, or rebuilding your study routine, this episode will help you feel proud of how far you’ve come.
You’ll walk away feeling lighter, more grounded, and more confident for the rest of your Korean journey.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
1. Why language progress is invisible in daily life and why that’s normal for all learners — even experienced ones.
2. Three signs you improved your Korean in 2025 including understanding more, feeling meaning, and noticing mistakes.
3. A simple Korean story to help you reflect told at an A2–B1 friendly pace for listening practice.
4. Key Korean expressions used in the episode:
5. A gentle reflection challenge to end the year intentionally and recognize your own growth.
Reflection Challenge
Write down two tiny moments in 2025 when you felt even a little bit of Korean progress. (Yes — even a 3-second moment counts.)
Join the Korean FLOW Club
If you want structured, low-pressure weekly Korean practice — combined with real Korean stories, speaking prompts, and a warm learning community — you can join anytime:
👉 Korean FLOW Club → https://www.joaacademy.com/the-korean-flow-club
If you enjoyed this episode…
Please consider:
→ Leaving a review on your podcast app
→ Sharing the episode with a friend
→ Posting about it on Instagram or Threads (and tagging me!)
Your support helps more Korean learners find this podcast and feel confident on their journey.
Prefer reading while you listen?
I’m experimenting with a new way to support visual learners!
→ Read this episode on Substack
Connect with Me
❤️ If You Enjoyed This Episode
Please follow, rate, and share this podcast with a friend who’s studying for TOPIK! It helps more learners discover TOPIK & Beyond and keeps this community growing.
This week’s episode is for all my intermediate learners preparing for TOPIK II or wanting to improve their listening comprehension through real-life Korean stories.
It’s a slow-natural monologue based on my real November — full of projects, parenting, and wisdom teeth drama 😅
In this episode:
Great for you if:
Prefer reading while you listen?
I’m experimenting with a new way to support visual learners!
→ Read this episode on Substack
Want more support like this?
Come join us inside the Korean FLOW Club — where we do weekly listening, speaking, and feedback together.
You don’t have to do this alone. 💛
Connect with Me
❤️ If You Enjoyed This Episode
Please follow, rate, and share this podcast with a friend who’s studying for TOPIK! It helps more learners discover TOPIK & Beyond and keeps this community growing.
Do you ever feel confident speaking Korean… but totally freeze when writing an essay or TOPIK answer? Or maybe your written Korean is polished, but your mind goes blank during a conversation?
This episode breaks down why that gap exists — and how to fix it.
You’ll learn the real differences between speaking and writing, what traps learners fall into, and one simple but powerful exercise to start improving both skills together.
Whether you’re studying for real-life fluency or prepping for TOPIK II, this episode will help you move forward with more clarity and confidence.
In This Episode:
✔️ Why speaking and writing feel so different
✔️ How to know where you’re strong vs. stuck
✔️ The #1 mistake learners make when trying to “transfer” skills
✔️ A practical exercise to train both modes together
✔️ What to focus on if you’re preparing for TOPIK II
Want to Build Writing Confidence?
Our TOPIK II Writing Confidence Lab opens in December - a 4-week focused writing sprint to help you hit your writing goals with structure and feedback.
Prefer speaking practice?
The Korean FLOW Club is open for new members — build fluency with daily prompts, routines, and community support.
Prefer reading while you listen?
I’m experimenting with a Substack version of each episode to support visual learners. You can read along + get examples while listening to boost understanding!
📖 → Checkout Korean Joa in Substack
Connect with Me
🌐 Website: joaacademy.com
📸 Instagram: @korean.joaacademy
💌 Join the Korean FLOW Club: Practice real Korean every week — reading, listening, speaking & writing.
If You Enjoyed This Episode
Please follow, rate, and share this podcast with a friend who’s studying Korean!
Your support helps more learners discover TOPIK & Beyond and grow this global learning community.
Are your writing examples helping or hurting your TOPIK score?
In this episode of TOPIK & Beyond, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked ways to boost your TOPIK II writing: giving better, stronger, more logical examples. If your essays tend to sound vague or too personal, this episode will show you how to upgrade your writing — with real-life phrases, expressions, and a sample prompt practice.
What You’ll Learn:
Your Challenge:
Take an old writing sample and upgrade your example using today’s tips — then send it to Eliza for short feedback!
Want to improve your writing and get real feedback?
Join the waitlist for Eliza’s new mini-program, TOPIK II Writing Confidence Lab — coming soon!
👉Join the Waitlist
Download your free guide:
👉 Master TOPIK Vocabulary: Essential Words to Level Up from TOPIK I → II
Get flashcard-style vocab lists, examples, and practice tips to help you write and speak more naturally for the exam. [🔗https://www.joaacademy.com/mastertopikvocab]
Connect with Me
🌐 Website: joaacademy.com
📸 Instagram: @korean.joaacademy
💌 Join the Korean FLOW Club: Practice real Korean every week — reading, listening, speaking & writing.
If You Enjoyed This Episode
Please follow, rate, and share this podcast with a friend who’s studying Korean!
Your support helps more learners discover TOPIK & Beyond and grow this global learning community.
If you’ve been practicing TOPIK II writing, you probably already know how hard it is to find the perfect sentence structure, grammar, and vocabulary…
But what if your biggest score drop isn’t from grammar — but from tone?
In this episode, we’re talking about:
Mini Challenge:
Choose a writing sample you’ve already done — and edit it with today’s tone tips.
Want a teacher’s eye on it? Email Eliza with your writing sample to get one personalized feedback tip!
This episode is especially for you if:
Ready to get serious about TOPIK II writing?
The TOPIK II Writing Confidence Lab is coming soon — and it’s made for learners who want to build real confidence, write faster, and get feedback on their work.
Join the waitlist now to be the first to know when we open doors:
👉 https://www.joaacademy.com/writing-confidence-lab-waitlist
🎁 Also, want to improve on your vocabulary for TOPIK?
👉Don’t forget to grab Master TOPIK Vocabulary: Essential Words to Level Up from TOPIK I → II
a flashcard-style vocab lists, examples, and practice tips to help you write and speak more naturally for the exam. 🔗 https://www.joaacademy.com/mastertopikvocab
📌 Follow Eliza & Joa Academy
Instagram: @korean.joaacademy
Website: www.joaacademy.com
Struggle with organizing your ideas for TOPIK II Writing?
In this “write-with-me” episode, Eliza walks you step-by-step through a real TOPIK II question using her signature WRITE to BUILD framework — a clear, logical method that helps you write confidently, even when you don’t know where to start.
You’ll learn how to define, explain, and conclude your essay naturally in Korean using five easy steps — and by the end of the episode, you’ll have a full, well-structured paragraph ready to go.
What You’ll Learn
Practice Prompt from the Episode
Here’s the real TOPIK-style question we wrote together:
📘 ‘환경오염이란 무엇이며, 그것이 인간의 생활에 어떤 영향을 미치는지 설명하시오.’
(Explain what environmental pollution is and how it affects human life.)
And your mini challenge:
📘 ‘재활용이 왜 중요한지, 그리고 사람들이 어떻게 참여할 수 있는지 설명하시오.’
(Explain why recycling is important and how people can participate.)
Use the 5 steps from the BUILD method to structure your answer logically!
Want to Write With Me Live?
Eliza is hosting a free, small-group workshop-style training to help you apply the WRITE to BUILD method to real TOPIK questions.
Only 10 learners will be selected to participate.
Join the waitlist now to get early access:
👉 https://www.joaacademy.com/writing-confidence-lab-waitlist
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).
❤️ If You Enjoyed This Episode
Please follow, rate, and share this podcast with a friend who’s studying for TOPIK! It helps more learners discover TOPIK & Beyond and keeps this community growing.
Do you freeze when you see a chart or graph in the TOPIK II Writing section? 😰
You’re not alone! Many learners repeat basic words like 많다 and 적다 — but those won’t get you a high score.
In this episode, Eliza teaches you how to describe charts and comparisons using natural report-style expressions that Koreans actually use — and that TOPIK examiners love to see.
You’ll learn essential patterns, advanced verbs, and ready-to-use sentences that instantly make your writing sound more fluent, formal, and professional.
What You’ll Learn
Practice Prompt from the Episode
Imagine this chart:
The percentage of people who prefer online classes rose from 30% in 2020 to 60% in 2024.
Write one sentence using today’s expressions and share your sentence with Eliza on Instagram or by email!
Free Resource Mentioned
Download your free guide:
👉 Master TOPIK Vocabulary: Essential Words to Level Up from TOPIK I → II
Get flashcard-style vocab lists, examples, and practice tips to help you write and speak more naturally for the exam. [🔗 https://www.joaacademy.com/mastertopikvocab ]
Coming Soon — TOPIK II Writing Confidence Lab (November Launch!)
Ready to take your writing to the next level?
Our TOPIK II Writing Confidence Lab opens this November — a step-by-step course with essay structures, real examples, and feedback to help you reach your target score with confidence.
Stay tuned for more details!
Connect with Me
🌐 Website: joaacademy.com
📸 Instagram: @korean.joaacademy
💌 Join the Korean FLOW Club: Practice real Korean every week — reading, listening, speaking & writing.
If You Enjoyed This Episode
Please follow, rate, and share this podcast with a friend who’s studying Korean!
Your support helps more learners discover TOPIK & Beyond and grow this global learning community.
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
Practice Prompt from the Episode
Try this question:
“Do you prefer studying online or offline?”
Write two sentences using the connectors you learned today:
💡 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
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
Chuseok (추석) is here and whether you're in Korea or not, this season is a reminder that life gets busy.
But does that mean your Korean practice has to stop?
Absolutely not.
In this episode, I’ll show you how to:
Plus: I’ll share 4 speaking activities you can try this week - no textbook required.
Useful Korean You’ll Hear:
PS: Want More Speaking Practice?
The Korean FLOW Club is OPEN!
Join anytime and start building confidence with real conversation routines → https://www.joaacademy.com/the-korean-flow-club
Want to join the next 5-Day Speaking Challenge?
It’s coming soon — and waitlist gets first access.
💛 Add your name here → https://www.joaacademy.com/5day-speaking-challenge
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen!
📲 Follow @korean.joaacademy on Instagram for weekly tips!
In this fun bonus episode, Eliza and Jim Figueroa dive into a totally unscripted roleplay that’s full of surprises, real emotions, and natural Korean expressions.
You’ll hear:
Eliza also pops in with explanations and breakdowns to help you follow along - so don’t worry if some parts feel tricky.
This episode is great for learners who want to:
Like the podcast?
Follow + leave a review! It really helps other Korean learners find us 💛
Follow @korean.joaacademy on Instagram for more daily Korean support
📨 Weekly emails + freebies: www.joaacademy.com
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:
Connect with Jim Figueroa:
Get They Come in Peace here: Amazon | https://a.co/d/34Cyzk6
Follow 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.
What if just 5 minutes a day could completely shift how you speak Korean?
This week on TOPIK & Beyond, we’re breaking down the tiny daily habits that help you build confidence — no matter how busy your life is.
In this episode:
Heads Up!
📣 Get your FREE K-Drama Speaking Starter Kit
Want to speak like your favorite drama character — with confidence?
Grab your free download and get on the VIP list for our 5-Day K-Drama Speaking Challenge.
👉 Grab your Korean Speaking Starter Pack (K-Drama Edition) Here
Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a weekly speaking boost.
And if this episode helped you — leave a review or share it with a fellow learner.
Let’s keep speaking, not just studying.
Many learners are studying a lot… but when it’s time to speak?
>> Their brain goes blank.
>> Their mouth doesn’t move.
In this week’s episode, we’re shifting out of passive learning and into real-life use. Because memorizing grammar doesn’t help if you never say the words out loud.
You’ll learn:
✅ The signs you’re stuck in passive study
✅ Easy everyday Korean sentences to practice speaking
✅ Mini grammar hacks to sound more natural
✅ A 3-step challenge to practice today
If your Korean is “in your head,” this episode will help bring it to your lips.
Heads Up!
A free 5-Day Speaking Challenge is coming soon! Designed to help you use Korean out loud - even if you feel shy or rusty. Stay tuned for details!
And don’t forget - you can grab the Korean Conversation Kickstart Kit (free!) to build fluency habits that stick:
👉Practice Real Korean with Confidence
Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a weekly speaking boost.
And if this episode helped you - leave a review or share it with a fellow learner.
Let’s keep speaking, not just studying.
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:
Today’s Korean Phrases:
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 updates
Instagram: @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 💜
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:
Episode Highlights:
🧰 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 💜
You've studied for a while.
You're not a beginner anymore…
But real conversations still feel hard, and your confidence wavers?
You’re not alone and you’re not doing it wrong.
This week’s episode dives into the "pre-B1 plateau" that so many Korean learners hit — and what you actually need to focus on before trying to level up.
We’ll talk about:
✨ This episode is for you if:
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 💜
You’ve learned Hangul — the Korean alphabet.
Now what?
If you're feeling stuck between reading syllables and actually understanding or speaking Korean, you’re not alone. This episode is your gentle, structured guide to what comes next.
We’ll talk about:
✨ You don’t need more flashcards. You need flow.
📩 Want personal study tips?
Reply to this week’s email newsletter or email info@joaacademy.com.
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 💜