All Episodes
Episodes
#53: Write With Me: Answering a Real TOPIK II Question Step-by-Step
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...
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#52: Korean Writing Expressions Koreans Actually Use in Reports (That TOPIK Loves)
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...
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#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...
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#50: Speak More Korean - Even If You’re Busy (Chuseok Edition)
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...
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Bonus: Korean Roleplay Chaos - My First Day at Work Went Terribly Wrong (Korean Roleplay)
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:
An awkward street encounter
An...
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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...
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#48: 5-Minute Korean Habits That Actually Work
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...
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#47: Are You Using Korean or Just Learning It?
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....
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#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...
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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...
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#44: What I Wish Korean Learners Knew Before They Hit B1
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...
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#43: You Know Hangul… Now What?
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...
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