안녕하세요!
겨울이 오면 한국은 어떻게 변할까요? Imagine a land where snow blankets ancient palaces, and laughter echoes across frozen rivers. From the thrill of ice fishing to the dazzling beauty of snow festivals, Korea's winter is a season of wonder and warmth. Join me, Eliza, as we explore the traditions that light up the coldest months with joy and connection. Discover the cultural magic of 겨울 and learn some essential winter vocabulary along the way. Ready to dive into Korea's winter wonderland? Let's embark on this frosty adventure together!
[INTRO MUSIC]
"Let’s dive into the magic of winter in Korea! From vibrant festivals to cozy traditions, winter is a season that truly shines in its own way. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or prefer staying warm indoors, Korea has something for everyone to enjoy.
Winter Festivals and Activities
First up, let’s talk about winter festivals and activities.
Have you ever tried ice fishing? In Korean, it’s called 얼음 낚시 (eoreum nakshi), and it’s one of the most iconic winter activities in Korea. Families and friends gather on frozen rivers, drill holes in the thick ice, and try their luck at catching fish. It’s a unique combination of challenge and fun! Afterward, many festivals even allow you to grill and eat the fish you catch right on the spot—talk about a fresh meal!
Another winter highlight is the stunning snow festivals. In Korean, we call them 눈 축제 (nun chukje). Picture this: the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with intricate ice sculptures, snow slides, and dazzling lights. These festivals are perfect for families, couples, and anyone who loves snapping photos of breathtaking scenery. Many also include fun activities like 눈썰매 (nun-sseolmae, sledding) or even 스키 (seuki, skiing), so it’s a great way to experience winter sports while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Winter Vocabulary and Phrases
Now, let’s learn some Korean words and phrases that will help you describe your winter adventures. Adding these to your vocabulary will help you talk about this magical season like a pro!
1. 눈사람 (nunsaram) – Snowman
* Example: 눈사람을 만들었어요. (Nunsarameul mandeureosseoyo.) "I made a snowman."
2. 눈썰매 (nun-sseolmae) – Sledding
* Example: 눈썰매를 타는 건 정말 재미있어요. (Nunsseolmaereul taneun geon jeongmal jaemiisseoyo.)"Sledding is so much fun."
3. 스키 (seuki) – Skiing
* Example: 겨울에는 스키를 타러 가고 싶어요. (Gyeo-ul-eneun seukireul tareo gago sipeoyo.) "I want to go skiing in the winter."
4. 핫초코 (hat-choko) – Hot chocolate
* Example: 스키를 타고 난 뒤에 핫초코를 마셔요. (Seukireul tago nan dwie hatchokoreul mashyeoyo.)"After skiing, I drink hot chocolate."
5. 군고구마 (gungo-guma) – Roasted sweet potato
* Example: 군고구마는 겨울 간식으로 최고예요! (Gungogumaneun gyeoul gansik-euro choegoyeyo!)"Roasted sweet potatoes are the best winter snack!"
6. 패딩 (paeding) – Padded jacket
* Example: 패딩 없이는 겨울을 날 수 없어요. (Paeding eobsineun gyeoureul nal su eobs-eoyo.) "You can’t survive winter without a padded jacket."
7. 장갑 (janggap) – Gloves
* Example: 장갑을 끼면 손이 따뜻해져요. (Janggabeul kkimyeon soni ttatteushaejyeoyo.) "Wearing gloves keeps my hands warm."
Let’s talk about cultural aspects of winter in Korea because it’s not just about outdoor activities—it’s a season filled with heartwarming food traditions and cozy moments that bring people together.
One of the most iconic winter street foods is 붕어빵 (bungeo-ppang), a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste. You’ll find street vendors selling these little treats, often made fresh and served hot. They’re perfect for munching on while strolling through the chilly streets.
Another favorite is 호떡 (hotteok), a sweet pancake stuffed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Watching the vendor press and fry these golden, gooey delights right in front of you is part of the experience! And of course, there’s 호빵 (hobbang), a soft, steamed bun filled with sweet or savory fillings. It’s a must-have snack when you’re out and about in the cold.
For me, one of my most vivid winter memories in Korea is eating 오뎅 (odeng, fish cake) with friends on a freezing day. We huddled around the steaming food cart, each holding a skewer of fish cake and sipping the hot 오뎅국물 (odeng gukmul, fish cake broth). That rich, savory broth melted the coldness and warmed me up completely—it was such a simple yet unforgettable moment of comfort and connection.
Winter is truly a time for nostalgic flavors and shared experiences. Whether it’s snacking on 군고구마 (gungo-guma, roasted sweet potatoes), sipping on 핫초코 (hat-choko, hot chocolate), or savoring these street food classics, these small joys make the season special.
Introduction to the TOPIK Focus Section
Now, I’m excited to introduce a brand-new segment to the podcast: TOPIK Focus! 🎉
As you know, the TOPIK exam (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is a key milestone for many Korean learners, whether you’re aiming to study, work, or live in Korea. In this segment, we’ll take a closer look at topics, vocabulary, and skills that are relevant to the exam—but in a fun and practical way!
Each week, I’ll share a short story, dialogue, or exercise related to the week’s theme, so you can practice using Korean in context. We’ll break it down together and explore useful vocabulary and expressions that could show up on the TOPIK exam.
This week, since we’re talking about winter traditions, I’ve created a short story using some of the winter words we just learned. Listen carefully and see how many of the words you recognize!"
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Short Story:
"겨울이 되면 저는 친구들과 눈썰매를 타러 갑니다. 눈 위에서 미끄러지며 놀고 나면, 따뜻한 음식을 먹고 싶어져요. 그래서 근처 호떡 가게에 들러 호떡과 붕어빵을 사 먹습니다. 정말 맛있어요! 집에 돌아가면 핫초코를 마시며 몸을 녹이고, 다음 날에는 패딩과 장갑을 챙겨 스키장에 가기로 했습니다."
(Translation: "When winter comes, I go sledding with my friends. After sliding on the snow, I feel like eating something warm. So, I stop by a hotteok stall nearby and buy hotteok and bungeo-ppang. They are so delicious! When I get home, I drink hot chocolate to warm up, and the next day, I plan to go to a ski resort with my padded jacket and gloves.")
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Now, it’s your turn! Can you create your own short story using some of these winter words? Write about your favorite winter activity or snack in Korean—it’s a great way to practice.
If you’d like feedback, share your story on social media using #TOPIKandBeyond and tag us at @korean.joa on Instagram. I’ll pick a few stories to feature and provide corrections. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
"That’s all for today’s episode on winter traditions in Korea. I hope you enjoyed it and learned something new!
여러분도 한국의 겨울을 경험해 보셨나요? Have you experienced winter in Korea?
If not, I hope today’s episode gave you a glimpse of the magic and coziness of this season. And if you have, please share your winter experiences in Korean with us! Use the phrases we’ve learned today and don’t forget to tag us at @korean.joa on Instagram or use #TOPIKandBeyond—I’d love to see your stories!
If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave a review and give us a rating—it helps more learners like you find the podcast. Your feedback means the world to me!
Until next time, stay warm, stay inspired, and as always, happy learning!"
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Thank you for tuning in to TOPIK & Beyond.
다음 시간까지, 즐거운 학습 되세요! See you next time!
