안녕하세요, 여러분! Welcome to TOPIK & Beyond.
As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect on our achievements, and set new intentions for the year ahead. In today’s episode, we’ll look back on the lessons we’ve learned in 2024 and discuss how to set meaningful and realistic goals for 2025.
I’ll also share some practical tips for setting language learning goals that actually stick. Stay tuned!
[Intro Music]
안녕하세요, 여러분! I’m so excited to share this special year-end episode with you.
As we say goodbye to 2024, it’s a good moment to reflect on how far we’ve come. This year has been full of challenges and surprises, but it’s also been a year of growth, progress, and learning.
Let’s take a moment to think about our own journeys. What were your biggest wins this year? Maybe you learned new Korean vocabulary, gained confidence in speaking, or passed a TOPIK level. And, of course, what challenges did you face? Did you struggle with consistency or hit a plateau? Reflecting on these moments helps us grow and prepare for what’s next.
저는 올해 목표 중 하나가 Korean Joa 커뮤니티를 성장시키는 것이었어요. 처음에는 어디서부터 시작해야 할지 몰라서 조금 막막했지만 꾸준히 노력했더니, 한 분 한 분씩 여러분과 소통하기 시작했어요. 여러분의 한국어를 도와드리고, 피드백을 드리고, 개인 수업도 하면서 정말 멋진 한 해 였어요.
Now, as we look toward 2025, setting intentions is just as important as reflecting on the past. Goals give us direction, and they help us stay motivated. For language learners like us, goals could mean anything from committing to daily practice to learning 500 new words or finally mastering the Korean honorifics system.
그래서 오늘은:
1. 지난 시간을 돌아보고 목표를 세우는 데 유용한 한국어 표현들을 보고
2. 실현 가능한 한국어 학습 목표를 세우는 실질적인 팁과
3. 올해 한국어 학습 여정을 공유해 주신 청취자분들의 감동적인 이야기를 다뤄볼 거예요.
4. 에피소드가 끝날 때쯤 여러분도 스스로의 목표를 세우고 2025년을 성공적으로 시작할 준비가 되셨길 바래요.
1. Common Phrases for Reflection and Goal-Setting
Let’s begin by learning some Korean expressions to talk about reflection and goal-setting. These phrases will help you express your thoughts about the past year and your plans for the future in Korean.
1. 돌아보다 (doraboda): To look back.
* Example: 올해를 돌아보면, 많은 것을 배웠어요. (Olhaereul dorabomyeon, maneun geoseul baewosseoyo.)
When I look back on this year, I learned a lot.
2. 반성하다 (banseonghada): To reflect or self-assess.
* Example: 올해 잘하지 못한 점을 반성해요. (Olhae jalhaji mothan jeomeul banseonghaeyo.)
I reflect on the things I didn’t do well this year.
3. 목표를 세우다 (mokpyoreul sewoda): To set a goal.
* Example: 내년에 새로운 목표를 세우고 싶어요. (Naenyeone saeroun mokpyoreul sewugo sipeoyo.)
I want to set new goals for next year.
4. 성취하다 (seongchwihada): To achieve.
* Example: 올해 작은 목표를 성취했어요. (Olhae jageun mokpyoreul seongchwihesseoyo.)
This year, I achieved a small goal.
5. 포기하지 않다 (pogihaji anta): To not give up.
* Example: 언제나 포기하지 않는 것이 중요해요. (Eonjena pogihaji anneun geosi jungyohaeyo.)
It’s important to never give up.
이 표현들은 목표를 이야기할 때만 유용한 것이 아니에요. 의미 있는 주제에 대해 한국어로 생각하고 말하는 연습을 하기에도 아주 좋아요. 올해를 돌아보거나 다음 계획을 세울 때 한 번 사용해 보세요!
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2. Tips for Setting Realistic Language Learning Goals
Now, let’s talk about how to set realistic and achievable goals for your Korean learning journey.
Have you heard of SMART goals? It’s a framework to help you create goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Here’s how you can apply it to language learning:
1. Be specific: 구체적으로 계획하기: ‘한국어를 더 잘하고 싶어요’라고 말하는 대신, ‘매주 새로운 단어 10개를 배우고 싶어요’처럼 구체적인 목표를 세워 보세요.
2. Make it measurable: 측정 가능하게 만들기: 플래시카드, 일기 쓰기, 퀴즈 등을 통해 자신의 진도를 추적해 보세요.
3. Achievable: 달성 가능하게 설정하기: 작은 것부터 시작하세요. 예를 들어, 하루에 10분이라도 꾸준히 실천하는 것이 좋습니다.
4. Relevant: 관련성 있게 설정하기: 여행을 위한 말하기 능력 향상이나 TOPIK 시험 준비처럼 자신에게 가장 중요한 것에 집중하세요.
5. Time-bound: 기간을 정하기: 동기 부여를 위해 마감일을 설정하세요. 예를 들어, ‘4월 토픽시험 준비를 위해 3월 말까지 준비 코스 듣기’ 처럼 목표를 구체적으로 정해 보세요.
Here are a few practical tips for staying on track:
* Consistency over intensity: Studying a little every day is more effective than sporadic cramming.
* Choose one or two focus areas: Instead of trying to master everything, focus on areas like listening or writing.
* Track your progress: Use a journal, app, or planner to keep yourself accountable.
마지막으로, 여러분의 ‘이유’를 생각해 보세요. 왜 한국어를 배우고 있나요? 사랑하는 사람들과 소통하기 위해서일 수도 있고, 자막 없이 한국 드라마를 즐기거나 여행을 준비하기 위해서일 수도 있어요. 자신의 동기를 마음에 새기면 더 꾸준히 학습에 전념할 수 있을 거예요.
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To inspire you further, I’d love to share a couple of stories from my students who made incredible progress this year.
First, let me tell you about Audrey. This year, we set a goal to pass the TOPIK I Level 2 exam. At first, she felt overwhelmed by grammar and vocabulary, but we came up with a study plan and she stayed consistent. Just last month, she achieved her goal—and she told me how proud she felt. And next year, we’re aiming for TOPIK level 4.
Another student, Gigi, had difficulty in writing. She took the TOPIK test a few times and it was always the writing part where her score was low. But she didn’t want to just learn the TOPIK writing style. She said it was too dry. So, we started small, writing on topics like hobbies, travel, and advertisement messages. Today, she can write a fictional short story entirely in Korean. She hasn’t taken the TOPIK test since, but her writing has improved a lot.
These stories remind us that progress doesn’t happen overnight. It’s about taking small, consistent steps and celebrating every milestone along the way.
So, think about your own language journey this year. What are you proud of? And what do you want to achieve in 2025?
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Let’s move on to our TOPIK Focus segment for some speaking practice about personal achievements and goals! Today, we’ll practice talking about personal achievements and goals in Korean. This is a great way to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the new one while building your speaking skills.
Let’s start with a short dialogue. Listen carefully, and then I’ll break it down step by step.
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Dialogue: Discussing Achievements and Goals
A: 올해 어떤 성취를 이루었어요? (Olhae eotteon seongchwireul iru-eosseoyo?)
What achievements did you accomplish this year?
B: 한국어로 간단한 대화를 할 수 있게 되었어요. (Hangugeo-ro gandanhan daehwareul hal su itge doeeosseoyo.)
I became able to have simple conversations in Korean.
A: 내년에는 어떤 목표가 있어요? (Naenyeon-eneun eotteon mokpyoga isseoyo?)
What goals do you have for next year?
B: TOPIK 시험에 도전하고 싶어요. (TOPIK siheome dojeonhago sipeoyo.)
I want to challenge myself with the TOPIK exam."
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Let’s break down some of the key vocabulary and grammar from the dialogue:
1. 성취 (seongchwi): Achievement.
* Example: 올해 어떤 성취를 이루었어요? (Olhae eotteon seongchwireul iru-eosseoyo?)
What achievements did you accomplish this year?
2. 목표 (mokpyo): Goal.
* Example: 내년에는 어떤 목표가 있어요? (Naenyeon-eneun eotteon mokpyoga isseoyo?)
What goals do you have for next year?
3. 도전하다 (dojeonhada): To challenge oneself.
* Example: TOPIK 시험에 도전하고 싶어요. (TOPIK siheome dojeonhago sipeoyo.)
I want to challenge myself with the TOPIK exam.
4. ~게 되다 (~ge doeda): To become able to [do something].
* Example: 한국어로 간단한 대화를 할 수 있게 되었어요. (Hangugeo-ro gandanhan daehwareul hal su itge doeeosseoyo.)
I became able to have simple conversations in Korean.
* This structure is used to describe a gradual change or result.
By practicing phrases like these, you’ll be better equipped to talk about your accomplishments and aspirations in Korean.
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이제 여러분의 차례예요! 한국어로 여러분의 성취와 목표에 대한 대화를 만들어 볼 수 있나요? 예를 들어, 이렇게 말할 수 있어요:
A: 올해 어떤 성취를 이루었어요? (Olhae eotteon seongchwireul iru-eosseoyo?)
B: 새로운 단어 500개를 배웠어요. (Saeroun daneo obaeg gaereul baewosseoyo.)
I learned 500 new vocabulary words.
A: 내년에는 어떤 목표가 있어요? (Naenyeon-eneun eotteon mokpyoga isseoyo?)
B: 매일 한국어로 일기를 쓰고 싶어요. (Maeil hangugeo-ro ilgireul sseugo sipeoyo.)
I want to write a journal in Korean every day.
Share your dialogue with us on Instagram using #TOPIKandBeyond and tag @korean.joa. It’s a great way to practice and connect with our learning community!
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오늘 에피소드의 마무리로, 우리는 올 한 해를 돌아보고 의미 있는 목표를 설정하는 방법을 탐구했으며, 성취와 계획을 표현하는 한국어 문구도 배워봤어요.
여러분 스스로의 여정을 생각하면서 잠시 시간을 내어 돌아보길 권해 드려요. 올해 가장 자랑스러웠던 순간은 무엇인가요? 그리고 내년의 가장 큰 목표는 무엇인가요? 단 한두 문장이라도 괜찮으니 한국어로 여러분의 생각을 적어 보세요. 그리고 저희와 함께 공유해 주세요—여러분이 이룬 성취와 2025년의 꿈을 꼭 보고 싶어요!
Thank you so much for joining me for this reflective and inspiring episode. Your support throughout 2024 has meant the world to me, and I feel so grateful to be part of your Korean learning journey. As we step into 2025, I truly hope I’ll have the chance to continue working with you and growing together. Let’s make 2025 our best one yet!
If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave a review or share it with a friend who’s learning Korean. Your feedback helps this community grow and inspires me to create even better content for you.
Next week, we’ll kick off 2025 with an exciting episode! I can’t wait to share some helpful tips and strategies with you.
Until then, thank you for being part of TOPIK & Beyond, and as always, 즐거운 학습 되세요 (Jeulgeoun hakseup doeseyo, happy learning)! See you in 2025!
