안녕하세요 여러분! Welcome to TOPIK & Beyond! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the story behind this podcast—how it all began, why TOPIK is such a valuable part of your Korean language journey, and how this show can help you achieve your 2025 goals. Plus, I’ll be sharing practical tips for TOPIK beginners and some key vocabulary and grammar to kick off the year strong. Let’s get started!
[Introduction After Music]
안녕하세요 여러분, and welcome back to TOPIK & Beyond! My name is Eliza, and I’m so happy to have you here with me today. Whether this is your first time listening or you’ve been tuning in from the start, thank you for making this podcast a part of your Korean learning journey.
Today’s episode is all about reintroducing this podcast and sharing a bit more about what we’re building together here. We’ll revisit the origins of TOPIK & Beyond, talk about why TOPIK is such a key tool for language learners, and explore how this podcast fits into your study routine.
By the end of this episode, I hope you’ll feel more inspired and prepared to tackle your learning goals for 2024. So grab your notebook, get comfy, and let’s dive in!
History/Story/Overview
As we’re diving into how this podcast started and why the TOPIK exam is such an important part of learning Korean. Let me take you on a little journey.
When I started TOPIK & Beyond, I had one big goal in mind: to make Korean learning approachable and fun while helping learners feel confident about taking the TOPIK exam.
It all began several years ago when I was preparing for the French language proficiency exam called DELF myself. I remember how overwhelming it felt—trying to juggle grammar, vocabulary, reading passages, and writing essays, all while still figuring out how to pronounce words correctly! I searched everywhere for resources that could help me, but nothing really brought everything together in a way that felt engaging, motivational, and structured for someone like me.
That’s when I thought, What if there were a podcast that made this journey a little easier and a lot more fun? Something that would not only teach language skills but also dive into the culture and history behind the words. And that’s how TOPIK & Beyond was born—a space where we can explore the beautiful complexities of the Korean language together, one episode at a time.
But why focus on the TOPIK exam? Well, the TOPIK isn’t just a test. For many learners, it’s a milestone. It gives us a way to measure our progress and challenge ourselves. It’s also a gateway to opportunities—whether it’s applying for a scholarship in Korea, qualifying for a job that requires Korean language skills, or just proving to yourself that you’ve accomplished something incredible.
The TOPIK exam is designed to test your reading, listening, and writing skills, but it’s also a test of persistence and dedication. As learners, we know it’s not just about passing a test; it’s about setting goals and taking consistent steps toward them. And that’s something worth celebrating.
So, whether you’re here to tackle the TOPIK exam or just to deepen your love for Korean, remember this: you’re not alone on this journey. And together, we’ll make it not only manageable but also meaningful.
Related Vocabulary, Phrases, and Grammar
이제, 한국어 학습에 도움이 될 만한 단어와 표현들을 배워볼까요? First, let’s start with some vocabulary that every TOPIK learner should know.
Vocabulary
1. 시험 (siheom) – exam
Example: TOPIK 시험을 준비하고 있어요.
(I’m preparing for the TOPIK exam.)
2. 준비 (junbi) – preparation
Example: 시험 준비가 잘 되고 있나요?
(Is your exam preparation going well?)
3. 목표 (mokpyo) – goal
Example: 올해의 목표는 TOPIK I 합격이에요.
(My goal this year is to pass TOPIK I.)
4. 노력 (noryeok) – effort
Example: 노력이 성공의 열쇠입니다.
(Effort is the key to success.)
5. 성공 (seonggong) – success
Example: 성공하려면 꾸준히 공부해야 돼요.
(To succeed, you need to study consistently.)
6. 계획 (gyehwek) – plan
Example: 공부 계획을 세웠어요?
(Have you made a study plan?)
7. 실력 (sillyeok) – skill, ability
Example: 실력을 키우는 게 중요해요.
(Improving your skills is important.)
8. 연습 (yeonseup) – practice
Example: 듣기 연습을 더 많이 해야 돼요.
(You need to practice listening more.)
9. 도전 (dojeon) – challenge
Example: 새로운 도전을 시작했어요.
(I’ve started a new challenge.)
10. 꾸준히 (kkujunhi) – consistently
Example: 꾸준히 공부하면 목표를 이룰 수 있어요.
(If you study consistently, you can achieve your goals.)
이 단어들을 외우면 TOPIK 공부가 훨씬 수월할 거예요. Now, let’s move on to some useful phrases!
Useful Phrases for Setting Goals
1. 저는 올해 TOPIK II를 합격하려고 합니다.
(This year, I intend to pass TOPIK II.)
2. 매일 단어를 열 개씩 외우려고 해요.
(I plan to memorize ten words every day.)
3. 이번 달에 읽기 실력을 향상시키고 싶어요.
(This month, I want to improve my reading skills.)
4. 제 목표는 TOPIK 시험에서 높은 점수를 받는 거예요.
(My goal is to get a high score on the TOPIK exam.)
5. 효율적으로 공부하려면 어떻게 해야 할까요?
(How can I study efficiently?)
이런 표현들로 목표를 명확히 세우고, 자신에게 동기를 줄 수 있어요.
Grammar Point: -(으)려고 하다
다음은 오늘의 문법 포인트입니다: -(으)려고 하다. This grammar is used to express your intent or plan to do something.
1. Structure:
* Verb stem + -(으)려고 하다
* Add -으려고 for verbs ending in a consonant.
* Add -려고 for verbs ending in a vowel.
2. Examples:
* 공부하다 → 공부하려고 하다 (to plan to study)
Example: 이번 주말에 열심히 공부하려고 해요.
(I’m planning to study hard this weekend.)
* 가다 → 가려고 하다 (to plan to go)
Example: 내년에 한국에 가려고 해요.
(I’m planning to go to Korea next year.)
* 쓰다 → 쓰려고 하다 (to plan to write)
Example: 한국어로 일기를 쓰려고 해요.
(I’m planning to write a journal in Korean.)
Using -(으)려고 하다 is a great way to talk about your goals and plans, which is so relevant when preparing for the TOPIK exam! Try using it when setting your goals for the new year.
TOPIK Focus
이제, 오늘의 TOPIK Focus로 들어가 봅시다! In this section, we’ll go over the basic structure of the TOPIK exam, the differences between PBT and IBT formats, and some practical tips for beginners preparing for TOPIK I.
Basic Structure of the TOPIK Exam
The TOPIK exam is divided into two levels:
* TOPIK I: For beginners, covering levels 1 and 2.
* TOPIK II: For intermediate and advanced learners, covering levels 3 through 6.
Let’s focus on TOPIK I, as that’s where most of us start.
TOPIK I has two sections:
1. Listening (듣기) – 30 questions, 40 minutes
You’ll listen to short conversations, monologues, and announcements. The questions often include understanding key information, identifying speakers’ intentions, or choosing the correct response.
2. Reading (읽기) – 40 questions, 60 minutes
This section tests your ability to understand short texts, advertisements, instructions, or simple essays. The questions gradually increase in difficulty, starting with identifying vocabulary and grammar, then moving to comprehension.
TOPIK I doesn’t have a writing section, so you can focus on building your listening and reading skills.
Difference Between PBT and IBT
You might have heard that TOPIK can be taken as a Paper-Based Test (PBT) or Internet-Based Test (IBT). Let’s quickly go over the differences:
1. PBT (Paper-Based Test):
* This is the traditional format of the TOPIK exam, where you answer questions on a physical answer sheet.
* Listening questions are played over a speaker in the test room, and you fill in answers using a pencil.
* Most TOPIK exams globally are conducted in this format.
2. IBT (Internet-Based Test):
* In this newer format, you take the test on a computer at a designated testing center.
* Listening audio is played through headphones, which can sometimes improve clarity.
* Your answers are submitted digitally, which eliminates the need for paper.
* This format is not as widely available as PBT but is being introduced in more locations.
Which one should you choose?
* If you’re more comfortable writing by hand, PBT might feel more natural.
* If you prefer digital tools or find typing faster than writing, IBT could be a better fit.
Regardless of the format, the content and scoring criteria remain the same. So, focus on your preparation, and you’ll do well in either format!
Tips for Beginners Taking TOPIK I
Here are some tips to help you feel more confident on exam day:
1. Understand the Question Types:
Familiarize yourself with the types of questions in both the listening and reading sections. For listening, practice identifying key words and topics in dialogues. For reading, work on scanning texts quickly to find the main idea.
2. Time Management is Key:
In the listening section, focus on the audio because it only plays once. Don’t dwell on a question for too long. For reading, divide your time wisely—spend more time on longer passages and less on simpler questions.
3. Expand Your Vocabulary:
Most TOPIK I questions focus on beginner-level vocabulary and grammar. Words like 시간 (time), 장소 (place), and 가격 (price) frequently appear. Review vocabulary lists from TOPIK mock tests or beginner textbooks.
4. Practice with Mock Tests:
Use past TOPIK papers or online practice exams to get used to the test format. Take these under timed conditions to simulate the real experience.
5. Listen to Korean Daily:
Since listening is a major component, expose yourself to Korean audio daily. This could be podcasts, dramas, or YouTube videos aimed at beginners. Try to pick up common expressions and pronunciation patterns.
6. Make a Study Plan:
Set realistic goals for your preparation. For example, dedicate two days a week to listening practice and two days to reading practice. Break your study into small, manageable chunks to avoid burnout.
7. Don’t Stress Over Level 2 Questions:
TOPIK I covers levels 1 and 2, but you don’t need to answer every level 2 question perfectly to get a level 1 pass. Focus on the easier questions first and work your way up.
Remember, the key to acing the TOPIK exam is consistency. Even 30 minutes a day can make a big difference. Take it step by step, and you’ll be surprised how much progress you can make.
And here’s one last tip: On exam day, bring a positive mindset. Treat the exam as an opportunity to showcase what you’ve learned, not just a test to be feared.
여러분, 이제 올해의 목표를 세울 시간이에요! As we wrap up today’s episode, I want to encourage you to take a moment and think about your Korean learning goals for 2025.
Maybe you’re aiming to pass TOPIK I, level up to TOPIK II, or simply want to have a full conversation in Korean by the end of the year. Whatever your goal is, remember that every small step counts, and consistent effort will get you there.
I’d love to hear about your goals and cheer you on! Share your 2025 Korean learning goals on Instagram, and don’t forget to tag @korean.joa and use the hashtag #topikandbeyond. Let’s build a community where we can inspire and support each other!
새로운 목표를 향해 한 걸음씩 나아갑시다! I’ll be here to guide you along the way, one episode at a time. Until next time, keep learning, keep practicing, and remember: you’re capable of amazing things. 파이팅!
