Improve Korean speaking and writing skills

Introduction

Learning foreign languages is a fun-filled lifelong learning process. However, there are always some parts that are harder than others. For most people studying Korean, reaching an advanced level of speaking and writing is extremely difficult. Here are a few tips I’ve picked up that will help you speak and write in Korean with fluency in no time!

When l started to learn Korean, l was only 16 years old. I began to learn the alphabet just for fun, and here l am. Living in Korea, preparing to get a TOPIK level 6, and find a job in a Korean company. What’s the most difficult thing when studying Korean? In my opinion, improving speaking and writing skills. Do you agree?

Source: The Korea Herald

Types of learners

My Korean skills are far from perfect, but l celebrate every day the small step I take toward achieving my goal to become a better Korean speaker. In the following article, l am going to talk about the best methods you can use to improve your Korean written and speaking skills. So, get a piece of paper and be ready to write down some notes! I hope my tips will help you to achieve your goals, too. But, remember to have fun in the process and don’t stress out too much. Learning a new language is a journey, it’s not all about results.

According to the experts, there are four types of learners: visual, auditory, kinaesthetic, and reader. Some people tend to learn better when they use pictures or sketches. Others, manage to study more efficiently if they listen to a podcast or a lecture. I am 70% a visual learner, so every single time I try to memorize new words, I use images and drawings.

Interact

Read a lot, meet many people, and listen to their stories. Ask lots of questions. Don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t know something. If you interact with Korean people on a daily basis, they will be more than happy to help you with your studies. This is the way you can improve your speaking skill the fastest.

Learn expressions, not words

If you memorize words only, you won’t know how to use them in a proper context. You won’t know what kind of verbs or adjectives should naturally come after the word either. Therefore, I suggest you study expressions and try to make up your own sentences using them.

Self-talk

Self-talk will help you improve your Korean skills. Don’t be afraid to talk to yourself. This is the way geniuses are born haha – but maybe avoid talking to yourself in public. Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself. Pay attention to your pronunciation. Correct your own mistakes. Don’t give up. Improving your Korean speaking and writing skills takes time.

Youtube&apps

Watch plenty of videos like interviews, quizzes, etc. Youtube is waiting for you. Free content and resources. Use it every single day to improve your speaking, listening, and writing skills. I am sure you will improve in no time.

Use language exchange apps like Hello Talk or Interpals. You will have the chance to practice your Korean writing skills while making new friends. Download one app and start learning. Or, even better, talk to people face-to-face, and don’t worry about making mistakes. Fear is our no.1 enemy when trying to do new things. Overcome fear and start being more confident. You know more than you think. You can do a lot of things. And learning Korean is one of them

Keep a diary

Try writing down some lines in Korean a few times a week. Write about what you did, where you went; about your hobbies or feelings. It may be difficult at first, but it is definitely helpful. This way you can improve your Korean speaking and writing skills fast.

If you want some digital tools to help you learn Korean, Click Here to learn about some amazing Korean language learning apps. Just keep going no matter what. Improving Korean speaking and writing skills is not easy, but you can do it!

You can also read my article here . Do you have any questions? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below^^

Concurs de eseuri si discursuri in limba coreeana

Perioada de înscriere și desfășurarea concursului:
★ Perioada de înscriere: 13 mai – 10 iunie 2022
★ Metoda de înscriere: prin completarea cererii prin unul din linkurile de mai jos atribuite fiecărui concurs.
★ Perioada de depunere a documentelor: 13 mai – 17 iunie:

Locatie: Universitatea Romano-Americana

Pentru mai multe detalii referitoare la inscriere in concurs, accesati urmatorul link.

Blooming season in Korea [2022]

After such a long wait, the spring is here, finally. My whole existence has been restored. It’s not cold anymore. The sky became clear again. No more sadness. No more fear. No more restrictions. Spring is back again giving us the opportunity to reset our minds, revive, and re-adjust our priorities. Are you ready to make some changes? Spring is the perfect season to do that. Let’s bloom together.

Celebrating spring at Kyungbok University, Namyangju

Spring magic at Lotte, Jamsil

Spring vibes during Seoul Lantern Festival, Cheonggyecheon

Attending a university spring festival

Pachinko: Finding Identity and Searching for Love

Pachinko starring Lee Min-ho and Kim Min-ha premiered on Apple TV+ on March 2022. Based on the novel with the same title written by Lee Min-jin, and directed by Justin Chon, Pachinko is maybe one of the most anticipated dramas from the first half of 2022. The filming of the drama started in October 2020 and ended in April 2021. Consisting of 8 episodes, the first season of the TV series received a very high score on Rotten Tomatoes. In addition, the drama has been dubbed as a sweeping epic that captures the arc of history as well as the enduring bonds of family. Pachinko, a story about identity search and love, will touch your soul in unexpected ways.

The author of Pachinko, Min Jin Lee, was born in Seoul, South Korea and emigrated to the United States when she was only 7. She made a name for herself in 2007 when she published her first novel Free Food for Millionaires. The novel was very well received by critics.

As you will notice while reading the book or watching the drama, the author uses many biblical references to express complex ideas, reflecting her own religious background. Moreover, she explained in an interview that she got inspiration from biblical stories depicting the fight between good and evil.

Pachinko General Info

No. of episodes: 8(first season)

Themes: family life, war, love, identity search

Title: “pachinko” refers to an arcade game originating in Japan(used as a gambling device by some people)

Filming locations: Mokpo, New York, British Columbia

Engaging Plot and Incredible Acting

Since I already read the book and watched the first episodes of the drama, I can say that the screen adaptation of Pachinko is extremely engaging. there are no scenes that will make you feel like pausing an episode to scroll through social media. I actually started to watch Pachinko just for fun, but I fell for the main characters’ incredible acting skills and the historical accuracy of the plot.  I am so impressed that this TV series manages to depict in detail Korean society back in 1915, under the Japanese occupation.

Main themes in “Pachinko”

Pachinko is a marvelous novel/drama about identity, family, and love during the turbulent era of Japanese colonialism. Can war and political instability make people give up on their true identity? Can people coming from two different worlds overcome hardships and love each other? Whenever people gain power and influence, will they become corrupt as well? Pachinko raises a series of sensitive questions related to Korean society and norms. One of the most important topics presented in the drama is the life of the Zainichi. Zainichi are a Korean ethnic group living in Japan, who struggle to adapt to a new world, facing endless trials.

My Thoughts

Lee Min-ho and Kim Min-ha did a great job portraying the main characters. Also, the whole production team managed to create a wonderful adaptation following the storyline created by Min-jin Lee, the author of Pachinko. Do I recommend watching it? Definitely! It will be an unforgettable experience for anyone who does. It may be the best production of the year.

Source: Apple TV Youtube Channel

As a huge fan of Korean culture, with a degree in Korean studies, I must admit that Pachinko does a great job of providing a clear historical context for viewers. If one wants to fully understand Korea, first he must understand its painful past and sorrows. The colonial period remains one of the cruelest periods in Korean history. Therefore, if you want to gain a better understanding of the Korean identity, then I strongly suggest you watch this drama.

You can also read my article and many others at Koreabyme . Have a great day!

[January 1st 2022]Happy healthy new year

May the new year bring the answers

you’ve been looking for,

the love you’ve been craving for so long,

the courage to speak yourself;

may you find the balance you lost

when you were looking back at your mistakes,

instead of counting your blessings.

Happy new year ^^

Source: BANGTAN TV@Youtube

Must-have items during winter in Korea

Winter is here

A few days ago a thick layer of snow covered Gyeonggi province like a fluffy blanket. The long-awaited winter is finally here and everyone is happy. Or almost everyone. Christmas is just around the corner. I can already feel its cinnamon scent in the air. Cute mugs filled with hot chocolate, warm red gloves covering my sensitive hands, snowflakes in my hair, and a cozy night watching the “Harry Potter” series or “Home alone” with friends. And a basket full of tangerines, of course.

Source: Quora

This is how a perfect Christmas looks to me. I believe that, in spite of the bad news concerning the ongoing pandemic, we still need to enjoy the present moment. And with our hearts filled with hope, we keep going. Winter is here to remind us that everything has an end. It’s time for cleansing and refreshing our lives and start again on a white piece of paper. 

Okay. Enough with daydreaming and metaphorical speech. Even if winter may be the most beautiful season for some of us, we must admit that sometimes it is very difficult to deal with it. If you are a cold-sensitive person like me, you may need extra care during winter. In Korea, the winter season can be harsher than you expect, especially in the northern part of the country. Usually, Korean winter lasts from November till March, bringing strong winds from Russia and average temperatures of –5 C. Depending on the region, you may be able to see heavy snowfalls. So, in order to stay warm, I will make a list for you of the must-have items during winter in Korea.

Humidifier 

First of all, I highly recommend you buy a mini humidifier from Art Box or Daiso. The extra dry air during winter can seriously irritate your eyes, sinuses, and throat. It may worsen your allergies, if you have any, and give you annoying headaches. My humidifier is my little friend who takes care of me whenever I feel under the weather. I bought mine for only 9 900 won from Art box. You can also order one on the internet from websites like Coupang or GS Market. Don’t forget, stay hydrated and moisturized! 

Eye drops 

Also, apart from a mini humidifier, some eye drops in your bag will come in handy during the harsh winter season in Korea, especially on a windy day. I don’t wear glasses, but I use my computer a lot. I read a lot. My eyes are very sensitive and tend to get itchy easily during windy days. Thankfully, I can use the eye drops I bought from a pharmacy without a prescription. They keep my eyes clean and moisturized all the time.  I sometimes use eye drops during the spring season as well, to keep my eyes clean.

Hot packs 

I simply love hot packs^^ Hot packs in my hands, hot packs in my coat, or in my shoes. Everywhere. Since I’m very sensitive to cold weather, hot packs are a blessing during winter. Fortunately, in Korea you can buy them almost from any store for only 1000 won each. How do they work? Inside of a hot pack, you will find a mixture of metallic particles that start to produce heat when air comes in contact with them. It’s not magic. It’s science haha 

Long padded coat 

I bet that you already saw many Korean students wearing this kind of coat that makes you look like a caterpillar struggling to cross the street. Oh well, let me tell you that a long padded coat is a God-given blessing during the winter. It keeps you warm and protected from the wind. Even if some long padded coats may be a little bit pricey, they are worth the money. Therefore, buying a coat from Goto Mall(Express Bus Terminal Underground Center) or Jamsil Underground Shopping center could be a very clever idea! 

In addition, don’t forget about taking care of your skin and hair during winter. Eat healthily and take your vitamins daily. Keep wearing your mask in order to protect yourself and the people around you. You will survive the harsh winter^^

So, what’s your secret strategy to stay warm during winter? Would you like to share it with us? I would be delighted to hear it. Let me know your experience in the comments below! You can also read my articles at Koreabyme.com.

Hellbound K-Horror #1 on Netflix Global Top 10

Dark stories and K-horror

First it was Squid Game (2021), then K-Drama My Name (2021) and now the K-Horror Hellbound (2021) has clinched top-spot on the Netflix Global Top 10 of Non-English TV. It seems that ever since Parasite (2019) debuted on our screens, the world has gone crazy for K-Drama and K-Film. As a foreigner living in Korea, it has been amazing to see the globalization of Korean culture. Even my friends back home who have never taken interest in Korea are telling me how great Hellbound is. While both preceding K-Dramas had a dark element to their stories, Hellbound takes the cake with blood-curdling horror and gore. This is not one to take lightly…

Getting hooked on Hellbound certainly came as a surprise to me as horror is not my genre of choice. However, the series itself has a fascinating plot, incredible acting, as well as a unique combination of the supernatural with real-world philosophy.

Hellish creatures

The series starts with an ordinary day in South Korea. Traffic jams, cafes and lots of phone swiping. Out of nowhere, three unworldly creatures emerge in pursuit of one man. The monsters show no mercy as the desperate man gasps for air, ripping him apart. Then, the creatures perform a strange sort of ritual, burning the man’s flesh and apparently destroying his soul. As they depart, they leave in their wake a crowd of terrified people and the ashes of an anonymous individual.

Punishment is God’s plan?

The story arouses existentialist questions about life, death, sin, and punishment. It will no doubt cause a riveting debate in your household. According to The New Truth doctrine, every person that has sinned will face God’s punishment. Despite the horror of the demon-lead demise, cult leader Jung believes that everything is part of God’s divine plan. Of course, the existence of heaven and hell is something all of us have pondered at some point in our lives. In fact, what viewers may find more disturbing is the theme of the uncertainty of life, rather than the creepy monsters.

Eager to find out more? You can read the rest of my article right here at Koreabyme.

Book review: “I decided to live as me”

You may have heard this quote 100 times already, but I really want to remind you that living the life of your dreams really depends on you. You can create the future you want and become everything you’ve ever wanted. But, there is one thing you must remember: embrace your flaws and accept the way you are. Live like you. Be a renegade. A dreamer and a doer. Be bold like a warrior. Calm like a monk. Jump into the unknown. Decide today what you want to be. And the Universe will reward people like you. Ready? 3,2,1…

We need a bit of confidence out of nowhere and a holy-shit-this-is-my-life mentality.

(“I decided to live as me”,by Soo Hyun Kim)

“I decided to live like me” is a collection of short stories about a young adult who has just started his/her journey through life and needs to deal with many kinds of situations.  The author talks about the importance of self-acceptance and constant self-discovery. Also, it presents the struggles of young people trying to find their real purpose in life. Written and illustrated by Soo Hyun Kim, the book proved to be a huge success not only in Korea, but worldwide.

While reading the book I realized once again how important is to stay true to yourself in a world where everyone is following trends, losing themselves in those dirty waters of self-doubt and confusion. The feeling of “not being enough” kills our souls more than anything else in nowadays society. Striving to become academically perfect or a famous Insta influencer with 1 000 000 followers is nothing but …shallowness. As long as we don’t listen to our hearts.

Ah, one more thing. “I decided to live as me” is one of the books that inspired BTS to create their worldwide known masterpiece “Love yourself”. Below, I attached one of my favorite songs called “Epiphany”. Sang by Jin, the track emphasizes the importance of loving and respecting yourself before anything else.

Source: HYBE Labels Youtube Channel

Korean drama :”Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha”

<Anyway, life isn’t a mathematical equation. It is not possible to calculate the details. There’s no exact answer either. You’re just assigned a problem and it’s up to you how you solve it.> (Hong Doo Sik)

Title: Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha/Seaside Village/갯마을 차차차(Hangeul)

No. of episodes: 16

Release date: August 2021

Main cast: Shin Min-Ah(as Hye-Jin) and Kim Seon-Ho(as Doo-Sik)

Where can you watch it? TvN, Netflix or other websites

Do I recommend it? YES!!!I strongly recommend you watch this one!

Guys, if you want to take a break for a while, and go far away where no one knows your name, maybe it’s the right time to do it. If you feel overwhelmed by your current lifestyle, and you are looking for an escape, maybe your soul is telling you to slow down, and just let life happen. Plans are good, but they don’t equal success. Calculations are essential, but many beautiful moments in life cannot be calculated. Life isn’t a math equation. There is no exact answer either. If something worked out for your friend, this doesn’t mean it will work out for you as well.

Therefore, if you need some inspiration regarding this matter, I strongly recommend you watch this wonderful Korean drama called “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha”. The drama presents us the story of Hye-Jin, a pretty young dentist who loses her job in Seoul, and decides to move to Gongjin, to open her own dental clinic. Of course, the story won’t be complete without her meeting a very handsome guy(Doo-Sik) who helps her break free from her shell of predictions and calculations. Doo-Sik is unemployed, but he seems to be busy all the time helping the people in the village. Everyone knows Doo-Sik. Everyone likes him. You will, too. Don’t worry haha

However, this drama does not necessarily focuses on the idea of love, but rather on self-discovery and overcoming one’s internal struggles. Sprinkled with plenty of funny scenes and witty remarks, “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” will make you question yourself about your real purpose in life. Are you here to live according to other people’s expectations or to create your own story? What is the most important thing for you?

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