Tell us about how Koreans like to exfoliate their skin.

Koreans are big fans of exfoliating their skin. I personally do that about twice a month. I would go to a
public bath and soak myself in the hot tub for a while. That makes my skin nice and soft (to exfoliate).
Then, I scrub my body all over with a scrub towel. They sell special cloths for scrubbing at the public
bath, which are normally green. They’re called “ttae-mi-ree su-gun” in Korean. They are reusable and
very cheap, only about 500 won. After I finish my scrub, I wash off the dead skin (that peeled off). After
that, I use body soap to clean my body one last time. Oftentimes, my skin would turn all red due to all
the scrubbing. However, it sure feels refreshing after a good body scrub.

Extra Topics for Study Groups

a. How do you exfoliate your skin?

b. What kind of cosmetics do you use? Do you use expensive brands?

c. Do you enjoy going to spa? What are the benefits of going there?

Expression of the Day

I’m really out of it today.

A : Hey, Jason! Jason… Jason… Hello! Jason!

B : Oh, I’m sorry. Did you call me?

A : Wake up! What is wrong with you?

B : I’m sorry. I’ll really out of it today.

Talk about self-service car wash in Korea.

People have their own ways of dealing with stress. Car washing happens to be my own way of blasting
away stress. I usually go to a self-service car wash near my place. These car washes are typically coin-
operated, so you need to have the right amount of 500 won coins. You can find a change machine there.

You may need about 6,000 won for an entire wash. Each wash bay is equipped with a high-pressure spray
gun and a scrub foam-brush. Before you insert your coins into the controller, make sure the selector
switch is pointing to the option you want. There are also vacuum machines if you wish to clean your floor
mats.

- Extra Topics for Study Groups -

1. Have you ever used one of these self-service car washes before?

Was it easy to use? Describe your experience.

2. How do you wash your car? Describe how you wash your car in detail.

3. What do you do to relieve your stress?

- EXPRESSION OF THE DAY -

It’s spotless.

A: Did you wash your car again?

B: Oh yeah. It took me two hours, man.

A: I can tell. It’s spotless.

B: You bet.
Talk about sanhujoriwon in Korea.

My sister just had her second baby recently and it’s another boy! She told me that it wasn’t as scary as
the first one. Go figure! A few days after her delivery, she left the hospital and was administered to a
postpartum clinic or sanhujoriwon. In Korea, it is not uncommon for a new mother to spend about two
weeks at sanhujoriwon in order to recuperate.

Traditionally, Koreans believe that women after childbirth become very weak and need intensive
pampering. In the old days, new mothers would go to their parents’ house for their childbirth recovery.
Today, sanhujoriwon provides traditional care for mothers and babies.

Extra Topics for Study Groups -

1. Do you know anyone who has used sanhujoriwon before? Who was it? What did they say about
sanhujoriwon?

2. Have you ever been to sanhujoriwon? What was your impression on it?

3. Do you think sanhujoriwon is absolutely necessary? Why or why not?

Expression of the day

When are you having a baby shower?

임신 축하 파티는 언제 할 거야?

A: So, is it a boy or girl?

B: It’s a girl!

A: When are you having a baby shower?

B: This Friday! I hope you can make it.

Talk about heel lifts called kkalchang.

I think it's safe to say Korea is an image-conscious country. One of the things that Koreans
are really conscious about is their height. I know a controversial, yet funny story about this.
Around three years ago, a college girl came out on a TV show and said that she wouldn't
date anybody under 180 cm. She said because they are losers. I think her reasoning is a bit
shallow. However, it kind of gives you an idea that being tall in Korea is an enviable trait. So,
what do some vertically challenged men do? They put heel lifts called kkalchang into their
shoes and get an instant boost to their height. After all, necessity is the mother of invention.

- Extra Topics for Study Groups -

1. Are you conscious about the height? Do you think being tall is an advantage?

2. Talk about other things that people are conscious about. Why do you think that's the
case?

3. Would you like to be taller than now? Do you use heel lifts? What do you do to look taller?

- EXPRESSION OF THE DAY -

I guess it runs in the family.

A: How tall are you?

B: I'm six feet two inches tall.

A: Are your parents tall too?

B: You bet. I guess it runs in the family.

Talk about a popular Korean winter snack, hoppang.

When I was in elementary school, I had to commute to school by bus every day. My mom used to give
me 100 won for the daily bus fare. Every so often, I would just walk home to save 50 won. It wasn't easy
for an eight-year-old kid to walk for half an hour especially in the winter. With my hard-earned 50 won in
my pocket, I would triumphantly run into a small store to buy hoppang. Hoppang is a steamed bun made
of wheat flour dough filled with all kinds of different fillings. Back then it only came in one flavor, red
bean paste. Nowadays there are a variety of fillings including vegetable, ham and cheese, curry, pizza,
and much more.

Extra topics

1. Name things that remind you of winter. Why do they remind you of winter?

2. Have you tried hoppang before? Do you like them? Why or why not?

3. What is your favorite winter snack? What is your favorite hoppang filling?

Expression of the Day

It brings back a lot of memories.

A: You feel like having some hoppang?

B: They're selling hoppang already?

A: Of course, it's getting cold these days.

B: Wow, it brings back a lot of memories.

Talk about constipation.

There are certain topics that we really don't like to talk about. I think constipation is one of those topics.
If you have suffered from constipation, you know how painful and frustration it could be. Constipation
refers to having infrequent bowel movements or difficulty in the passing of stool. Most of us get
constipation at one time or another. It is more common in women and the elderly. Insufficient fiber in
your diet, inadequate water intake and eating a lot of dairy products are some of the most common
cause of constipation. In order to prevent constipation, you must increase fiber in your diet and fluid
intake. You also need to exercise regularly.

Extra topics for study groups

1. Have you ever gotten constipated before? Was it temporary? How long did it last? Descrbe it in detail.

2. When you were constipated, what did you do to get rid of it? Explain your experience.

3. Name other topic that people don't like to talk about. Why do you think so?

Expression of the Day

Did you take cold medicine?

A; I'm sick as a dog.

B; Poor thing. Did you eat cold medicine?

A; Excuse me? You mean, did I take cold medicine? Nope.

B; I see. Why don't you go see a doctor?

Talk about Jeongwol Daeboreum.

This Sunday is Jeongwol Daeboreum, the first full moon of the Lunar New Year. This holiday is celebrated
across Korea with many traditions and customs. My favorite tradition is geuybulnori. It's a game where
farmers burn the dry grass on the ridges between rice paddies. Children put burning charcoal or pine
cones in tin cans with holes and twirl it around. It's supposed to drive away evil spirits and bring
bountiful harvests. Another custom is cracking bureom with your teeth on the morning of Daeboreum.
Bureom refers to a variety of nuts such as walnuts, chestnuts, peanuts and pine nuts. This is believed to
keep your teeth healthy for the year.

Extra topics for study groups

1. What Daeboreum traditions and customs are you familiar with? What is your favorite Daeboreum
tradition?

2. Have you seen geuybulnori in person? Have you played it before describe your experience.

3. What do Koreans eat on Jeongwol Daeboreum? What is your favorite dish? Why?

Expression of the Day

It's quite a scene.

A; Have you seen geuybulnori before?

B; Not in person, but I've seen the pictures.

A; You're about to see it in person. It's quite a scene.

B; I can't wait to see it.

Talk about your car accident experience.

Last week I almost got into a car accident. And this wasn't just a fender-bender. I was on the Hannam
Bridge when a motorcycle suddenly cut in front of me. The next thing I saw was the car in front of me
stopping abruptly. The motorcycle collided into it. I slammed on my breaks. Luckily, I didn't hit him. He
fell off his bike and was lying on the road. I got out of my car to make sure he wasn't injured. The man in
the car he hit scrambled to him as well. He was pretty shaken up. I told them they should exchange
insurance information. I offered to take the motorcyclist to the hospital but he said he just had some
scratches.

Extra topics for study groups

1. Have you ever been in a car accident? What happened?

2. Do you know how to drive? What do you think of driving in Korea?

3. What is your dream car? Do you care about what kind of car you drive?

Expression of the Day

I totalled my car.

A; Where is your car? How did you get here?

B; By bus. I totalled my car last night.

A; Oh my God. Are you alright?

B; I'm fine. I'm sad about my car though.

Talk about an April Fools’ Day prank you pulled.

As you all very well know today is April Fools’ Day. I’m pretty sure you’ve been already tricked into
believing something ridiculous and then mocked for your naivete. Or you have fooled your gullible
friends and enjoyed watching them dumbfounded. April Fools’ Day is celebrated in many countries. We
call this day Manwoo-jeal. When I was a kid, Manwoo-jeol was one day of the year we get to have our
fun. I remember pulling a prank on Mrs.Kim, our first period English teacher. We turned every single desk
chair backwards before she came in. You should’ve seen the look on her face when she entered the
room. She was completely dazed!

Extra topics for study groups

1. Do you celebrate April Fools’ Day? Why or Why not? What do you like about this day? What do you
not like about this day?

2. Have you ever pulled a prank on anyone before? When and what was it? Describe it in detail.

3. Were you ever flooded by your friends? Describe your experience in detail.

Expression of the Day

I think you paid through the nose!

A: Is that your new car? How much is it?

B: Sure is. It was $50,000. I paid cash.

A: What? I think you paid through the nose!

B: Psych! I’m kidding. It’s my dad’s

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

The benefits of breastfeeding extend well beyond nutrition. Breast milk has all the vitamins and nutrients
for your baby. It’s also packed with disease-fighting substance that protect your child. Numerous studies
have shown that breastfeeding builds immunity in babies. Breastfed babies are less susceptible to lower
respiratory illness, infections, and meningitis. Unlike infant formula, breast milk can also prevent your
child form having allergies. There are also studies that report it may boost intelligence and protect
children from obesity. Best of all, nursing a child aids the mother too. It can reduce mother’s stress levels
and have a calming effect.

Extra topics for study groups

1. What is your opinion on breastfeeding?

2. Do you have a child? Have you been through labour? If you’re man, were you there at your child’s
birth?

3. What are the three important things to give a baby?

Expression of the Day

I’m taking the high road.

A: Wow, I heard what John said about you at the party!

B: Yes, I heard he was very nasty. He’s spreading rumors.

A: Are you going to do anything?

B: No. He’s joke. I’m taking the high road.

Talk about What Koreans like to have on rainy days.

What do you feel like doing on a rainy day? How about having some makgeolli with haemul pajeon with
your buddies? Koreans just love to have this awesome combo when it’s wet outside. No one seem to
know the exact reason for this. But I know one thing for sure. They go together like peas and carrots.
Makgeolli is traditional Korean wine made from fermented rice. This milky white wine has tangy and
sweet taste. Haemul pajeon is one of korea’s all time favorite snacks. It is a fried pancake made from
green onions, eggs, flour, and a mix of seafood. So the nest time it rains, you know what i’m going to
have. You’ve guessed it.

Extra topics for study groups

1. Do you like rain? Why or Why not? What do you feel to do on rain days?

2. Why do you think korean like to have makgeolli and pajeon on rainy days? Do you like them as well?
Why?

3. Talk about other jeans. What is your favorite jean? Why do you like it?

Expression of the Day

I’m a little buzzed right now.

A: How’s makgeolli treating you?

B: It’s great! It’s so easy to swallow.

A: That’s good. Are you okay though?

B: Well, I’m a little buzzed right now.

Talk about a Korean noodle dish, Hamheung-naengmyeon.

Hamheung-naengmyeon is a spicy treat that will make your taste buds dance. It is originally from the
North. Cold starch noodles are mixed with red pepper paste and raw skate. If you like it even hotter, you
can adjust the taste. Just add some hot mustard! It is often served with shredded radish. Ojang-dong is
the top destination for this dish. The noodles there are homemade and authentic. They are delectably
chewy and the marinated skate is tender. You’ll also be served a hot cup of broth. It’s been simmering for
hours on end. If your noodles are too hot, it’s also a great way to cut down the fire factor.

Extra topics for study groups

1. Do you enjoy naengmyeon? What’s your favorite kind? Why do you like it?

2. Have you tried other kinds of North Korean food? Tell us your experience.

3. What’s the best restaurant in your neighborhood? Why do you like going there? What do they serve?

Expression of the Day

That’s very inappropriate.

A: Are you enjoying your Hamheung-naengmyeon?

B: Yes. I love this restaurant. But those children beside us are so loud!

A: I know. Their parents are letting them run around and scream.

B: That’s very inappropriate.

Talk about malaria.

Mosquitoes are irritating critters and the main carriers of malaria. Malaria is a disease caused by
parasites which infect the blood. The culprit that spreads malaria is the mosquito. If an infected
mosquito bites you, it can transfer the disease via its saliva. Malaria causes fever, chills, and anemia. It
can be fatal unless diagnosed and treated promptly. Tropical regions of the world are high-risk areas for
malaria. If you travel to these areas. take precautions. However, with global warming, Korea’s climate is
becoming more sub-tropical. Helping the environment is therefore twofold. We can heal the earth and
save ourselves from disease!

Extra topics for study groups

1. What do you know about malaria? Do you know anyone who had malaria before?

2. Do you like tropical places? Why or Why not? What is your favorite climate? Why do you like it?

3. What do you do when you get a mosquito bite? How do you prevent bug bites?

Expression of the Day

Don't freak out.

A: Are you ok? You’ve been scratching yourself all day.

B: I think I have a rash! It’s killing me!

A: Don’t freak out. Let’s go to the doctor.

B: Thanks.
Tell us about Autism.

Autism is a disorder that affects the brain’s normal development of social and communication skills. The
exact cause of these abnormalities remain unknown. A team of U.S. and korean researchers had recently
uncovered the highest rate of autism ever recorded in a general population. They estimated that 2.6% of
children in Seoul have some form of autism. Autism had been recognized in Korea only in tis most severe
forms. The condition was considered very rare. Thus, the government barely made an effort to track it.
But families struggle in private to accept the presence of a condition they didn’t even know existed.

Extra topics for study groups

1. What do you know about Autism? Where did you get that information?

2. What would you do if your child was autistic? Would you let people know? Would you keep it a
secret? Why?

3. Why do you think more and more children are being born autistic?

Expression of the Day

I’m getting flak for it.

난 그것으로 비난을 받고 있어.

A: I heard you aren’t recycling in the office!

B: Yeah, Mr,Kim scolded me the other day for using plastic!

A: Me too. I don’t recycle either. I’m getting flak for it.

B: Maybe we should start trying now.

Talk about the Yangpyeong Strawberry Festival.

Every year from mid-february until the end of May, a strawberry festival is held in Yangpyeong County,
Gyeonggi Province. it is a way for local farmers to celebrate their strawberry crops. 13 different towns in
the county participate in the festival. Each town offers its own activities and events for people of all ages.
You can actually pick your own strawberries from the fields. The amount is limited to 500 grams per
person. You can also try your hands at making natural strawberry soap or strawberry injeolmi, Korean
rice cake. It’s a great opportunity for kids from the city to experience the lifestyle of the countryside

Extra topics for study groups

1. Do you like strawberries? Why or why not?

2. Have you ever been to the Yangpyeong Strawberry Festival? How was it? Have you been to other
strawberry festivals?

3. Where did you grow up? Describe the neighborhood where you grew up.

Expression of the Day

Don’t cry over spilt milk.

이미 벌어진 일로 한탄하지 마.

A: I can’t believe I dropped these strawberries.

B: Well, you can have some of mine.

A: I’m stupid! I’m worthless!

B: Hey, don’t cry over spilt milk.

Talk about taxis in Seoul.

You can find them everywhere but not when you desperately need one. What am I taking about? Taxis!
Taxis in Seoul are plentiful and very convenient. You can pay with credit cards or T-money cards. There
are many different types of taxis and the most common ones are regular and deluxe taxis. Regular cabs,
called ilan in Korean, are usually silver or white. However, the Seoul government has a plan to convert all
Seoul cabs to orange. The basic fare for ilban taxis starts at 2,400won. Deluxe cabs. called mobeom in
Korean, are black with yellow cap. They are known to offer a higher standard of service. Their fare starts
at 4,500 won.

Extra topics for study groups

1. How often do you take taxis? Do you like taking cabs? Why or why not? What kind of taxi do you
usually use?

2. How do you usually pay for your taxi fare?

3. What do you think about taxi fare in Seoul?

Expression of the day

Let’s hail a cab.

택시를 잡자.

A: How are we going to get there?

B: Let’s hail a cab. It would be cheaper.

A: Yeah, you’re right. Where do we do that though?

B: Right over there.

Talk about Sejong Special Self-Governing City.

Sejong is the name of Korea’s most revered king who invented hangul. It is also name of a planned city
located 120km south of Seoul. Sejong Special Self-governing city was established on July 2nd last year
with nin townships, one town, and one neighborhood. The city currently has a population of
approximately 115,360. Initially, Sejong City was to became Korea’s new capital. However, the
constitutional court ruled such a move was unconstitutional. It argued that our constitution designates
Seoul as the capital. At least 36 government agencies, as well as thousands of civil servants, are
scheduled to move there by 2015.

Extra topics for study groups

1. What was the controversy surrounding Sejong City? Explain it in detail.

2. Have you ever been to Sejong City before? If not, would you like to visit there? Why or why not?

3. Do you think moving government agencies to Sejong City is a smart move? Explain your answer in
detail.

Expression of the day

Where is the power outlet?

콘센트 어디 있어?

A: Hey, I need to charge may tablet PC. Where is the consent?

B: What? What do you mean?

A: You know, you plug in to charge.

B: That’s called a power outlet.

Talk about the Hangang ferry cruise.

Cruises don’t only go to exotic destination. In fact, there’s a cruise right here in Seoul! It’s the hangang
Ferry Cruise. Step onto the ferry and enjoy the scenery of Seoul. It’s not your typical bus ride or car drive.
On this voyage. you will see the city in a whole new way. And when nighttime falls, the ride is more
spectacular with the stars and Seoul’s bright lights. The ferry docks in 9 locations: Yeouido, Jamsil,
Ttukseom, Nanji, Yanghwa, Seonyudo, Seoul Forest, and Jamdubong. The nighttime routes offer live
entertainment and a buffet. You can even rent out the ferry for weddings or special occasions. So, why
not try a new kind of excursion this weekend?

Extra topics for study groups

1. Have you ever ridden the Han RIver Ferry? What was it like? Did you like it? Why or why not?

2. Have you ever gone on a cruise before? If not, would you like to go? Where do you want to visit?

3. Do you have travel sickness? Do you know anyone who does?

Expression of the day

I get the point.

요점을 알겠어.

A: Hey, do you want to go out with me this weekend? You always stay home.

B: No, not really.

A: Come on! Aren’t you bored? There’s so much life to live! Let’s go!

B: Ok, ok. I get the point.

Talk about eating disorders called anorexia and bulimia.

Have you heard of eating disorders? They are actually a hidden but prevalent part of modern society. The
main ones are anorexia and bulimia. Anorexia is when you don't eat anything for fear of gaining weight.
You basically starve yourself. Bulimia is when you eat food, but vomit the food afterwards. These
disorders may sound disturbing, but many people suffer from them. Mostly it affects young women in
affluent societies. There are a variety of factors that drive people to such extremes. But psychologists
think the biggest influence is social pressure and self-image issues. Most women today have dieted at
one time or another. But an eating disorder is serious business.

Extra Topics for study groups

1. Have you heard of anorexia and bulimia? What do you know about them?

2. Have you ever dieted? What was your experience like?

3. Do you think dieting and eating disorders are a serious problem?

Expression of the day

I feel suffocated. 난 숨이 막힐 것 같아.

A : Are you ok? You don't look well.

B : I feel suffocated. The economy is not going well and I have so many responsibilities.

A : I know what you mean. Bills, family, work.

B : I hope things get better soon. It's so much stress.

Talk about Teacher's Day in Korea.

There is an old saying in Korea that goes like this: "Do not step on the shadows of your teacher's " This
old proverb shows how much respect we had towards our teachers in the past. Today, current as well as
former students express their appreciation to their teachers on Teacher's Day. Teacher's Day celebrations
were first started by a group of Red Cross youth members who paid a visit to their former teachers who
were either retired or hospitalized. On the day, students usually pin red carnations on their teachers'
chests. They also give their teachers small gifts and appreciation cards. Many schools have a shorter
school day today.

Extra Topics for study groups

1. Do you celebrate teacher's day? Why or why not?

2. What are you going to get for your teacher's Who are you going to give your present to?

3. Talk about your favorite teacher. Who was your favorite teacher?

Explain your answer in detail.

Expression of the Day

I know this area like the back of my hand.

나는 이 지역을 아주 잘 알아.

A : Are you sure we'r going in the right direction?

B : Don't worry! I know this area like the back of my hand.

A : We've been here before!

B : Relax, I know what I'm doing.

Talk about The Gwangju Democratization Movement.

You have to remember this: Every basic freedom you enjoy today is a result of the people who sacrificed
their lives for you. The most pivotal event that led to the democratization of korea may well be the
Gwangju Democratization movement. Gwangju a city in southwestern korea, was the scene of a popular
uprising that began on may 19th 1980. Students and citizens protested against the military junta led by
Chun Doo-hwan. A large number of paratrooper were sent to suppress demonstrators. Hundreds of
people were killed as troops fired into the crowds. This movement had a profound effect on the
democratization of Korea.

Extra topics for study groups

1. What caused the Gwangju Democratization Movement? How old were you when it occurred? Do you
remember this event?

2. How was this movement depicted at the time? Do you think the role of media is important? Why?

3. How can we achieve an economic democratization?

Expression of the day

We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.

우리는 그들에게 큰 감사의 빚을 지고 있어.

A: So many innocent people were killed on that day.

B: I know, because of them, our world is better.

A: You’re right. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.

B: We do indeed.

Talk about Buddha’s Birthday in Korea.

In May, we revere Buddha’s Birthday. According to the lunar calendar, the exact date differs each year. In
Korea, Buddha’s birthday is celebrated nationwide. There are a multitude of events in honor of the
Buddha’s coming into the world. The Lotus Lantern Festival is the most well-known. Thousands of
lanterns are lit and a parade floods Seoul. The festivities are held at night to symbolize the illumination
and relief of suffering. It’s quite a sight to see. You can even grab a lantern and partake in the festivities
yourself! If you’d rather stay away from the crowds, you can retreat to a temple. All temples hold
ceremonies and devotees gather to pray.

Extra topics for study groups

1. Do you celebrate Buddha’s birthday?

2. Do you follow a religion? What is your opinion on religion in Korea?

3. Do you think it’s important to believe in something? Why or why not?

Expression of the day

That’s a given.

그건 당연해.

A: Are you coming to the birthday party? There’s going to be lots of cake and dancing!

B: Of course! It’s a party, right? That’s a given.

A: Don’t forget to buy a present!

B: Don’t worry.