The photo shows an image of the teacher during the interview, and the logo of her YouTube channel (Photos from Eman Ahmed, the teacher's YouTube channel “WABOM TOPIK”)
Nowadays, many people study Korean for various reasons, such as working, traveling, studying abroad, watching movies without subtitles, etc. But most of them usually face many difficulties while preparing to enter the test of proficiency in Korean “TOPIK”, especially those who study it non-academically.
Even though learning the language's grammar, memorizing the words, and practicing the language skills are essential in general, when it comes to preparing for TOPIK there are additional practices you need to focus on, many Korean teachers teach the exam's question-solving techniques online, especially on YouTube.
Among these amazing teachers, there is a certain one that I rely on most of the time, she is Teacher “Wabom” who teaches TOPIK preparation through YouTube.
I interviewed her to get some advice about the proper way to prepare for the exam and to know more about her and her teaching journey. The interview was held via Zoom on September 6th.
The photo shows TOPIK exam's logo (Photo from Namu Wiki)
First of all, it is an honor to meet you, please introduce yourself to the readers
Hello, I’m teacher Wabom, I teach TOPIK exam preparation through my YouTube channel “WABOM TOPIK”. I give online and offline classes in Korea.
Since I started teaching online I have met many students from all over the world and I get so happy when they tell me they got a high score on the exam. I hope to help everyone interested in Korea and its culture.
When did you start teaching, and was becoming a teacher your dream?
No, I wanted to become a novelist as I loved reading and was good at writing, I won awards in various writing competitions. However, I experienced teaching while I was young as I am the eldest daughter, I helped my younger siblings and taught them.
I understood the importance of teaching so I decided to study it.
I have 5 years of experience teaching at a high school and 4 years as a Korean teacher, I have been working hard and it is almost 10 years now.
When did you start teaching online, and what challenges did you face when you created your YouTube channel?
I started in 2020 due to the coronavirus. I think this pandemic changed our lives and I feel it was a blessing in disguise as I got to meet all these amazing students from all over the world.
When I first created my YouTube channel the biggest challenge was determining the students’ levels.
when it comes to online classes the number of students increases and their levels vary.
The photo shows screenshots from one of the teacher's live lessons (Photos from the teacher's YouTube channel “WABOM TOPIK”)
How to prepare for TOPIK 2 test, and how long does it take?
For the first time, you need to focus and study hard for 6 months. However, it varies depending on your level. Some students study for 1 or 2 months but I think you need at least 3 or 4 months.
It is important to understand the types of questions, know how to solve them, and practice them multiple times, it is different from studying in general.
How do you think the students can practice the Korean language and the culture in their lives?
Every language reflects its country's culture so rather than studying the language mechanically it would be good to learn why they use those expressions. Korean unlike other languages like English uses indirect methods to express thoughts and meanings due to Korea's “culture of consideration”.
It is important to learn about Korean culture and there are various methods now to be used, you can practice Korean every day through the internet. Use any app or platform you prefer. For example, you can follow Korean YouTube channels and practice speaking by repeating what they say and you can play the video at 0.2 and listen carefully.
What Korean books do you recommend for foreigners?
I enjoyed reading Pachinko and there is also a series based on it that you can watch, it represents Korean history and our people's strength and identity. I also recommend Yalu River Flows by Lee Mi-Reuk, its content is close to pachinko but it helps to understand the history and the Korean emotions better.
And for those who don’t like long books, there are A Lucky Day by Hyun Jin-geon and Rain Shower by Hwang Sun-won.
Are there any dramas or movies you recommend for those who study Korean?
Anything you enjoy will be fine as you must watch it multiple times to learn from it. However, you need to pick up the works that use the standard language rather than the dialects, I think animations are the best option because the voice actors speak clearly. From recent dramas I recommend “Good Partner” and “Hospital Playlist” and if you want something historical watch “Mr. Sunshine.
Do Koreans think TOPIK test is difficult too, and how do the challenges they face differ from what foreigners face?
Currently, the difficulty level of TOPIK is high so I think anyone with TOPIK 4 or higher can live and study in Korea easily. Anyway, I think that for Korean students, TOPIK reading and listening are at the level of the last year of middle school or the first year of high school.
They might face some challenges with writing, as writing requires many skills such as sentence comprehension and analysis, logical thinking, and Korean language skills.
What challenges do you face while teaching foreigners? Also, share with us a memorable experience with a foreign student.
Beginner and intermediate students face difficulties understanding the whole lesson in Korean so I need to prepare explanations in their languages using a translation app. However, with advanced students, there are no particular challenges but sometimes when they don’t get the score they want I feel hurt as I wonder if maybe there was a lack in my teaching method.
One of the most memorable times was while I was teaching some immigrant women who live in Korea. I heard their stories and how they came to a different and strange land to build a better future for their kids. They work hard, raise their children, and study all at the same time while people struggle to do only one thing.
they learn to give which is admirable. Many of them are still taking my classes and I feel responsible towards them.
Is there a place in Korea you recommend foreigners to go to?
I was born in Gwangju and lived exactly in Damyang, Gwangju is famous as the land of the democracy movement, anyone who knows about THE MAY 18 DEMOCRATIZATION MOVEMENT will understand its significance.
Also, the natural environment in Damyang is beautiful and you will enjoy the beauty of bamboo swaying like waves, it also shows the lifestyle of scholars in the Joseon Dynasty as that was their meeting and learning place.
Besides famous places like Seoul or Jedo, I recommend Gwangju as it is a live museum of history, you can feel it in each step you take.
What do you know about Egyptian culture?
When I was young I was interested in the pyramids and ancient Egypt history. I read a novel about King Ramses, it wasn’t written by an Egyptian but it helped me to know more about ancient Egypt.
Also, I was interested in Cleopatra and Egypt's relationship with Rome and Greece. I really wanted to visit the pyramids, the Nile River, and the Red Sea.
Do you have any last words to the readers?
I’m honored to be interviewed today and I want to express my gratitude to my students. I think anyone who reads this is interested in Korea so I hope you will continue showing interest in Korea and its culture.
The photo shows screenshots from the interview (Photos from Eman Ahmed)
Keywords:
Korean language
Korean Culture
WABOM TOPIK
TOPIK exam
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