EducationLanguage Learning

Smile Korean with Soyoung

Soyoung

Real Korean😄 Real stories.

Want to learn Korean the way people actually speak? In each episode, I’ll introduce one everyday Korean expression, explain how Koreans really use it, and share a true story from my own life. It’s a simple, fun way to learn natural Korean while getting to know Korean culture and everyday life.

Whether you’re studying Korean, planning a trip to Korea, or just curious about life in Korea, you’re always welcome here.

* New episodes every other day.

Learn Korean. Explore Korea. Smile Together.

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S1 · E27
Yesterday · 15 min
Smile Korean Expression #21 | 마음이 통하다 | When You Really Connect With Someone
Today’s expression: “마음이 통하다(ma-eu-mi-tong-ha-da)” Have you ever met someone who seemed to understand exactly what you were thinking, even without saying much? In Korean, we use “마음이 통하다” when two people understand each other’s thoughts or feelings and feel like they’re on the same wavelength. In this episode, I’ll share some stories about people I really connect with, including a funny story from when I worked at a movie theater. We’ll also learn the word “일부러,” meaning “on purpose,” and take a look at how “마음” is used in many Korean expressions about relationships and feelings. New Smile Korean Expression episodes are released every other day.  If you’re practicing your listening, try slowing it down to 0.8x or 0.9x speed.
S1 · E25
Sunday · 16 min
Smile Korean Coffee Chat #6 | What Koreans Really Mean by ‘괜찮아요’
Smile Korean Coffee Chat #6 | What Koreans Really Mean by ‘괜찮아요’ ‘괜찮아요’ is one of those Korean expressions that can mean more than you might think. Sometimes it really means “It’s okay” or “I’m fine,” but sometimes Koreans say ‘괜찮아요’ even when they’re not actually fine. In this episode, I’ll share some everyday examples and talk about how context, tone, and Korean culture can change the meaning of this simple expression. Hopefully, this episode helps you understand ‘괜찮아요’ a little better — and maybe notice some of these little nuances when you talk to Korean people. You can slow down the episode to 0.8x or 0.9x if you’d like to listen more comfortably. New Coffee Chats every Sunday
S1 · E23
August 26 · 14 min
Smile Korean Expression #18 | 설레다 | Feel Your Heart Flutte
Today’s expression: 설레다 (seol-le-da) Have you ever felt excited and your heart started to flutter just thinking about something? In Korean, we use “설레다” to describe that happy, excited feeling when you’re looking forward to something. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to naturally use “설레다” in everyday Korean and learn a few related expressions like “두근거리다” and “설렘”. We’ll also talk about “설레발 치다”, a fun expression Koreans use when someone gets a little too excited and starts getting ahead of themselves. Let’s learn “설레다” together with some everyday examples and a little bit of Korean culture!  You can also listen at 0.8x or 0.9x speed if you’d like to take it a little slower. New episodes are uploaded every other day.
S1 · E22
August 25 · 14 min
Smile Korean Expression #17 | 힘이 난다 | to feel encouraged / to feel motivated
Today’s expression: 힘이 나다 (to feel encouraged / to feel motivated) Have you ever felt better and more motivated because of someone’s kind words or a small moment that made you happy? In Korean, we use ‘힘이 나다’ when something gives us energy, encouragement, or the motivation to keep going. In this episode, let’s talk about some everyday moments that can give us 힘이 나는 and learn how to use this expression naturally in Korean. This episode is a day late this week because I completely forgot to upload it on Monday. 😅 Thanks for waiting, and I hope this episode gives you a little boost, too! Try listening at 0.8x or 0.9x speed if you’d like to practice Korean at a slower pace.
S1 · E21
August 23 · 17 min
Smile Korean Coffee Chat #5 | Korean Honorifics: 존댓말
Today’s Coffee Chat is about 존댓말 (jon-daet-mal), Korean honorifics. Why do Koreans speak differently depending on age and relationships? When do we use ‘존댓말’ or ‘반말’? And what does ‘말을 놓다’ mean? Let’s talk about honorifics through some everyday examples and a little bit of Korean culture. Don’t worry about learning everything at once. Just listen, relax, and enjoy the conversation. If I’m speaking too fast, try 0.8x or 0.9x speed. See you next Sunday!
S1 · E20
August 21 · 14 min
Smile Korean Expression #16 | 서운하다 | Feel Hurt / Feel Disappointed
Today’s expression: 서운하다 Have you ever felt a little hurt or disappointed because someone didn’t do what you expected? ‘서운하다’ is a very common Korean expression we use when we feel hurt because someone we care about didn’t show us the attention or consideration we hoped for. In this episode, I’ll share some personal stories about times when I felt ‘서운하다’ — including a funny story about eating ‘닭갈비’ with my mom. I’ll also explain the difference between ‘서운하다’ and ’아쉽다‘, two expressions that can sometimes feel similar but are used in different situations. As always, you can slow the playback speed down to 0.8x or 0.9x if you’d like to listen more comfortably. I hope you enjoy the episode and learn some natural Korean along the way. Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you in the next one!
S1 · E19
August 19 · 15 min
Smile Korean Expression #15 | 다행이다 | What a Relief !
Today’s expression: 다행이다 Have you ever worried that something might go wrong, but then everything turned out okay? In Korean, we often say “다행이다 (dahaeng-ida) ” in situations like this. It can mean “I’m glad,” “What a relief,” or “Thank goodness.” We also use ‘다행이다‘ when reacting to someone else’s good news, especially when they were worried about something. In this episode, we’ll look at how Koreans naturally use this expression in everyday conversations and how it’s different from 잘됐다. Take your time, listen at 0.8x or 0.9x if you need to, and enjoy learning natural Korean with me! New Smile Korean episodes are released every other day. Thanks for listening, and see you in the next episode!
S1 · E17
August 17 · 14 min
Smile Korean Expression #14 | 흐뭇하다 | To Feel Pleased
Today’s expression is ‘흐뭇하다’, a Korean expression we use when we feel happy and satisfied while looking at someone or something. In this episode, I’ll talk about some everyday situations where you can use ‘흐뭇하다’. We’ll talk about watching someone do well, being happy with something you bought, and even imagining the home you’d love to live in someday. I’ll also share a few of my own stories, including a time when I trained new employees at work and felt really ‘흐뭇하다’ watching them put what they learned into practice. And yes… I’ll also tell you about the jeans I had been wanting for a very long time. We’ll also learn the difference between ‘배송’ and ‘배달’, two words you’ll hear a lot in Korea, and talk a little about Korea’s delivery culture. 🇰🇷 I hope this episode helps you understand not only what ‘흐뭇하다’ means, but also how Koreans actually use it in everyday conversations. If you’re learning Korean, try listening at 0.8x or 0.9x speed and take your time with the expressions. Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode!
S1 · E17
August 16 · 21 min
Smile Korean Coffee Chat #4 | What’s In My Bag?
What’s in my bag? In today’s Coffee Chat, I’m showing you what I carry around every day and sharing a little bit about my daily life in Korea. From my tumbler and lip balm to my Daiso pencil case, medicine, reusable shopping bag, and a few little things I always carry with me, let’s take a look inside my bag! You’ll also pick up some useful Korean words and expressions related to everyday items and daily life in Korea. If you’re learning Korean, try listening at 0.8x or 0.9x speed for a slower and more comfortable listening practice. Thanks so much for listening, and I hope you enjoy today’s Coffee Chat! I’ll see you next Sunday for another Coffee Chat!
S1 · E16
August 14 · 12 min
Smile Korean Expression #13| 든든하다 | Feel Reassured / Feel Secured
Today’s expression: 든든하다 Today, we’re learning the Korean expression ‘든든하다,’ which Koreans use when someone or something makes them feel reassured, supported, or like they have everything they need. In this episode, I’ll share some personal stories about getting through the difficult days of COVID-19, working at a movie theater on busy days, and a funny travel story involving a very unexpected bug. We’ll also learn the word ‘겁쟁이,’ which means someone who gets scared easily, and talk about ‘밥심,’ a fun Korean expression that refers to the energy you get from eating a good meal. I hope you enjoy listening to my stories while learning how ‘든든하다’ is naturally used in different situations. New episodes are released every other day. If you find the Korean a little fast, try slowing the playback speed down to 0.8x or 0.9x. Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode!
S1 · E15
August 12 · 14 min
Smile Korean Expression #12| 반갑다 | Glad to see you
Today’s expression: 반갑다 Have you ever unexpectedly run into someone you haven’t seen in a long time? Or felt excited when your favorite season finally arrived? In Korean, we often express those feelings with the word ‘반갑다’ In this episode, you’ll learn how Koreans naturally use ‘반갑다’ in everyday conversations—not only when meeting people, but also when talking about good news, the changing seasons, and things we’ve been looking forward to. I’ll also share a few personal stories, including the time I unexpectedly ran into a friend while traveling in Australia, why I always look forward to summer, and a unique Korean wedding tradition called ‘청첩장 모임’, where friends often get together before someone’s wedding. New episodes are released every other day! If my Korean feels a little fast, feel free to slow the playback speed to 0.8x or 0.9x. Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode!
August 10 · 15 min
Smile Korean Expression #11| 챙기다 | To Take Care of / To Pack / To Make Sure to Bring
Today’s expression: 챙기다 What comes to mind when you hear the word 챙기다? Packing for a trip? Taking care of someone you love? Or maybe remembering to bring something before you leave the house? 챙기다 is one of those Korean words you’ll hear almost every day. It can mean packing, making sure you have everything you need, taking care of yourself or someone else, or even making sure you receive what’s yours. Since it has so many meanings, it can be a little confusing at first—but don’t worry! In this episode, we’ll go through each one with simple examples and real-life stories. I’ll also share how I prepare for trips (I start packing weeks in advance!), why I’m trying to take better care of my health, and introduce you to the family member I always want to take care of—our rescue dog, Rosa. You’ll also learn the word 반려동물 (companion animal) and hear about a common Korean culture where seniors often buy meals for juniors who are new to school or work. New episodes are released every other day. If my Korean feels a little fast, try listening at 0.8x or 0.9x speed. It can make understanding much easier! Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode! 😊
S1 · E13
August 9 · 22 min
Smile Korean Coffee Chat #3 | My Hobbies & Why They Matter
Today’s Coffee Chat ☕ What hobbies make your life happier? In this episode, I’m sharing some of my favorite hobbies—from knitting and reading to KBO baseball, running, and traveling. I also talk about a few of my favorite travel destinations, including Tasmania, Bali, and Greece, and why those trips meant so much to me. Over the years, I’ve realized that hobbies make my life happier, healthier, and a lot more meaningful. I hope this episode inspires you to find something you truly enjoy, too. What are your hobbies? I’d love to hear about them! New Coffee Chat episodes are released every Sunday.
S1 · E12
August 7 · 16 min
Smile Korean Expression #10| 뿌듯하다 | To Feel Proud of Yourself
Today’s expression: 뿌듯하다 Have you ever finished something and felt proud of what you accomplished? In Korean, we often use 뿌듯하다 to describe that warm, satisfying feeling after doing your best or achieving a goal. In this episode, I’ll share everyday examples of 뿌듯하다, along with stories about hiking, finally finishing a challenging book, cleaning my apartment, and sending a surprise gift to my best friend. We’ll also learn the difference between 뿌듯하다 and 보람되다, and explore the trendy Korean word 추구미 in today’s culture section. New episodes are released every other day! If the Korean feels a little fast, try listening at 0.8x or 0.9x speed. New episodes are released every other day. If my Korean feels a little fast, try listening at 0.8x or 0.9x speed. It can make understanding much easier! Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode! 😊
S1 · E11
August 5 · 15 min
Smile Korean Expression #9 | 어이없다 | I Can’t Believe It
Today’s expression: 어이없다 Have you ever experienced something so unexpected that you didn’t know how to react? In Korean, we often use 어이없다 when something is so unbelievable or ridiculous that all you can think is, “What?!” or “I can’t believe this!” In this episode, you’ll learn how Koreans naturally use 어이없다 through everyday examples, personal stories, and Korean culture. We’ll also compare it with two similar expressions, 황당하다 and 당황하다, so you’ll know the difference and sound more natural when speaking Korean. If you’re still learning Korean, don’t worry if you don’t understand everything. Just listening regularly is a great way to become more familiar with the language. Feel free to slow the playback speed to 0.8x or 0.9x and listen at your own pace. New Smile Korean Expression episodes are released every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode! 😊
S1 · E10
August 3 · 14 min
Smile Korean Expression #8| 억울하다 | It’s Not Fair
Today’s expression: 억울하다 Have you ever been blamed for something you didn’t do? In Korean, we often use 억울하다 when we feel we’ve been treated unfairly, misunderstood, or blamed for something that wasn’t our fault. In this episode, you’ll learn how to use 억울하다 naturally through everyday examples, personal stories, and a look at Korean culture. We’ll also learn the word 오해 (misunderstanding) and explore why these two expressions are so closely connected. If you’re still learning Korean, don’t worry if you don’t understand everything. Just listening regularly is a great way to become more familiar with the language. Feel free to slow the playback speed to 0.8x or 0.9x and listen at your own pace. New Smile Korean Expression episodes are released every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Thank you for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode! 😊
S1 · E8
August 2 · 18 min
Smile Korean Coffee Chat #2 | My Compass Feels Broken
☕ Today’s Coffee Chat: My Compass Feels Broken Have you ever felt like your compass wasn’t working? In today’s Coffee Chat, I share why I started creating Korean learning content, how I found this path, and why I still feel like I’m searching for my own direction. We also talk about getting older, the pressure of having everything figured out, and learning to enjoy the journey—even when your compass feels a little broken. This episode is a relaxed conversation in natural, everyday Korean. If you’re still a beginner, don’t worry if you can’t understand everything. Listening consistently is one of the best ways to improve your Korean. If you need to, try slowing the playback speed to 0.8x or 0.9x and listen at your own pace. New Coffee Chat episodes every Sunday! • Want to watch with Korean & English subtitles? You can watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCsH7aKYx_zm9TmXVn1Im9Vw?si=5dmmtr-9Y_yLEn0O Thank you so much for listening. See you in the next Coffee Chat! 😊
S1 · E7
July 31 · 13 min
Smile Korean Expression #7 | 아쉽다 | “I Wish It Didn’t End”
Today’s expression: 아쉽다 Have you ever wished a special moment could last just a little longer? In this episode, you’ll learn the Korean expression 아쉽다, a word Koreans use when something good comes to an end or when they wish things had turned out a little differently. Through my personal stories, we’ll talk about saying goodbye to friends, cheering for my favorite baseball team, and why I always bring plenty of ice when my family goes camping in the summer. You’ll also learn the difference between 아쉽다 and 안타깝다, two expressions that are easy to confuse. We’ll also explore Korea’s unique baseball cheering culture and learn how this expression is naturally used in everyday conversations. New episodes are released every other day. If the Korean feels a little fast, try listening at 0.8x or 0.9x speed. Keep listening, and you’ll become more comfortable with natural Korean! 😄
S1 · E6
July 29 · 14 min
Smile Korean Expression #6 | 정신없다 | To Be All Over The Place
Today’s expression: 정신없다 Have you ever had a day where everything seemed to happen at once? Maybe you had too many things to do, or something unexpected happened and you didn’t know what to do first. In this episode, we’ll learn the Korean expression 정신없다, one of the most common expressions Koreans use when life feels busy, chaotic, or overwhelming. I’ll share a few personal stories—from balancing university projects with part-time jobs, to being in a car accident, and even watching the FIFA World Cup Final while traveling in Croatia. Through these stories, you’ll hear how 정신없다 is naturally used in everyday conversations. We’ll also learn the related word 혼란스럽다 and talk a little about Korea’s part-time job culture. New episodes are released every other day, so be sure to follow the podcast! If my Korean feels a little fast, don’t worry! You can slow the playback speed to 0.8x or 0.9x and learn at a pace that’s comfortable for you. Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode. 😊
S1 · E5
July 27 · 13 min
Smile Korean Expression #05 | 눈치를 보다 | To Be Self-Conscious
Today’s expression: 눈치를 보다 👀 Have you ever worried about what other people might think of you? In today’s episode, we’ll learn the Korean expression ‘눈치를 보다’, a phrase Koreans use all the time when they feel self-conscious or pay close attention to other people’s reactions. I’ll share some common examples, including starting a new job, surprise birthday parties, leaving work on time, and speaking up without worrying about others. I also talk about a funny marathon story, doing things alone like 혼밥 and 혼영, and why I sometimes feel awkward when people around me start arguing. We’ll also learn the word ‘대중교통’ (public transportation) and explore why ‘눈치’ is such an important part of Korean culture. New episodes are released every other day! 🎙️ If my Korean is still a little fast, try listening at 0.8x or 0.9x speed. It will help you catch more words and improve your listening naturally. Thank you for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode! Have you ever worried about what other people might think of you? In today’s episode, we’ll learn the Korean expression ‘눈치를 보다’, a phrase Koreans use all the time when they feel self-conscious or pay close attention to other people’s reactions. I’ll share some common examples, including starting a new job, surprise birthday parties, leaving work on time, and speaking up without worrying about others. I also talk about a funny marathon story, doing things alone like 혼밥 and 혼영, and why I sometimes feel awkward when people around me start arguing. We’ll also learn the word ‘대중교통’ (public transportation) and explore why ‘눈치’ is such an important part of Korean culture. New episodes are released every other day! If my Korean is still a little fast, try listening at 0.8x or 0.9x speed. It will help you catch more words and improve your listening naturally. Thank you for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode! 😄

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