Decoding Language: Korean Idioms as Cultural and Social Texts (Spring 2026)

When: 6:00-8:00 p.m. EDT, Mondays (12 meetings starting Feb. 9, 2026) ONLINE

Tuition: $240 (new registration) / $220 (returning)

Instructor: Hei Sook Yoo

Textbook(s): 

• Wisdom in Four Syllables: Korean Idioms for Korean Learners (2025), Mutangy Publishing

• News report scripts, news articles and handouts (provided by the instructor)

• Supplementary handouts (provided by the instructor)

Proficiency Requirements/Expectations:

This course is intended to be held at a mixed high-intermediate/advanced level, ideally for those who have completed Intermediate 3 at the KSIDC, any prior Advanced class, or equivalent. Adjustments will be made to meet the needs of registrants at these levels. While this course will not be a typical KSIDC Advanced level course, those curious about that level can see below for general proficiency information regarding typical KSIDC Advanced courses (all of which are held at approximately the same proficiency level but cover different topics, with appropriate adjustment for the needs of each unique class upon initial assessment). 

Description (brief)

What does it really mean when Koreans talk about society in terms of 각자도생 (everyone must survive on their own) or the changing season as 천고마비 (clear autumn skies and abundance)? Such idioms are everywhere in Korean discourse and media, helping to summarize complex social realities in just four syllables. This high intermediate/advanced level course introduces 100 of the most common examples, how to use them, and how much they really say, in order to boost learners' cultural and linguistic proficiency. 

Description (in depth)

Four-syllable idioms like 천고마비 (clear autumn skies and abundance) and 이열치열 (fight heat with heat) appear often in Korean newspapers, news programs, and everyday media. These expressions are also commonly used to explain popular Korean movies and dramas such as Parasite and Squid Game, where idioms like 각자도생 (everyone must survive on their own) and 약육강식 (the strong survive over the weak) help summarize complex social realities in just four syllables.

Even learners who are comfortable with Korean grammar and vocabulary can find these expressions challenging at first. In this course, students learn 100 four-syllable idioms commonly used by Korean speakers in daily life by watching, reading, and practicing with authentic media such as news clips, newspaper articles, films, and broadcasts. By learning and practicing these idioms together, students become more comfortable reading advanced texts, following the news, and understanding how Koreans talk about culture and society. The course is designed to be practical, approachable, and enjoyable, helping learners use Korean with greater confidence in real-life situations.

This course focuses on the study of unique Korean four-syllable idioms—often found in authentic conversations as succinct and colorful expressions that carry wisdom, insight, and historical weight—as a gateway to advanced Korean language proficiency and cultural understanding. Through 100 carefully selected idiomatic expressions, students explore how Korean values, historical experiences, and cultural perspectives are embedded in language.

By examining idioms in their classical and cultural contexts and applying them to contemporary situations, students will develop greater linguistic precision and cultural insight. This course emphasizes accurate and meaningful use of idiomatic expressions across spoken and written contexts, fostering deeper cultural literacy and communicative confidence.

Each lesson includes authentic conversations and texts in informal and formal contexts, structured tasks, and exciting and relevant cultural content. Students will work in pairs and small groups to complete exercises and tasks assigned by the instructor.

Syllabus/Overview

See a simplified course topic schedule below. To receive the detailed syllabus with grammatical topics and a full outline for this course, please send a request to adam@ksiwashingtondc.org. 

NOTE: The proficiency requirements outlined below are for traditional KSIDC Advanced courses; this Spring 2026 course welcomes learners at mixed high-intermediate and advanced levels. Information below is for reference. 

General Proficiency Requirements for all Advanced-level Courses

This class should be suitable for students who can speak Korean in everyday conversation and already know broad basic grammar, but who need to review grammar and improve their speaking, listening, reading, writing, and uses of advanced vocabulary in professional discourse. The specific level of the class is approximate to the speaking level description of ACTFL Intermediate, and the reading level description of TOPIK 2nd level (see below for information on each of these).

1. Speaking/Listening (Guideline: ACTFL -- INTERMEDIATE LOW)

Able to handle successfully a limited number of interactive, task-oriented, and social situations. Can ask and answer questions, initiate and respond to simple statements, and maintain face-to-face conversation, although in a highly restricted manner and with much linguistic inaccuracy. Within these limitations, can perform such tasks as introducing self, ordering a meal, asking directions, and making purchases. Vocabulary is adequate to express only the most elementary needs. Strong interference from native language may occur. Misunderstandings frequently arise, but with repetition, the Intermediate-Low speaker can generally be understood by sympathetic interlocutors.

2. Reading (Guideline: TOPIK -- Level 2)

Discussion of familiar topics employing a vocabulary of about 1,500-2,000 words. Distinguishing correctly between formal and informal situations.

3. Writing (Guideline: ACTFL -- NOVICE HIGH)

Writers at the Novice High level are able to meet limited basic practical writing needs using lists, short messages, postcards, and simple notes, and to express themselves within the context in which the language was learned, relying mainly on practiced material. The writing is generally writer-centered and is focused on common, discrete elements of daily life.

Proficiency Requirements based on SOGANG Textbook descriptions

The Sogang textbook level descriptions can also be used as a guide for this class. Generally speaking, students should not have problems taking the class if they meet the following 4 skill levels as described in the Sogang textbook (there are a total of 6 levels for each category).

Listening: Sogang textbook level 2 or above (students are required to understand basic Korean expressions that I use in class; sometimes I use English when I need to explain grammar or advanced vocabulary in detail)

Speaking: Sogang textbook level 2 or above

Reading: Sogang textbook level 2 or above

Writing: Sogang textbook level 1-2 or above (the latter half of level 1, or level 2 is sufficient; as for grammar, students should know structures such as -줄 알다/모르다 in the level 1 textbook, or modifiers in level 2)

Self-check for your level using the TOPIK information below. 

Sample Vocabulary 1 –TOPIK Level 1

Students should be able to know at least 90% above of the vocabulary as below.

학교 선생님 교실 회사 인터넷 컴퓨터 가다 오다 마시다 일하다 공부하다 전화하다 

Sample Vocabulary 2 -TOPIK Level 1-2

Students should be able to know at least 70% above of the vocabulary as below.

수업 한국어 한복 축구 낫다 걷다 예습하다 덥다 맛있다 맑다 뚱뚱하다 빠르다

Sample Vocabulary 3 -TOPIK Level 2-3

Students should be able to know at least 50% above of the vocabulary as below.

개강 입시 기업 국가 동물 직업 깨끗하다 습하다 신선하다 정리하다 선택하다 소개하다

Sample Text 1 -ACTFL-Intermediate Low, TOPIK 2

Students should be able to comprehend at least 80% above of these two sample texts.

   어제는 날씨가 아주 추웠어요. 저는 학교 앞에서 친구를 만났어요. 배가 고파서 친구와 같이 식당에 갔어요. 저는 김치찌개를 먹었어요. 김치찌개는 아주 매웠어요. 친구는 불고기를 먹었어요. 불고기는 맛있고 맵지 않았어요. 밥을 먹고 친구와 영화를 봤어요. 그 영화는 정말 재미있었어요. 영화를 보고 친구하고 커피숍에 갔어요. 저와 친구는 커피를 마셨어요. 커피가 아주 뜨거웠어요. 친구와 이야기를 많이 하고 집에 왔어요. 내일은 친구와 월드컵 경기장에 갈 거예요.

Sample Text 2 -ACTFL-Intermediate High, TOPIK 3

Students should be able to comprehend at least 50% above of these two sample texts.

   세계의 각 도시에는 그 지역을 상징하는 광장들이 있다. 이 광장들은 그 도시에 사는 시민들의 발길을 모으는 역할을 한다. 서울에도 기존에 서울 광장이 있었고 광화문 광장이 새롭게 단장을 끝냈다. 시민들에게 선을 보이자 시민들은 좋은 반응을 보였다. 왜냐하면 예전에는 차들의 통행만 가능하고 가까이 가기 어려웠기 때문이다. 그런데 이곳에 꽃밭과 분수 등을 조성하여 시민들이 쉼터로 이용할 수 있게 되었다.

Contact / Questions

If you have questions or would like to contact the instructor directly, please feel free to email Dr. Hei Sook Yoo at hbanga@gmail.com or Adam Wojciechowicz at adam@ksiwashingtondc.org.