Digesting Language: Korean Food Culture Idioms & Proverbs (Summer 2026)

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

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

Instructor: Hei Sook Yoo

Textbook(s): 

• Learning Korean at the Table, 2026, Mutangy Publishing

• Curated multimedia, real-world materials, and 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). 

Course Description

Is it possible to truly understand Korean language and culture without putting it in terms of food? To this question, one might appropriately respond with: 상추쌈에 고추장이 빠질까? (Translation: Can you make lettuce wraps without gochujang?) In other words, no way!

This high intermediate/advanced course explores the deeper meanings of common Korean idiomatic expressions and proverbs rooted in the culture of food and dining. Going beyond objective descriptions and taste sensations, learners will analyze how familiar essentials such as rice, soup, noodles, and tea can function as metaphors for life, success, failure, and relationships. The course emphasizes cultural interpretation, contextual usage, and advanced communication with these colorful and ubiquitous expressions as a gateway to more natural, higher level Korean language proficiency. Learners will also discuss related Korean food and dining etiquette.

By examining idioms in their classical and cultural contexts and applying them to contemporary situations, students develop greater linguistic precision and cultural insight. The Korean language is rich with idiomatic and folk expressions across all aspects of life, allowing speakers to convey complex ideas succinctly and to demonstrate understanding. The 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 work in pairs and small groups to complete exercises and tasks the instructor assigns.

Learning Objectives

• Interpret Korean food idioms and their implied meanings within cultural context

• Use these idioms effectively in advanced speaking and writing

•  Analyze cultural meanings and social realities behind food metaphors

• Compare such Korean expressions with those of other cultures

• Practice creating original sentences and narratives using idioms

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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 Summer 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.