전반적으로 문법이 훌륭합니다. 약간의 수정을 더하면 훨씬 자연스럽고 매끄러워질 수 있을 것 같습니다. 수정한 부분을 ** ** 표시해 드릴게요:)

<집안일>

(집안일 하는 경향)

I come from a family of four, including my father, mother, younger brother, and me. Both of my parents work, but since my mom works from home, she ends up doing most of the housework. Whenever I visit home, I try to take over most of the chores so she can get some rest. While my mom and I do the laundry, cleaning, taking out the trash, and washing the dishes, **my dad and brother do almost nothing**. Even though **my dad works four days on and then has four days off**, he just lies around on his phone during his days off. My brother is the same—he doesn’t help out at all, not even during his school breaks. They only help when we ask them, and even then, they complain about it. In the end, my mom and I just do everything ourselves. I don’t think it’s fair. **If everyone helped, things would be easier, and everyone would appreciate each other much more.**

(어렸을 때 맡았던 집안일)

When I was a kid, my job was to clean shelves, tables, and bookshelves. I enjoyed cleaning the bookshelf the most because I loved organizing things. **Rearranging misplaced books was a small joy of mine.** Some days, I grouped similar books together, and other days, I organized different series in order.  

On the other hand, the table was my least favorite spot to clean. Most of the tables in our house were black, which made them really hard to clean. **But now I’ve realized that using a tissue first and then a lint roller works perfectly.**

(집안일을 하지 못해 겪은 문제)

When I was in middle school, I got in big trouble with my dad for not cleaning my room. I used to push small trash, like eraser shavings, under the bookshelf. My dad doesn’t usually clean, but once or twice a year, **he deep cleans when he feels like it.** One day, while cleaning my room, he found all the trash I had hidden in the corners. He was really mad, and after school, my mom called to tell me what happened. Since my dad is pretty strict, I was really nervous going home that day, and I ended up getting scolded badly. After that, I never pushed trash into the corners again and started cleaning my room very carefully.  

(집안일 도중 겪은 경험)

The most memorable experience I’ve ever had while doing housework happened when I was a freshman. I had bought an eco-bag as a gift to myself for getting into college, and I decided to wash it in the washing machine. **Since most clothes need careful handling in the dryer**, I didn’t think too much about it and just **tossed** it in the wash. But when I took it out, I immediately knew something was wrong—my bag had shrunk to almost half its original size! It was practically brand new, and I had only used it once. I was so devastated. I tried soaking it in warm water and stretching it by hand, but it stayed small. After that incident, I always check the washing instructions for anything important, and I hand-wash all my bags. It was a disappointing experience, but it taught me to be more careful.  

(과거와 현재 맡은 집안일 비교)

When I was a kid, my job was to clean shelves, tables, and bookshelves. I enjoyed cleaning the bookshelf the most because I loved organizing things. **Rearranging misplaced books was a small joy of mine.** Some days, I grouped similar books together, and other days, I organized different series in order.  

As I grew up, I noticed that my mom was doing most of the housework, so I started helping her. My dad and brother helped sometimes, but most of the time, it was my mom doing everything, so I tried to help whenever I could. When I was younger, I used to ignore it because I found it tiring and annoying. But after seeing my mom working so hard while my dad and brother just lay around, I felt like I had to help. That feeling grew stronger as I got older, and I started feeling both guilty and grateful for everything my mom did. **Now, whenever I visit home, I try to take over most of the chores so she can get some rest.**

<외식/음식>

(자주 가는 식당)

My favorite restaurant is a meat place called **“Mungyeong Yakdol Dwaeji.”** My family loves meat, so we go there often. We live near the city hall, and the restaurant is by **Mungyeong Saejae**, so it takes about 20 minutes by car. It’s a grill restaurant where you buy the meat first and cook it at the table. There are a lot of tables, and when the weather is warm, we eat on the terrace. What makes this place different from other restaurants is that **the meat is really delicious, and they serve a variety of fermented anchovy.** You put the fermented anchovy on the grill with the meat, and the fermented anchovy sauce is used to dip the meat. At first, I didn’t like the fishy taste, but now it’s an essential part of the meal. Even though it’s a bit far, I always recommend this restaurant to family or friends who visit **Mungyeong Saejae**, and they all love it. **It’s definitely our favorite restaurant.**  

(유명한 한국 요리) 그대로  

These days with Korean restaurants popping up all over the place, people around the world are becoming more and more aware of Korean cuisine. The most famous Korean dish of all is bibimbap.  

To give you an idea of the ingredients, bibimbap usually contains rice, bean sprouts, carrots, fresh greens, mushrooms, and red pepper paste. People often put a fried egg on top and sometimes add beef as well. In fact, everybody can make this dish in their own way by adding or taking out ingredients.  

Bibimbap is very easy to prepare, and it's a great dish for vegetarians if you leave the meat out. Once it's served, you just mix the ingredients together with chopsticks and then enjoy the tasty combination of flavors. As for me, I like bibimbap because it's healthy, easy to make, and never fails to please.  

(식당에서 겪은 경험)

The most special experience I’ve ever had at a restaurant happened on my birthday last year. **On that day**, my friend treated me to dinner at a famous fine dining restaurant in Seoul. To give you a more detailed account, my friend had made a health checkup appointment for me and told me not to eat anything that day. I didn’t even know the exact location, but I just followed him. **At 5 PM**, we went to the restaurant, which turned out to be a **North Korean cuisine specialty place.** It turns out he remembered me saying that I wanted to try North Korean food after seeing a **culinary class war!** I was so touched, I can’t even describe it. After that, we had a wonderful dinner with great conversation and delicious food. The whole thing was unforgettable because **I was completely caught off guard.** It was such a special memory to know that someone remembered and cared about even the smallest thing I had said.  

<인터넷 서핑>

(자주 가는 웹사이트)

The website I visit often is **KakaoPage**, where you can read webtoons and web novels. Since my hobby is reading **romance fantasy webtoons and novels**, it’s perfect for me. I started using **KakaoPage** because it has more **romance fantasy genres than other websites**, but **the site’s many useful features** kept me coming back for more. For example, there are tons of reviews, so it’s really easy to figure out whether a story is good or not. That’s why I always check the reviews before choosing something to read. Plus, the site gives you access to a lot of **romance fantasy works and offers cash based on your interests.** Because of all these perks, **KakaoPage has become an essential site for me** when I want to enjoy my hobbies.  

(나의 인터넷 사용 경향) 그대로  

I'm on the Internet day in and day out. Like most people, I have a smartphone that lets me stay connected all the time. Whenever I get a social media notification or an e-mail, my phone lets me know immediately. So unless I'm asleep, hardly a few minutes go by without me doing something online. There's no avoiding the Internet if you want to stay plugged in to society. In addition to using it to communicate with friends and family, I use it for entertainment. All the best video games require an Internet connection these days, and if I want to listen to some tunes or watch a movie, I always do it online. I also do most of my shopping online, and I read the news there as well. There's not much I don't do on the Internet. I seriously doubt I'm alone in this regard. Everyone relies on the Internet nowadays.  

(과거와 현재의 웹사이트 비교) 그대로  

I've been surfing the Internet since I was a child. Over the years, I've noticed many changes in the way websites look and function. So I'd like to compare how websites appear today and how they looked in the past. A long time ago, websites were nothing like they are today. The key difference between past and present websites is graphics. People used slow, dial-up modems, so it took forever to load large image files. This meant that websites were limited to mostly text with just a few simple images. In addition, people didn't have widescreen monitors back then, so the overall size of the websites was smaller. Websites have come a long way since then. These days, people have much faster Internet connections. Taking advantage of this, most sites offer a multimedia experience. They have lots of high-definition images, and there are also all kinds of video clips and animations built into the websites that visitors can watch.  

<명절>  

(1. 우리나라의 명절) 그대로

There are several **different** holidays in Korea. Like many other countries, Korea observes Thanksgiving each year. In addition, holidays like Korean Independence Day and **Children’s** Day are also widely celebrated throughout Korea.  

Korean Thanksgiving Day is very important to people here. **It’s** based on the lunar calendar, so the exact date varies from year to year. People have traditionally celebrated Thanksgiving Day by throwing a feast in honor of their ancestors. Another important holiday is Korean Independence Day, which is observed on the 15th of August. On that day, each household hangs a national flag to remember **Korea’s** struggle to free itself from Japanese occupation. **We’ve** also got a special holiday for children called **Children’s** Day. We give all kinds of gifts to children to mark the day. **It’s** a day off for most people, so they often take the opportunity to go out with their families. I think holidays are important because they help us remember events and traditions that are of significance to our country.  

(2. 명절에 하는 활동 경향)

Korea celebrates many different holidays throughout the year. One of the most important of these is **New Year’s** Day. This is an important family holiday, so we typically travel back to our hometowns to see our parents and other relatives. Once everyone is together, we observe several interesting **New Year’s** Day customs. For one, children bow to adults, and the adults give them some money in return. We also take part in a traditional board game **which** uses four sticks as a sort of dice. And of course, we eat special kinds of food. Specifically, we prepare a soup made with rice cake and meat. The reason for this is that in Korea, one year is added to a person’s age on **New Year’s** Day. We mark this occasion by eating a bowl of rice cake soup. **New Year’s** Day provides an opportunity to maintain ties with one’s family. It also helps us keep in touch with ancient traditions.  

(3. 명절에 겪은 경험)

One of the most memorable holiday experiences I had as a kid happened on an airplane. My family was traveling to the Philippines with my **aunt’s** family. We celebrated New Year’s Day on the plane, and that’s when fireworks started going off below us. The fireworks exploded pretty close to our plane, and it could have been dangerous, but seeing them up close was really amazing. It felt so new and exciting to be flying at the same height as the fireworks. To be honest, I never really felt happy about New Year’s because it meant moving up to a higher grade and facing more challenges. But after seeing how people in other places celebrate the New Year with fireworks and joy, I started to welcome it with a happier mindset. I’ll never forget that experience, and the memory of that moment still sticks with me. Even now, my family still talks about it from time to time.  

<교통수단>  

(1. 많이 이용하는 대중교통)

In Korea, we have various types of public transportation. For example, there are many bus systems throughout the country, and several Korean cities have state-of-the-art subway systems. As for me, I use the bus most frequently. Since there’s no subway where I live, I usually take the bus. These days, it’s pretty convenient because every bus stop has an electronic board that shows the real-time location and arrival time of the buses. Plus, with **map** apps, I can check this information in advance and plan when to leave the house. The fare is only about a dollar, so it’s a very affordable way to get around.  

However, sometimes I have to transfer to another bus, and waiting can take longer than expected, which can be a bit annoying. Unlike subways, where the next train comes pretty quickly even if you transfer, buses don’t run as often. I think it would be great if my neighborhood had a subway or if buses came more frequently.  

(2. 대중교통 이용하다 겪은 문제)

I remember a time when I fell asleep on the bus and missed my stop. It happened when I was a freshman. After my classes, I had to take the bus straight to my teaching job. On my way back to the dorm after teaching, I was so tired. I kept dozing off and eventually fell asleep. When I woke up, I was the only one left on the bus, and we were passing through unfamiliar streets. I panicked and asked the bus driver if we had already passed my school, and I was so frustrated when I realized I had. Since it was my first time experiencing something like this, I felt really scared and embarrassed. The only person with me was the bus driver, so I kept talking to him the whole way. In the end, I rode all the way to the last stop and then headed back to my school. After that day, I never **sleep** on the bus anymore. Even if I do, I always set an alarm.  

(3. 과거와 현재의 대중교통 비교)

It is definitely true that the public transportation system in my country is different from how it was in the past. Without hesitation, I would say that **Korea’s** public transportation system has changed for the better. In the past, public transportation was much less convenient. There **weren’t** special lanes for the buses, so they had to fight traffic to make their way to their destinations. They would often run behind schedule. Another way public transportation differed in the past is that the subway trains were slower, and there were fewer subway lines. Nowadays, the system is much more efficient. Buses have their own lanes, helping them stay on schedule, and the subway system now has many more lines. In addition, every bus stop has an electronic board that shows the real-time location and arrival time of the buses. Using our country’s public transportation system is a convenient way to get around the city.  

<프로젝트>  

(1. 최근에 끝낸 프로젝트의 과정)

I’m a nursing student, and I take a class where we practice making nursing judgments. A recent project I worked on was all about that. Our professor gave us an example case, and we had to analyze the information. We had to figure out which details were important, what medical risks were involved, and what nursing actions should be taken.  

There were six people in my group, and one person took the lead to get us started. We set a deadline, did our own research, and had four meetings to discuss everything. Sometimes we met in person, and other times we met online. The meetings were tiring because there were so many, but we really wanted to do a great job. Through this project, I learned a lot from my teammates. They thought of things I never even considered, which made me reflect on myself. I realized I still have a lot to improve on, and it motivated me to work harder.  

(2. 기억에 남는 프로젝트 경험)

One project that really stands out to me is the one I did when I was in my first year of high school. It was a personal project for my home economics class. I had to introduce a dish from a country I was assigned and suggest a way to make it even better. My assigned country was China. At first, I felt overwhelmed because I wasn’t familiar with Chinese food. But since it was my first big presentation in high school, I wanted to do my best. I put more effort into it than I ever had before.  

Looking back, my PowerPoint wasn’t very pretty, but it was full of effort. Even though I’m usually a pretty shy person, I practiced a lot and was able to give a confident presentation. I even answered questions from my teacher and classmates really well. My friends said my presentation was the best, and I got to know them better through the experience. The biggest lesson I learned from it is that hard work really pays off.  

(3. 프로젝트를 하다 겪은 문제)

A time I faced a really difficult problem was when I was a freshman in college. I was taking a biology lab class, and we always did experiments in teams. Most of the students in my class were physical therapy majors, so in my group of six, almost everyone was from that major.  

At first, we all worked together on the experiments, but as time went on, they started talking only to each other and stopped participating. By the end of the semester, I was doing all the experiments by myself while they just looked at the results and wrote their reports.  

I was really frustrated, but since the semester was almost over, I just decided to let it go. I realized that when close friends are in the same group, they end up talking too much and not getting the work done.  

<날씨/계절>  

(1. 우리나라의 계절)  

Korea has what is known as **a** temperate climate. This means that it has four seasons, each with **very** different weather. For instance, the summer is very hot and **humid**. It is much too muggy for me. During July and August, it rains a lot, sometimes for days on end. On the other hand, in winter, the temperature often drops below zero and snow **isn't** out of the ordinary. As for the spring and fall, the temperatures are moderate and comfortable. In the spring, the flowers bloom all over the country, and in the fall, the leaves change color. Both times of the year are absolutely stunning.  

Although I enjoy the rhythm of the seasons and appreciate the beauty each has to offer, I personally find Korean winters a little too cold for my taste. Also, the hot summers are more than I can bear. I much prefer the mild temperatures of the fall and spring.

(2. 과거와 현재 날씨 비교)  

I think it goes without saying that global warming is having an effect everywhere. Neither **is** Korea immune from this phenomenon. There are many differences between the **country's** weather in the past and that of today, but the most noticeable is the length of the seasons. When I was a kid, the four seasons divided the year evenly. This gave everyone a chance to experience each season to the full. On top of that, the winters were much colder, and snow was very common at that time of the year. In fact, my friends and I would bundle up and go sledding together almost every day after school.  

These days, however, summer and winter seem to last longer than the other two seasons. This means that for a full five months, you must endure the humidity of summer, and for the same amount of time, the harshness of winter. On the other hand, the mild weather of spring and fall passes in the blink of an eye.

(3. 이상 기후로 인해 겪은 경험)  

One example of unusual weather that sticks out for me is fine dust pollution. Compared to the past, it has completely changed our lives. Now, every classroom has an air purifier, and if the air quality is bad, we **can't** have PE classes outside. Checking the fine dust levels every morning and wearing a mask before going out has become normal. When I was younger, people only wore masks when they were sick. But because of industrialization and climate change, fine dust levels have increased a lot. This is also one of the reasons why more people have respiratory problems these days. It’s even worse in big cities, but even though I live in a small town surrounded by mountains, there are still many days when the air quality is bad. On really bad days, it looks like there’s fog all day long. It’s frustrating when I can’t do outdoor activities, plans get canceled, and respiratory issues become more common. I really hope that by recycling and reducing waste, we can live in a cleaner environment again.  

<도서관>  

(1. 자주가는 도서관)  

Honestly, I don’t go to the library very often. Our school library isn’t that great, so I usually study in my room, in lecture halls, or at **cafés**. I only go to the library sometimes to borrow books, but there aren’t many books available.  

The library has two floors. On the second floor, there are a few computers, a printer, and some study spaces. But since you’re not allowed to drink coffee or anything there, most students don’t really go there to read or do assignments. The first floor has a lot of books, but most of them are medical textbooks or research papers, so it’s hard to find books from other genres. Most of the books I want aren’t there.  

On the other hand, there’s a study room in the same building. It’s **spacious** and clean, so it’s really popular. I think it would be much better to study if the library was bigger and cleaner.  

(2. 도서관에서 겪은 경험)  

The most memorable experience I’ve ever had in a library was back in middle school. When I was in my first year, there was a library right next to my classroom. It was really small, and I think it had less than 5,000 books. But I went there almost every day because the Korean teacher in charge of the library was my favorite teacher.  

She put a lot of effort into making the library a nice place, so many students loved going there. Thanks to her, one part of the library even had a heated floor where we could sit or lie down and read comfortably. There were also several big sofas, so we could relax and read anywhere we wanted. The heated floor area was especially popular because once you sat down, it was so easy to focus on your book. My favorite moment back then was leaning against the warm floor and reading comic books. That memory still feels so warm and cozy to me.

(3. 과거와 현재의 도서관 비교)  

I’d like to compare the library where I grew up and the library where I live now. I spent my childhood in a small, remote place, but now I live in a big city. But when it comes to the facilities, there isn’t much difference. Both libraries are national libraries with a lot of books. They also have plenty of study rooms and computer labs. However, there are some differences. The library in the city where I live now is a four-story building, and it’s surrounded by trees and flowers. As a result, the area feels a bit like a small park. On the other hand, the library I used to visit a lot when I was younger didn’t have a cafeteria and only had two floors. But, there were plenty of **cafés** and restaurants nearby, and a big park right in front of it, so I never felt like it was lacking. One thing I do wish, though, is that the break room in my current library was bigger and cozier.

<산업>  

(1. 우리나라 산업 또는 회사)  

It is clear to me that the **electronics** industry is extremely important in my country. These days, Korean electronics are successful both at home and internationally. **Currently**, the Korean **electronics** **industry** is breaking sales records all over the world. As a result, companies in this country are enjoying a lot of financial success and are a major source of employment for Korean people. The reason why Korean electronics are so popular is that our brands are associated with quality and innovation. People who buy smartphones, TVs, and more look to Korea for the latest trends and technological innovations. Products from this country always meet the needs of consumers and include unique new features that people love to use. As far as I can tell, the electronics industry in Korea will continue to thrive. Even though the business world of the future will be much different than that of today, I am confident that Korean companies will enjoy further success.

(2. 과거와 현재의 산업 또는 회사 비교)  

The tourism industry in Korea has grown significantly over the past several decades. In the past, this industry was mostly focused on domestic travelers. We had many luxurious hotels, but they were used almost exclusively by Korean people taking short vacations close to home. Our attractions were not advertised abroad, so only a few foreign visitors came here, and they were mostly from nearby countries like Japan and China.  

These days, on the other hand, the number of international visitors coming to Korea has skyrocketed. Much of this growth can be attributed to the increased popularity of Korean brand names, music, and movies in countries all around the globe. Moreover, the Korean government has finally begun promoting both our exciting cities and our natural beauty using innovative and unique marketing campaigns. Overall, I would say that the Korean tourism industry has surpassed **everyone's** expectations.

(3. 우리나라 산업 또는 회사의 영향)  

Without a doubt, the electronics industry has had a profound impact on Korean society. Its innovative products have improved our lives in a variety of ways. The smartphones developed by Korean companies are now a fact of life for most people here. In fact, statistics show that around 96 percent of Koreans now own a smartphone. This percentage is expected to grow even higher in the years to come!  

In some countries, this kind of technology is popular mostly with young people, but in Korea even senior citizens are comfortable using smartphones. I truly believe that this has positively affected our economy by increasing our efficiency and spurring the development of online commerce. Not only that, but by making it easier to communicate with our loved ones, this technology has improved our overall quality of life. In my opinion, the electronics **industry** is hands down the most influential industry in my country.

<가구/가전>

(1. 좋아하는 가구)

**My favorite piece of furniture** at home is the sofa bed at my parents’ house. **It serves as both a bed and a sofa**, with two mattresses. Since my mom works from home, she keeps it as a sofa during the day to organize her things, and at night, she turns it into a bed. This versatility is why our family decided to buy it. **It’s covered with gray fabric**, making it comfortable, and **the bed frame is made of sturdy wood**, so it feels very stable. The downside is that **the two mattresses sometimes separate in the middle**. After I started college, my younger sibling began using it. He replaced the old mattresses, and now it looks almost new again. **Although it’s not as cozy as a regular bed**, being able to switch between a sofa and a bed is a great feature. Personally, I just wish the mattress was a little softer.  

(2. 과거와 현재의 가구 비교)

**Furniture styles have changed a lot** in the past 20 years, and my family’s furniture reflects these trends. When I was younger, we had **a white marble kitchen table**. Over time, it got stained and cracked. Since our house wasn’t very big, we didn’t have beds—just mattresses on the floor. But now, we have **a dark-colored wooden table** that’s easy to maintain. We also made space for **a sliding bed**. It’s very practical because it’s like having two beds in one. During the day, we push the bottom bed in, and at night, we pull it out to sleep. **It’s cozy, saves space, and is easy to clean.** I really think buying this sliding bed was one of the best decisions we’ve made.  

(3. 빌린 가전제품이 고장 나 겪은 문제)

I don’t usually rent appliances, but I do have **an experience with a broken appliance**. Since I have rhinitis, **a humidifier is essential** for me. Last year, I bought a new one. About 10 months later, something unexpected happened. I had just moved into a new room and was doing a deep clean. While cleaning the window frame, **the mesh screen fell off**, so I quickly placed it inside the room. Unfortunately, I forgot that my humidifier was right next to it! **Some dust and dirt fell on the humidifier.** I panicked, washed it, and turned it back on. **But black smoke started coming out of it!** I was so flustered and sent it for repair. Luckily, since it was still under warranty, I got a replacement for free. Since then, I always make sure to move my appliances before cleaning.  

<약속>

(1. 주로 약속을 잡는 장소)

The place where I make plans to meet people depends on the situation and who I’m meeting. Sometimes I’m at my school dorm, and other times I’m at my parents’ house. When I was younger, **my go-to meeting spot was the fountain at the park**. The park is in the center of my town, so it was a convenient place to gather. Since there weren’t many other places to hang out, we would meet at the fountain and play there. In winter, we would go to **the nearby supermarket or karaoke**, but we always ended up back at the park. The park is full of childhood memories for me.  

(2. 약속을 잡는 경향)

When I make plans, it’s usually with **my college or high school friends**. With my college friends, we usually meet **during the last month of vacation**. As for my high school friends, I meet them when I visit my parents’ house. We usually start with **a meal at a restaurant**, then visit a café or go shopping. Sometimes we check out new places or **take pictures together**. Since I’m more of **a homebody**, I don’t make plans often, but meeting close friends once in a while makes me really happy.  

(3. 기억에 남는 약속)

One of the most memorable appointments I’ve had was with **my freshman-year roommates**. We lived together in the dorms and became close quickly. **As the semester was coming to an end**, we decided to have a farewell party at a beautiful park on campus. But it rained that day, so we had to stay in our dorm room. Since we didn’t have a proper table, **we used a suitcase as a makeshift table** and ate chicken there. Later, we **took pictures and wrote messages** to each other using a film camera. **Reading those messages made us laugh** and feel emotional at the same time. Even now, I still meet up with them regularly.  

(4. 약속 잡기 전 연락 과정)

There are two teachers I meet once a year—**my Korean teacher from middle school** and **my English teacher from high school**. Since they’re always busy, I usually reach out first. When I visit my parents’ house, I send them a message to make plans. **We don’t make detailed schedules**; we just choose a restaurant and decide on a date and time. **I prefer small, one-on-one gatherings**, so it’s nice to catch up with them this way. This winter, we went to **a new handmade burger place and café**, and the food was amazing. I even recommended it to my family afterward. **I feel really grateful to have people I can meet and keep in touch with regularly.**

<은행>

(1. 우리나라 은행)

In Korea, there are several major banks with **branches all across the country**. You can find **a bank branch on almost every corner**. Inside, there’s a **customer lobby and multiple service windows** where tellers help with various financial tasks. There’s also a special area for **loan consultations**. Outside most bank branches, you’ll find **several ATMs** for quick transactions. **Banks are usually open from 9 a.m. to around 4 p.m.,** but ATMs are available 24/7 in many locations. In my opinion, **banks in Korea are very convenient** and provide excellent service. The employees are friendly and knowledgeable, always willing to help with a smile. **For those in a hurry, ATMs are perfect for basic transactions** without waiting in line.  

(2. 과거와 현재 은행 비교)

Although they serve the same purpose, **banks today are very different** from those I remember from my childhood. **Back then, everything was done manually**, and banks were crowded because there were no alternatives like online banking. Since **ATMs were not common**, people had to visit the bank and speak to a teller to withdraw money. These days, **Internet banking and mobile apps** have made everything easier. **Banks are much quieter now**, with fewer employees because most financial matters can be handled online. Personally, I prefer **the quieter banks of today combined with the convenience of online banking**.  

(3. 은행에서 겪은 문제)

One of the biggest problems I’ve had with banks is that **online banking sometimes doesn’t work around midnight**. Some banks perform **maintenance checks at that time**, which means their services are temporarily unavailable. Since I rely heavily on online banking, this can be really frustrating. One time, **my favorite online store had a midnight sale**, and I managed to grab the items I wanted. However, **the payment kept failing** no matter how many times I tried. Later, I realized it was because of the bank’s maintenance schedule. I was so flustered, but thankfully, my friend helped me buy the items. **Even though online banking is convenient, issues like these need to be improved.**

<지역축제>

(1. 지역사회의 축제)

I love festivals, so I’ve been to a lot of **local festivals** since I was a kid. Every year, different regions hold festivals to celebrate their local specialties, and depending on the season, there are things like **cherry blossom festivals or snow festivals**. In Gangwon Province, they hold a **snow festival in winter**, and the cities host **fireworks and music festivals**. Also, the place where I grew up is famous for its apples, so they have an **apple festival** every year. The more famous the festival, the more crowded it is, and it’s so packed that it’s hard to even find a place to sit. One festival I really want to go to someday is the **lantern festival**. I once saw it from a distance while camping, and the sight of so many lanterns floating in the sky was mesmerizing. It was so beautiful that I felt like I was in a movie. I hope to enjoy even more fun and exciting festivals in the future.  

(2. 지역 축제에 가는 경향)

I grew up in the **countryside**, so the festivals there were pretty small. But almost every year, I go to a **cherry blossom festival**. There are so many **cherry blossoms** in our country, so the festivals are held in many different places. When I was in middle school, the **river in front of our school** had so many beautiful cherry blossom trees, so my classmates and I would go see them together. But unfortunately, the cherry blossoms usually peak in late April, which is also when our **midterm exams** take place. So I always ended up seeing them when they were already starting to fall. During the cherry blossom festival, **food trucks** line up along the river, and my family and I always loved buying **street food** from them. Even if I can’t go to festivals now, walking through streets lined with blooming **cherry blossoms** is one of my sources of happiness.  

(3. 가장 기억에 남는 지역 축제)

The most memorable festival for me was the **music festival in Cheonan** I went to last year. It was called the **K-pop Music Festival**, and many K-pop singers came. I wasn’t planning on going, but when I found out that one of my favorite singers, **Yena**, was going to be there while I was in Cheonan, I decided to go. She sings bright and uplifting songs, which really helped me when I was feeling down and struggling. There were plenty of **shuttle buses**, so we took one straight there. Once we arrived, there were lots of **activities** like games and experiences, and we also bought some **street food** like hot dogs and chicken. The performances started in the afternoon. I managed to get a **spot near the front** and was enjoying the festival with joy. But just when I went to the bathroom for a minute, **Yena**—the singer I had been waiting for—came on stage! Still, I quickly came back and enjoyed the rest of her songs and the festival. I was disappointed to miss my favorite part of her performance, but hearing her live will always be an **unforgettable memory**.  

<지형/야외 활동>

(1. 우리나라 지형)

Korea is a **small country**. To travel by car from coast to coast takes less than **10 hours**. Despite its size, Korea has a **wide range of geographic features**. The sea surrounds the country on three sides, and everywhere you look there are **mountains, plains, and rivers**. What sets Korea apart from other countries is this **constantly changing landscape**. To give you an idea of how varied the landscape is, I will describe the area around **Sokcho**. This is a **small city** that is popular with tourists for its **natural beauty**. What makes the region so special is that it has **beautiful mountains very close to the sea**. The combination of these two features has a very striking effect. I like the geography of my country because it’s so varied. When I visit countries where the scenery never seems to change, I find myself getting bored. In my opinion, **the more variety, the better**.  

(2. 기억에 남는 야외활동 경험)

One example of an **outdoor experience** that sticks out for me is a **camping trip** I went on with my family as a child. It was a lot of fun to explore **nature** together, and the trip gave us a chance to **spend time together**. To get into details, my **aunt’s family** loves camping, so my **grandparents, my uncle’s family, and my family** often went camping together. We went about **once every six months**, mostly near the **beach**. I used to play with my younger siblings, **digging for clams and catching crabs**. Instead of gathering at my **grandma’s house** for holidays and special occasions, we often went camping. While camping, we did things like **fireworks and fishing**. We also traveled around different areas and checked out their **local festivals**. A few years later, my aunt’s family bought an **RV**, so camping became a lot more comfortable for us. I spent my childhood camping like that. Now, our family has built a **vacation home** where we do **campfires and grow different vegetables**. But the memories of camping with my family when I was younger are still some of my **favorite childhood memories**.  

(3. 지형으로 인해 겪은 문제)

The problem I’ve experienced most often with the terrain is **flooding**. Especially in the summer, when a **typhoon or heavy rain** hits, **lowlands or flat areas** get flooded. When I was little, my family lived in **Cheonan**, where we got a lot of **snow and rain**. In the summer, the rain would rise up to my waist, and **cars couldn’t drive through**. The kindergarten bus couldn’t make it, so I often couldn’t go to school. Because of that, whenever it rained, I had to wear **rubber boots**. My house was always on a **hill**, so it didn’t flood. But the **shops and houses down the hill** often got submerged. This kind of flooding happens a lot in **coastal areas**, especially in **Busan**, one of Korea’s biggest cities, where there are many tall buildings and important facilities. But since it’s a **lowland area**, flooding happens very frequently. Every year, there are news stories about people **losing their lives in flooding accidents**. That’s why Korea is working on getting rid of **underground facilities** to minimize these accidents.  

(4. 우리나라 사람들이 즐겨하는 야외활동)

Korean people love the **outdoors**. Not a day goes by that you don’t see **elderly people stretching and exercising in parks**. And on evenings and weekends, lots of people love to go out and **spend time in nature**. **Hiking** has got to be one of the most **popular outdoor activities**. For one thing, it is very **convenient**. In my country, the **mountains are always close by**, so people don’t have to travel very far to go on a nice hike. On any given day, you can see people on **public transportation with their hiking gear**. It is easy to find the **trailheads**, and there are plenty of **well-marked trails** to choose from, whether you are in the mood for a **modest half-day hike or a strenuous full-day trek**. I personally think that hiking is **great exercise**. That’s why people who hike regularly, regardless of age, are always in **really good shape**.  

<패션>

(1. 우리나라의 패션)

The type of **clothing** people wear in Korea isn’t much different from what you’d see in other **developed nations**. It’s pretty typical for people to wear **whatever they want at home**. However, when it comes to **work and school**, people are generally expected to **dress a certain way**. For the most part, people wear **business attire** to work, especially if they have an **office job**. It’s a way of appearing **professional**, which is important. Similarly, high school and middle school students are expected to wear a **school uniform**. Once they return home, most people change into more **casual attire**, like **jeans or sweats**. I can’t imagine trying to **relax in a suit and tie**! I personally think that **fashion in Korea** is pretty nice. These days, **dress codes** have relaxed a lot, so many people wear **comfortable clothes to work**. And I think it’s a **good change**.  

(2. 최근 옷을 사러 간 경험)

I usually **buy my clothes online** because it’s **cheaper** and there are more options compared to buying in-store. But when it comes to things like **pants or hats** that I need to try on, I prefer going to a **store**. The most recent thing I bought was a **hoodie**. Since hoodies are pretty much the same, I just **checked reviews** and **compared prices** online before buying it. I was really happy with the **quality and size**, and most of all, I was excited that I got it for **less than half the price** compared to buying it in-store. But recently, I made a **mistake with an online order** and got the **wrong size**, so I couldn’t wear it. I had already washed it, so I couldn’t return or exchange it. Shopping online definitely has a lot of **advantages**, but the downside is that the **size or color might not be what you expected**. The best option? **Stores with big sales!**  

(3. 과거와 현재의 패션 비교)

**Korean clothing styles** have changed a great deal over the past **century** or so. In fact, what the average Korean wears nowadays looks **nothing like what people wore a hundred years ago**. In the past, everyone wore what we now consider to be **traditional clothing**. For women, the most common outfit was a **full-length baggy skirt covered by a blouse and a jacket**. Men wore something similar, but with **loose pants** instead. These garments were worn by almost everyone, although the **wealthy** could afford **luxurious materials** such as silk, while regular people used **plainer and more durable fabrics** like cotton. These days, though, there are far more **options** for people to choose from. It’s possible to buy an item of clothing in pretty much **any color, fabric, length, or style**. So people these days are able to **express themselves through their personal styles**. Koreans have embraced this wholeheartedly, with **new fashion trends popping up each year**.  

<전화통화>  

(1. 전화통화를 하는 장소 및 습관)

I’m not really into phone calls—I usually just **text**. I only call **older people, really close friends, or when it’s something urgent**. Most of the time, I only call friends to make **plans or check on them if they don’t show up to class**. These calls usually last **less than a minute**. But when I do have long phone calls, it’s either with my **boyfriend or a close friend** when there’s something to talk about. Like, if a **friend breaks up with their boyfriend**, we’ll be on the phone for hours.  

When I’m in a relationship, I call my **boyfriend all the time**—sometimes **multiple times a day**. We pretty much spend most of our time on the phone, just **sharing little things about our day**. I know I’ll probably have to make **more calls when I start working**, but for now, phone calls aren’t that big of a deal for me. These days, most people prefer **texting**, and I’ve gotten used to that. But I think that just **speaking on the phone** is a much better way to **communicate**.  

(2. 친구와 통화하는 경향)

When I have a **boyfriend**, never a day we don’t **talk on the phone**. We always **share little things about our day**. Since I’m a **college student**, I call him whenever I have **free time**—talking about how **class went, what we ate, or what we did with friends**. I especially spend a lot of time on the phone at **night in my dorm**. Since I have a **single room**, I can **talk comfortably**. Plus, we prefer **talking at night** because we can have **long conversations**. Sometimes we will talk for **two or three hours straight**. We usually talk about **our day or make plans for the weekend**. Sometimes, we even **play games together** while on the phone. I love these calls because they help me **deal with stress** and make me feel **closer to him**.  

(3. 전화통화 중 겪은 경험)

One phone call I’ll never forget was the **first one I made after getting my own phone**. Back then, I hadn’t memorized my number yet. But as soon as my friends and family heard that I got a phone, they all started asking me for my number. One day, my **uncle asked me for it**. I hadn’t fully memorized it yet, but since I had already **given it to my friends without any problems**, I felt pretty confident. So, without checking, I **told him my number**. I was so sure I got it right. But when he tried calling me, **someone else kept picking up**. For **30 minutes**, he kept calling, and I kept **insisting the number was right**—until I finally realized I had switched **two digits**.  

I felt so bad. My uncle had been **calling a random stranger** over and over for half an hour! It was such an **embarrassing moment**, but definitely one I’ll **never forget**.  

<호텔>

(1. 우리나라의 호텔)

Many **Western-style hotels** can be found in Korea. However, there are also **guesthouses built in traditional Korean style**. These are usually located a few minutes away from **places of historical or cultural significance**, such as the **royal palaces in Seoul**. These **guesthouses** are a good option for **foreign tourists** who want to experience **Korean culture firsthand**, but many **Koreans** also like to stay at these guesthouses. The thing that sets this type of accommodation apart from others is that it is **built and furnished in the traditional style**. Traditional Korean guesthouses have **sliding doors, mats on the floor to sleep on, and an under-the-floor heating system called ondol**. The rooms stay **cozy and comfortable**, even in the winter. I’ve stayed at one of these guesthouses in Seoul a couple of times. **In my opinion**, this is an **excellent place to escape from the daily grind**.  

(2. 호텔에서 하는 일)

Of course, the first thing I do is **check into my room**. And then I get my **key** and go up to my room. And when I get to my room, I always **check the room’s cleanliness, size, and layout**. I also **take a look at all the amenities they provide**. If we arrive early, we just **drop off our luggage and head out to start exploring**. But if we get there in the evening, we **unpack a little** and then **go to a nearby convenience store or supermarket to buy snacks and food**.  

For me, **taking a shower at night and eating local snacks** in the hotel is one of the **best parts of the trip**. My family doesn’t really **spend much time in the hotel**—we mostly just **sleep there**. We’re out and about for **most of the day**!  

(3. 기억에 남는/최근 호텔 투숙 경험)

The last time I stayed at a hotel was **during winter break**. I went on a **trip to Tokyo with my mom**. Since my family usually just uses **hotels for sleeping**, we don’t really **pay much attention to them**.  

But this was my **first trip with my mom**, and we wanted a **relaxing experience**. So we **looked for a nice place with a great breakfast**. The floors, the bath, and the bathroom all had a **traditional Japanese feel**, which made the stay even more special. The most memorable part was the **bath**. The snacks they provided after bathing changed depending on the **time of day**, which was really nice. In the morning, they had **yogurt**, and in the afternoon, they served **ice cream**. I loved that there were **different flavors** to choose from.  

They also had **morning and evening snacks** at the hotel restaurant, and the **soy sauce ramen** I had for dinner was especially good. The trip was **unforgettable** because the hotel we stayed at was **so much better than we had thought it would be**. I learned that something doesn’t have to **cost an arm and a leg to be great**.  

<기술>

(1. 우리나라에서 인기있는 기술)

In Korea, **smartphones can be seen everywhere you look**. In fact, it’s close to impossible to find anyone who doesn’t **use a smartphone**. Smartphones have become a **necessity in most people’s daily lives**. They are used for just about everything in Korea.  

In addition to **calling, texting, and browsing social media**, people use them to **do their banking, play games, watch TV, and shop**. They have **high-quality cameras and video recorders**, too. They also act as **wallets, GPS devices, and more**. One of the reasons it’s possible to do so many things on a smartphone is because **exceptionally fast Internet and free Wi-Fi are available almost everywhere**.  

I like smartphones because they **make life so much easier**. And as each year passes, the **new models can do more and more**. I use my smartphone for almost everything, and I don’t think I could **live without it**.  

(2. 과거와 현재의 기술 비교)

The **devices we have now** are **superior** to their equivalents in the past. Take **phones**, for instance. **My parents** only got their **cell phones** when they became adults. In the beginning, the phones weren’t that great. It’s hard to imagine, but back then, you **couldn’t even touch the screen**. Plus, **laptops were few and far between** at that time. They were much **less portable than they are now** and much **pricier compared to desktops**.  

Since then, **computers have become faster, smaller, and more powerful**. Additionally, as **laptops have dropped in cost**, they are now more **common than desktops**. Furthermore, **handheld tablet computers** have become mainstream. These feature **built-in touch screens** and, while they aren’t as powerful as desktops or laptops, they offer **the ultimate in portability and convenience**.  

(3. 요즘 자주 사용하는 기술)

One of the **most used technologies these days** is **ChatGPT**. It **answers any question you ask**. The more **specific** you get, the better the **responses** get. This tool is especially helpful in many areas, like **helping with studying, coming up with creative ideas, or even just having casual conversations**. Over time, it’s getting **smarter and better at offering personalized help**. But it has its downsides too.  

**ChatGPT isn’t perfect** and sometimes gives **wrong or inaccurate answers**. It also has **limitations when it comes to understanding emotions** or **making flexible judgments** based on different situations. In conclusion, while **ChatGPT is a really useful tool**, it’s important to **use it with caution**. Technology will keep improving, but we shouldn’t forget that **human judgment and emotions** still play a **big role**.  

(4. 기술을 가르쳐 준 사람)

When I **try out new technology**, I usually **check the manual** or **look up videos on YouTube**. The most recent thing I learned how to use was my **Wi-Fi router**. Since I **live alone in the dorm**, I have to **set up the Wi-Fi myself**, and if it breaks, I’m the one who has to fix it.  

At first, I **followed the manual** and successfully **set it up**, but after a while, it **broke**. So, I looked up **how to fix it on YouTube**. There are so many videos, so I could easily find the one I needed. **Learning from videos** makes it so much easier to understand.  

I usually **solve most problems this way**. But one time, I just couldn’t fix the issue. So, I went to the **dorm teacher for help**. With their help, I was able to get the **Wi-Fi working again**. While it’s important to **try and solve problems on your own**, it’s also really helpful to **ask for help** when you need it. And I’m really **grateful** that there are **people around me who can offer that support**.  

(5. 기술과 관련되어 생긴 문제)

Most schools these days offer **Wi-Fi**. Inside the school or buildings, you can usually use **Wi-Fi for free**. Most of the time, it’s **fast and convenient**. But since there are so many students, the **Wi-Fi often cuts out or gets slow**.  

One time, during class, I was using my **laptop**, and the **Wi-Fi suddenly disconnected**. I had to use my **phone as a hotspot** to finish my work. Then, during break, I went to the **library** to reconnect to **Wi-Fi**. Last summer, when it **rained a lot**, the **power lines were damaged**, and I couldn’t use **Wi-Fi for two days**.  

It’s great that the school offers **free Wi-Fi**, but the **constant disconnections and slow speeds** can be really **frustrating**.  

<건강: 병원>

(1. 건강을 유지하기 위한 나의 활동)

I never really put much effort into staying healthy. The most I did was go for walks or try to walk instead of taking transportation. But recently, I started to realize how important health is, so I’ve been paying more attention to what I eat and trying to exercise. In the morning, I usually eat something light, like an apple or some milk, or sometimes I skip breakfast altogether. For dinner, I try not to eat at all. At lunch, I eat whatever I want, but I avoid fried food and sugary snacks. I especially try to stay away from sugary drinks. I also make sure to exercise in the evening, even if it’s just for a minute. It’s only been a month since I started this routine, but I gained a lot of weight recently, so I’m really trying to lose some. Even after I reach my goal, I plan to keep managing my diet and exercising regularly to stay healthy.  

(2. 건강한 사람)

The healthiest person I know is my mom. She starts her day by drinking a glass of water and doing some housework. After getting ready for the day, she walks to her exercise class. When she gets home, she takes a shower, has lunch, and gets ready for work. Since she teaches kids at home, she cleans up and prepares for her classes. After teaching, she tidies up the house and makes dinner. In the evening, she either goes for a walk or studies. Then, she ends the day by watching TV and relaxing. Her days are always super busy. Not only is she physically healthy, but she’s also really strong mentally. Even when things don’t go well, she stays positive and encourages others. I really love that about her. I hope she continues to live with the same energy and positivity in the future.  

(3. 건강에 이상이 생겨 겪은 문제)

I’ve had bad headaches since I was a kid. Sometimes, they were so bad that they woke me up in the middle of the night. There were weeks when I had to take more than ten painkillers. I went to a big hospital, did all kinds of tests, and talked to doctors, but they couldn’t figure out the cause. The only advice they gave me was to manage my stress. Over time, the medicine stopped working as well, so I decided to focus on stress management. I started trying different hobbies—knitting, coloring, and reading books. Eventually, I found something I truly enjoyed: reading romance novels. After a busy day, lying in bed and reading a romance novel became my little escape. It was the one thing that made me happy and really helped me relieve stress. Even now, my headaches haven’t completely gone away, but I’m trying to live in a way that makes me happy and stay positive.  

(1. 우리나라의 병원)

Hospitals in Korea are pretty quick, and the cost isn’t too high, thanks to health insurance. You can usually get an appointment on the same day or the next, even at bigger hospitals, and emergency rooms are open 24/7, so you can get treatment in urgent situations. With health insurance, basic treatments and check-ups are cheaper compared to other countries, so most people can afford to go to the doctor without much trouble. However, some popular hospitals or certain departments (like dermatology or orthopedics) can have long waiting times, especially for appointments. Also, if you’re going for non-covered services or want higher-end treatments, it can be a bit more expensive. But overall, hospitals in Korea are fast, convenient, and trustworthy, with good medical standards.  

(2. 치과를 처음 간 경험)

I’ve been going to the dentist since I was little, so I don’t remember much. But I do remember one experience that really stuck with me. When I was about six, I was running around at home and tripped, cutting the roof of my mouth. It was pretty bad, so I had to go to a big hospital. But by then, most hospitals were closing, and there was only one on-call dentist at the university hospital. Luckily, my aunt was a nurse at the hospital. As soon as she heard what happened, she rushed over and assisted the doctor while they stitched up my mouth. I still remember my mom and the doctor telling me to just close my eyes and open my mouth for a quick check. When I opened my eyes, everything was already done. I didn’t feel any pain at all, which was so surprising! Even now, I’m really grateful for my mom and aunt, who took care of me that night.  

(3. 과거와 현재 병원 비교)

I have visited doctors' offices off and on for over 20 years. Medical clinics today differ from those of my childhood in several ways. Let’s start with the equipment. When I first began visiting the doctor, there were very few electronic devices being used. Nurses used to take patients' blood pressure using some manually operated tool. Also, doctors wrote prescriptions by hand. Another difference is that everything took forever back then. Sometimes you had to wait for weeks until your medical checkup results came back. These days, taking one's blood pressure has become a simple matter of putting one's arm through a machine and reading the result on the screen. Also, prescriptions are printed out. On top of this, after taking a medical exam, a patient will most likely be able to get a detailed result in just a few days. To sum it up, I believe that clinics today are much better than those of the past.  

(최근에 간 병원/인상 깊은 병원)

Recently, I went to a clinic because I woke up with a sore throat and a stuffy nose. It was January 1st, so many clinics were closed for the holiday, and with the flu and COVID going around, the hospital was packed. A lot of people were diagnosed with the flu and COVID, but luckily, I just had a regular cold. Even though it was a rush visit and my first time at this clinic, the doctor was really thorough—asking a lot of questions and checking me carefully. I was really impressed. After the appointment, I said “Happy New Year” to the doctor, and the doctor replied, “Happy New Year, and take care of your health.” It’s not often that I leave a hospital feeling good, but this experience was really positive. It reminded me that even small words can make someone’s day better.  

<재활용>*

(1. 우리나라의 재활용)

When it comes to recycling, I think our country’s system is very effective. Regular garbage is only picked up if it’s in special bags, which you must purchase from the store. This costs money, but most recyclable materials are picked up free of charge. This encourages everyone to recycle. People must recycle most items made of paper, metal, and plastic. However, certain things, like fluorescent bulbs and empty paint containers, cannot be recycled. In addition, recyclable items are picked up on specific days, depending on where you live. To give you an idea of how strict this rule is, people who put their recycling out on the wrong day can be fined. So it is important to keep track of the schedule. The one thing I don’t like about my country’s recycling system is that it’s no picnic to recycle large items like furniture or appliances. People must travel to the local government office and pay a fee. They are then given a sticker that must be attached to the item before it is put out for pickup. Obviously, this is a hassle.  

(2. 집에서 하는 재활용 과정)

Actually, I live in a dorm at a medical university, so all the trash is disposed of as medical waste. Because of that, we don’t really do recycling. But when I was a freshman at Mirae campus, I ordered delivery food a lot. Recycling was pretty tricky in that case, especially when it came to trash with sauces on it, like from tteokbokki. Plastic containers have to be rinsed off, but spicy sauces are hard to clean off. Anyway, since there’s no big trash bin in my room, I had to separate the trash as it came up. It’s a bit of a hassle, but I think it’s something necessary for the environment.  

(3. 재활용 하며 기억에 남는 경험)

The most memorable recycling experience I had was last month. My family had to be away for a long holiday, and I was worried about my cat being alone. So, my mom and I prepared a lot of toys and snacks for him. I searched online and tried making a toy out of a toilet paper roll. But after my cat rolled it around a few times, it fell apart quickly. Then, I found a flat, long cardboard box at home. I poked holes in it and filled it with toys and snacks. My cat really loved it, and before we left for the holiday, I set up the toys all around the house. When we came back after the holiday, I saw that my cat had eaten all the snacks and was doing well. I felt really proud that my cat enjoyed the toy I made.