Book excerpt: Topics in Korean Language and Culture: Volume One covers 12 essential topics relating to both traditional and contemporary Korean culture and society. Each chapter consists of listening and reading passages, key expressions and grammar, and performance-based activities unfolding across different modes of oral and written communication. The grammar section is organized into foundation review, semantic distinction, and language function to help learners advance beyond the plateau of intermediate proficiency. All passages are carefully written to resemble authentic texts used by Korean native speakers and to include various text types and speech styles that learners will encounter in real life. The first volume specifically targets students in their third year of learning Korean. It is designed to accommodate a wide range of courses and curricula existing for Korean programs today. It is intended for a yearlong language sequence as well as an intensive topic course in speaking, reading, or writing.