Here is a blog post designed for Advanced (C2) learners, blending high-level humanities vocabulary with current Korean cultural trends.

Beyond MBTI: Exploring Self through Augustine’s ‘Confessions’

Introduction

Hello! Welcome back to [Maeil Hangeul], your partner in mastering advanced Korean.

Today, we are stepping away from everyday conversation and diving into the realm of humanities (인문학). Specifically, we will look at Medieval Philosophy through the lens of Augustine’s ‘Confessions’ (고백록).

You might wonder, “Why philosophy?” Well, recently in Korea, there has been a massive “Humanities Boom” (인문학 열풍). Amidst the popularity of MBTI tests and personality analysis, many Koreans are looking deeper, turning to classic literature and philosophy to find the true meaning of “self.”

Being able to discuss these abstract concepts is a hallmark of C2-level proficiency. Let’s upgrade your Korean to an intellectual level where you can discuss the soul, truth, and introspection!

Key Expressions (Core Vocabulary for Humanities)

Here are 3 essential expressions to discuss Augustine and the concept of looking inward.

1. 내면으로의 전환 (The turn inward)

• Pronunciation: [Naemyeoneuro-ui jeonhwan]
• English Meaning: The turn inward / Introspection
• Detailed Explanation:
  This is a crucial concept in Augustine’s philosophy. It refers to the process of turning one’s attention from the external material world to the internal soul to find truth (and God).
  • Usage: This is a formal, academic phrase. You would use this in essays, debates, or serious discussions about psychology or philosophy.
  • Example: “진정한 행복은 외부가 아닌 내면으로의 전환을 통해 찾을 수 있다.” (True happiness can be found not externally, but through a turn inward.)

💡 Pronunciation Tip:
Pay attention to the particle ‘의’. While it is written as ‘ui’, in spoken Korean, when it functions as a possessive marker or a connector like this, it is often pronounced as [에 (e)]. However, in formal or emphatic speech (like a lecture), keeping it as [의 (ui)] is also correct.
* Standard: [naemyeoneuro-ui]
* Colloquial/Fast: [naemyeoneuro-e]

2. 진리에 대한 갈망 (Thirst for truth)

• Pronunciation: [Jilli-e daehan galmang]
• English Meaning: A thirst (or craving/longing) for truth
• Detailed Explanation:
  ‘갈망’ (Galmang) is a stronger, more poetic word than simply ‘원함’ (wanting). It implies a desperate, deep desire. Augustine’s life was defined by this restless journey to find the ultimate truth.
  • Usage: Use this when describing a strong passion for knowledge, justice, or spiritual goals.

💡 Pronunciation Tip (Liquidization / 유음화):
Look at the word ‘진리’ (truth). It is written as ‘Jin-ri’, but it is pronounced [Jilli].
* Rule: When the consonant ‘ㄴ’ (n) meets ‘ㄹ’ (l), the ‘ㄴ’ changes into a ‘ㄹ’ sound. This makes the pronunciation flow smoothly like liquid.
* Example: 신라 (Silla) -> [Silla], 관리 (Management) -> [Gwalli].

3. 주체적인 사유 (Independent thinking/reasoning)

• Pronunciation: [Juchejeogin sayu]
• English Meaning: Independent thinking / Subjective reasoning
• Detailed Explanation:
  ‘사유’ (Sayu) is a high-level synonym for ‘thinking’ (생각), often used in philosophical contexts to denote deep reasoning or contemplation. ‘주체적’ means acting as the subject or owner of one’s actions.
  • Usage: Use this to describe someone who thinks for themselves rather than following the crowd. It connects to the modern trend of “living one’s own life.”

💡 Pronunciation Tip:
In ‘주체적인’, the ‘ㅌ’ flows into the following vowel.
* [Juchejeog-in] -> [Juchejeogin].
Also, note that ‘사유’ is pronounced clearly as written. Ensure you don’t confuse it with ‘사유’ (private ownership) – context is key!

Example Dialogue

Here is a conversation between two colleagues at a “Lunchtime Humanities Book Club” (a popular trend in Korean companies these days).

Min-jun: 요즘 서점 베스트셀러 코너에 철학 책이 정말 많더라고요.
(I noticed there are so many philosophy books in the bestseller section these days.)

So-yeon: 맞아요. 다들 사는 게 바쁘다 보니, 오히려 내면으로의 전환이 필요한 것 같아요. MBTI로 성격을 분석하는 것도 좋지만, 더 깊은 답을 원하니까요.
(That’s true. Since everyone is so busy living, it seems we actually need a turn inward. Analyzing personality with MBTI is good, but people want deeper answers.)

Min-jun: 저도 그래서 이번에 아우구스티누스의 ‘고백록’을 읽기 시작했어요. 그 치열한 진리에 대한 갈망이 현대인들에게도 큰 울림을 주는 것 같아요.
(That’s why I started reading Augustine’s ‘Confessions’ recently. His intense thirst for truth seems to resonate deeply with modern people as well.)

So-yeon: 동감해요. 결국 나를 아는 것이 모든 지식의 시작이니까요.
(I agree. After all, knowing oneself is the beginning of all knowledge.)

Culture Tip & Trend Analysis: The “Healing Humanities” Craze

Why are we talking about 4th-century philosophy? Because of the “Humanities Craze” (인문학 열풍) in Korea.

Recently, Korean society has moved beyond just seeking “success” (성공) to seeking “meaning” (의미).
1. Philosophical Essays: Books that interpret difficult philosophy into easy-to-read essays are dominating bestseller lists.
2. Godsaeng (갓생): The trend of living a diligent, “God-like” life isn’t just about waking up early; it includes ‘minds-et management’ (마인드셋 관리).
3. Comparison: While MBTI categorizes people into 16 types, classic texts like Confessions encourage ‘existential reflection’ (실존적 성찰).

Using expressions like “내면의 성찰” (inner reflection) or “인문학적 소양” (humanities literacy) will make you sound like a sophisticated intellectual in Korea!

Conclusion & Practice

Today, we explored the philosophical world of Augustine and how to express deep, abstract concepts in Korean. Being able to discuss these topics proves your Korean is at a truly advanced level.

📝 Mini Quiz:
Fill in the blank with the correct expression we learned today.

“To find true peace in a chaotic world, we sometimes need a time for ____________.”
(혼란스러운 세상에서 진정한 평화를 찾기 위해, 때로는 [__________]의 시간이 필요합니다.)

Answer: 내면으로의 전환 (The turn inward) / or 내면의 성찰 (Inner reflection)

Let’s Chat!
Have you ever read a philosophy book that changed your mindset? Share it in the comments using the expression “~에 대한 갈망” (thirst for ~)!

See you in the next post!