about us
tokkitalk
At TokkiTalk, we create spaces designed to connect Minnesotans with Korean language and culture. Tokki means “rabbit” in Korean, which many consider the Korean peninsula to be shaped like! The goal of our classes and events is to spark more “tokkitalk”: practice of the Korean language and conversation about Korean culture. Whether you are looking to connect with your roots, understand your favorite shows and music better, or learn about a new culture, TokkiTalk is here for you!
tokkiteam
“As a Korean living in the Midwest, I know how difficult it can be to access Korean language and culture, which is why I wanted to start TokkiTalk. Korean culture has so much wisdom, joy, and beauty to offer—not just to Korean people, but to everyone.”
Soo Kyung Hwang
Co-Founder
Claire Kim
토끼 쌤 “Rabbit Teacher”
Lead Instructor
안녕하세요! Annyeonghaseyo! My name is Claire Kim, and I have been teaching Korean for five years. I am a third-generation Korean American, which means that my grandparents were the first generation to immigrate to the United States. Growing up, I lived with my grandparents but could not communicate with them due to the language barrier. This is what motivated me to study Korean in college. As soon as I took my first class, I fell in love! Learning the language awakened in me a desire to connect with my roots and learn more about my heritage, spurring me on to get my BA in Asian Languages and Literatures. Since starting my Korean language journey eleven years ago, I have studied Korean at Korea University, taught at the Korean Institute of Minnesota, lived and worked in South Korea for two years, and achieved TOPIK Level 6, the highest level of proficiency. The excitement I felt when I learned Korean for the first time has never diminished, and I continue to learn new things about the language every day. This excitement is the reason I began teaching—in order to spread the joy of learning Korean. As someone who did not grow up speaking the language, I know what it’s like to start from scratch, and I am happy to share lessons from my language-learning journey, from overcoming imposter syndrome to developing effective study strategies. That’s why I emphasize both confidence and competence-building in all my courses. Looking forward to seeing you in class!
Soo Kyung Hwang
별빛토끼 “Starlight Rabbit”
Lead Curator
환영합니다! Hwanyeonghamnida! Welcome! My name is Soo Kyung Hwang. I am a Korean Adoptee who grew up in Minnesota in a German-British home. In college, I began exploring my cultural identity more deeply through studying Korean history, language, and sociology. These studies gave me a bigger perspective—helping me see how my personal experience connected to the larger story of Korean history. I realized that I was not a lone star, but part of the vast constellation of the Korean diaspora. This both deepened my sense of belonging and strengthened my individual identity, making me who I am today. As a Korean living in the Midwest, I know how difficult it can be to access Korean language and culture, which is why I wanted to start tokkitalk. Korean culture has so much wisdom, joy, and beauty to offer—not just to Korean people, but to everyone. I am excited to share what I have learned with you and look forward to learning more together!