We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joyce Kim. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joyce below.
Joyce, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
The story behind K-talk’s mission is rooted in a vision to make Korean language and culture accessible, enjoyable, and relevant for everyone. As the world embraced Korean culture, from K-pop to K-dramas, we recognized a gap—there was no dedicated, modern space where people could truly immerse themselves in learning the language and understanding the culture behind it.
Our mission is to create a welcoming environment that is both vibrant and innovative, designed to inspire students of all ages to embrace learning. At K-talk, we believe that language is best learned not only through structured lessons but through conversation, culture, and shared experiences. That’s why we set out to create a modern space where students can come to enjoy and engage with the language in a fresh, dynamic way—where classes go beyond textbooks to include cultural experiences, interactive activities, and a community-driven atmosphere.
From toddlers exploring their first Korean words to adults delving into their heritage, K-talk is dedicated to providing each student with a space that feels welcoming, supportive, and connected. Our goal is not only to teach language but also to create a place where people can experience the essence of Korean culture, honor their roots, and connect with others in a fun, modern environment.
Ultimately, our mission is about more than learning a language; it’s about creating a place where people can discover new perspectives, honor their roots, and connect with others on a journey of language and culture.
Joyce, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Starting K-talk was a journey born out of passion, vision, and a genuine desire to connect people with Korean language and culture. As someone deeply connected to Korean heritage, I wanted my children to grow up with the language, yet I noticed there weren’t many dedicated resources or spaces where they—and others—could learn in an engaging, community-focused way. So, I decided to create one myself: a place where people of all ages and backgrounds could come together to learn Korean in a supportive, immersive environment.
At K-talk, we offer in-person classes for everyone, from toddlers just beginning to speak, to adults exploring the language for the first time. Our programs are designed to be inclusive, welcoming Korean-Americans, biracial Korean students, and anyone with a love for Korean culture—whether that passion stems from K-pop, K-dramas, or an interest in the language and traditions.
Our services are rooted in creating a unique learning experience. Our classrooms are lively, modern spaces where students don’t just learn vocabulary and grammar but also explore the richness of Korean culture through activities, conversations, and community events. Each class is tailored to age and proficiency level, ensuring that every student, young or old, feels encouraged, challenged, and supported.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
K-talk’s Instagram growth was a journey of experimentation and learning what truly resonated with our audience. We started by trying out different types of posts, from straightforward promotions to cultural insights, and through this process, we discovered that authenticity was key. Rather than focusing heavily on “selling” our classes, we found that sharing honest glimpses into what K-talk is all about—the community, the joyful learning moments, and the cultural connections—attracted the most engagement and brought us closer to our followers.
When we shifted to just being ourselves, the response was clear. Followers connected with posts that showcased real experiences from our classrooms, where we highlighted our students’ progress, shared fun facts about Korean culture, and offered helpful tips for learning Korean. By celebrating our students’ achievements and showcasing the friendly, inclusive community we’ve built, our page started to feel like an extension of the K-talk experience itself.
Early on, we invested in hiring someone to market K-talk, even though it stretched our budget. However, we found that this person needed a deeper understanding of who we were, and ultimately, they weren’t able to connect effectively with our audience.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Authenticity and Passion: From the start, I’ve been driven by a genuine passion for sharing Korean language and culture. This enthusiasm shines through in my interactions with students, parents, and the community. I like to be visible in all the classes and connect with students on their progress.
Dedication to Quality Education: Providing high-quality, engaging, and well-structured lessons has been at the heart of my work. By hiring experienced instructors, developing a thoughtful curriculum, and offering a wide range of classes for all ages, I’m able to consistently deliver value to my students.
Creating a Welcoming Community: I’ve worked to make K-talk an inclusive, welcoming space for learners of all backgrounds—whether they’re Korean-Americans, K-pop and K-drama fans, or anyone curious about the language. By making everyone feel at home, I’ve fostered a community where people want to return and recommend others. We make it fun and different, at the end of the semester we celebrate by cooking Korean food.
Consistency in Communication: I’m committed to regularly sharing cultural insights, learning tips, and resources—whether through social media, emails, or one-on-one interactions. This consistency has helped position me as a reliable resource for Korean language education, strengthening my credibility and trustworthiness.
Word-of-Mouth and Positive Reviews: By focusing on delivering meaningful learning experiences, I’ve earned positive feedback from students and parents. Their recommendations and referrals have been invaluable in helping build my reputation. At the end of the semester, I send a feedback questionnaire and links to leave reviews.
Adaptability and Growth: I’m always willing to adapt and learn, refining my approach as I understand more about what resonates with my audience. This flexibility has helped me stay relevant and responsive to the needs of my students.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.k-talknyc.com
- Instagram: ktalknyc
