Elizabeth Yu

Welcome to Happy K-Talk!

Born and raised in the heart of Seoul, Korea, my journey has taken me through some of America’s most vibrant cities—from Honolulu, Seattle, and New York City to right here in the beautiful Los Angeles and Orange County area.

My Experience

I am a passionate Korean language educator with seven years of professional teaching experience and a Bachelor of Science from CUNY. My journey includes leading dynamic group classes for the Columbia Business School after-school program, teaching 9th grader at a prestigious private high school in Manhattan's Upper West Side, and mentoring numerous university students.

My teaching adventure also took me to Honolulu, where I founded mahaloclasses.com. For over two years now, I’ve had the absolute joy of connecting with learners of all generations—from enthusiastic young children to dedicated seniors—earning wonderful reviews and deep trust from my community. No matter your age or current level, I am here to provide tailored, student-centered lessons that make learning Korean engaging, effective, and deeply rewarding.

My Unique Approach: Systematic & Logical

Most recently, I taught Mathematics and Coding at a private high school in Honolulu. This unique background allows me to bring a highly logical and systematic framework to my Korean lessons. I break down the language in a way that makes complex grammar structures incredibly easy and clear to understand.

Go beyond robotic vocabulary lists—I emphasize authentic, everyday Korean used in real-life situations. Because language and culture are inseparable, every lesson is enriched with true cultural context, ensuring you don't just memorize words, but truly understand the heart of Korean communication.

Beyond the Classroom

When I’m not teaching, you can find me hiking the scenic trails of Southern California, traveling, exploring K-pop, or catching up on the latest K-dramas to stay inspired.

Deeply rooted in Korean history, I hold a profound admiration for King Sejong the Great (세종대왕) for his brilliant invention of Hangeul (한글) and his devotion to sharing education with all. My ultimate mission at Happy K-Talk is to help you find genuine joy in learning Korean, empowering you to experience our rich culture and that uniquely warm Korean connection we call 'Jeong(정)' for yourself.

Are you ready to start your Korean journey with me? Let’s talk!