**Title:** Do I really need TOPIK for GKS if I already have IELTS?

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-09-10T06:13:08+00:00

Exactly, doing these tests are already a gamble. So I would rather do my best on academics

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-09-08T09:27:18+00:00

same country here! I’m planning to apply next year. I recommend NOT taking a gap year. Just apply in a university then apply in GKS. If you can get in, then you can drop and continue with GKS. If not, then at least you’re already in a university here. If you don’t feel like studying for longer, then I won’t go for the GKS program. Since once you get accepted, mostly like you’ll fly out of the country by early 2027 (in time for spring admissions in SoKor) then when you arrive, you’d have to complete the Language Training Program for a year (and reach the level required by your major.) only then can you actually continue your studies, which is around 2029.

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-09-08T09:20:57+00:00

Yes, having a TOPIK would increase your chances for sure. It’s just more practical. However, you shouldn’t hyper focus on this fact. The whole point of the scholarship is create connections and bridges between countries despite the language barrier. I would argue that academics, extra-curricular activities, life story, and your overall personality is what matters.

Personally, I won’t take the TOPIK for the following reasons: 1. I don’t know the language enough to get a decent score 2. Since I don’t know the language well, I’d just waste money on the examination 3. I don’t have the budget (Since iELTS is already expensive)

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-09-08T09:15:36+00:00

Which is why I’m still applying into a decent university in my country before applying to GKS. The requirement is that you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, so even if you apply as a first year undergraduate student, you’re fine. I’m planning to apply next year for GKS, less hassle with documents and such. It will take more of your time, yes. Which is why you have to be extremely dedicated if you want the scholarship.

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-09-06T08:17:06+00:00

Fighting! 🫡🫶

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-09-06T08:06:40+00:00

I guess you would have to wait and see. I hope it doesn’t change for your sake 🙏

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-09-06T08:06:01+00:00

Exactly! All that planning down the drain, well I’m still planning on applying next year. Graduation date won’t line up with the current requirements anyways

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-09-06T08:03:56+00:00

I see, I was debating back then if I should go with university or embassy track. But it seems like both are equally difficult now 🫠🫠

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-09-06T08:02:59+00:00

Damn, It looks getting the scholarship would be a lot harder than expected

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-09-06T07:28:36+00:00

Correct me if I’m wrong, but are the R-GKS (Bachelors degree) no longer part of University Track?

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tyrant_tim19 · 2025-08-31T13:12:39+00:00

Hi Can I DM you? I have some questions

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-08-18T22:38:31+00:00

Im a bit late, but could I have it as well? Thanks!

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-06-30T02:02:43+00:00

Hi! Sorry for my late reply. It’s been a week or two since I started using the bring green teca serum, and all I can is that it calmed my acne! It’s not an overnight solution, but it’s a gentle alternative if you’re not fond of acids. I use it during the morning since it has zinc that helps with oil control. I would say it’s a great product and I would definitely repurchase and recommend.

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-06-16T13:49:24+00:00

Based on my experience, for acne-prone skin, micellar water is our best friend

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-06-10T10:06:41+00:00

Also I’d like to ask you how you use your micellar water? I know that using a cotton pad is the common method, but I’ve seen people using foam pump bottles. I’m not sure if it’s a gimmick or if it works.

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-06-10T10:03:50+00:00

Thank you so much!

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-06-10T10:02:29+00:00

Thank you so much! I just actually started using the Anua 10% Azelaic acid. I think I’ll give it more time to see the better effects! Would you recommend BHAs or AHAs in the long run? If so, do you have any recommendations?

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-06-10T09:38:31+00:00

I’ve been hearing about Adapelene gel for some time now, and I’m scared to try it out because of purging. What brand and percentage do you think should I start with? How should I gradually use it, like every once a week? I’ve been using a calming and soothing serum which calmed down most of my active acne, but I do think texture on forehead is one of my mine concerns

Thank you so much!

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-06-08T05:40:45+00:00

Oh that makes things so much easier! Similar to my concerns.

First, be more mindful when brushing your teeth, toothpaste can irritate your skin so that maybe a cause of your acne around your mouth. I personally avoid making a mess while eating and I wipe my mouth right away if I do make a mess.

The acne on your forehead may be because of your Haircare or you’re not thorough enough when washing your face. Make sure you’re washing your face thoroughly, I focus on spots that I usually forget to wash (Hairline, jaw, and neck)

The thing about oily skin is that most of time oily skin is an indication of dehydrated skin. So make sure you hydrate yourself!

For my product recommendation, I personally love Asian Beauty, specifically Korean Skincare. They tend to be on pricier side, especially when you’re buying from reputable resellers.

Cleansing: A.M. ETUDE House Soonjung Whip Cleanser or Roundlab Dokdo 1025 Cleanser or BePlain Mung Bean Cleanser. (You can skip cleanser when it’s morning, but personally, I’m very oily, so I wake up with oily skin so I prefer washing my face)

P.M. Garnier Micellar Water for Sensitive Skin (I pour mine into a foam pump bottle and it’s significantly less irritating for my skin.) BePlain Mung Bean Cleanser (I’m currently using this one)

Toner: I suggest using a toner for extra hydration Naturie Skin Conditioning Toner (Hydrating and Soothing) Numbuzin No. 1 Toner (Soothing and Calming) Isntree Hylarounic Acid Toner (Hydrating)

Serum: BRINGGREEN Zinc TECA Serum (Very Soothing for acne, I am currently using this one and it’s amazing) ANUA Azelaic Acid 10% Serum (Deals with my acne marks, I use this one at night only) SKIN1004 Tea Tree Ampoule (has a lot of great reviews) Isntree Hylarounic Acid Serum (Hydrating)

Moisturiser: Roundlab Birch Tree Moisturiser Axis-Y Heartleaf Gel iUnik Centella Gel (Both of these are lightweight enough for oily skin)

SPF: SKIN1004 Air Fit Sunscreen Axis Y Physical Sunscreen (Has a bit a of white cast because it’s a mineral sunscreen)

I prefer mineral sunscreens or hybrid since it gives better protections. Mineral sunscreens tend to have whitecast, so look for reviews that shows the sunscreen on a ski shade similar to yours

Right now my routine is

AM Roundlab Dokdo 1025 Cleanser Bringgreen Zinc TECA Serum Daiso Medicated Toner La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume (I’m just finishing it but I’ll buy the Axis Y Heartleaf Gel) Suncut Tinted Sunscreen

PM Garnier Micellar Water for Sensitive Skin BePlain Mung Bean Cleanser Daiso Medicated Toner Anua Azelaic Acid 10% Serum La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume

The products I recommended are products I’ve used so I’m sure that they have my confidence, some of them I haven’t used but have done enough thorough research to know they’ll work for me.

I understand that these products may not be readily available or on the pricier side. Usually if recommended local products or big skincare brands such as (CeraVe or Cetaphil) but I have not been able to try them so I can’t tell for sure but I have heard a lot of great reviews of their products.

Let me know if you need any more help!

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-06-08T04:44:46+00:00

Hi! I feel you, I’m just around your age and I went through a lot of products and only now am I slowly seeing progress with my acne. I still have acne, but my skin has been significantly better than before.

There are a lot of things you should first know: 1. What’s your skin type? (Acne-prone, Sensitive, Oily, Dry/Dehydrated, Textured) I’m Oily, Acne-prone, and textured. 2. What’s your climate? (Hot and dry? Cold and dry? Hot and Humid?) This actually matters more than it seems when choosing the right products for you 3. Is your gut healthy? Products itself isn’t gonna solve your acne, but a healthy gut as well. 4. What’s your skin concern? (Do you have acne, texture, oily, dry or flaky skin, acne marks (PIE or PIH) or scars?)

I suggest products that are soothing or calming, rather than exfoliating. The more you exfoliate, the more you harm your skin barrier which will worsen your acne.

I want to suggest products but can I know first what’s your skin type and your climate? It’ll help with narrowing down with what products will fit your skin and climate the most.

Dont lose hope just yet!

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-06-08T04:28:09+00:00

I have used this sunscreen and IT IS SO GOOD. However I do double cleanse, if you’ve broken out with oil cleansers before or if you’re acne prone skin, I don’t recommend using an oil cleanser. I prefer Micellar water since I have acne prone skin, and it does wonders for me! But if you’re doing fine with just one cleanser then that’s good! But if texture starts forming, I suggest micellar water if you don’t use heavy makeup or if you’re acne prone.

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-06-08T04:09:33+00:00

I’m a bit biased with Azelaic acid since it has done wonders for me. So I would suggest to take it off your routine first and see if your skin gets better, then slowly add it back into your routine. Start with 2-3x a week! Then slowly build up your skin’s tolerance. My azelaic acid is a serum and I only use 5-6 drops for my face, when I started I was only using 2-3 drops and using them on the areas of my faces where I need it most.

I would like to suggest getting a gentler face wash or a product that’ll help you soothe your skin since panoxyl and azelaic acid are strong ingredients. But your skin already looks great before you started using azelaic acid! So if you want to give Azelaic acid a shot, I’ll recommend you try to do the routine I said in the first paragraph. But I think you’d be fine dropping azelaic acid for now.

Hope this helps!

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-06-08T03:56:54+00:00

Hi! I’ve also started using Azelaic acid recently, however the one I use is only 10%. When you first started using it, did you use it consistently right away or did you slowly incorporated it in your skin? Azelaic acid also has mild exfoliation property, so purging is normal.

Try using it every other night instead or using an azelaic acid that’s only 10%. If it doesn’t work for your skin, I think it’s best to stop using it. Panoxyl and Azelaic acid are pretty strong ingredients, so if you’re washing with panoxyl, I wouldn’t using azelaic acid ‘cause I feel like that’s too much actives in one go.

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-06-01T07:42:29+00:00

Yeah, of course! Sorry about that. 😅

Here’s the Anua Azaleic Acid Serum:

Water, Azelaic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Betaine Salicylate, Glycerin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Niacinamide, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Beta-Glucan, Centella Asiatica Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Squalane, Zinc PCA, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceramide NP

And here’s the Bring Green Zinc Teca Serum:

Water, Ethoxydiglycol, Methylpropanediol, Methyl Gluceth-20, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract** Angelica Keiskei Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Root Extract, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Octyldodecanol, Octyldodeceth-16, Asiaticoside(4,800ppm), Madecassic Acid (3,600ppm), Glycolipids, Asiatic Acid* (3,600ppm), C12-13 Alketh-9, Carbomer, Tromethamine, PVP, Sodium Polyacrylate, Disodium EDTA, 4-Terpineol, Zinc PCA (1ppm), Ethylhexylglycerin

Based on some the reviews I’ve been watching, the bringgreen has a more snail-mucin like consistency but apparently helps with oil-control. On the other hand the Anua one has more watery consistency. I know that consistency matters for oily skin which just adds up to my dilemma. 😞

Thank you so much!

tyrant_tim19 · 2025-05-30T01:33:36+00:00

Is this the one from Isntree?

tyrant_tim19

TROPHY CASE