How to Learn Korean | Top Tips and Resources

As the Korean language continues to gain popularity, so is its demand. Recent statistics show that Korean is spoken by over 79 million people globally, making it among the 25 most spoken languages in the world in 2022.

Learning Korean opens you up to immense opportunities, including exploring the rich and enviable Asian culture. Sadly, most people associate learning Korean with being as tricky as other East-Asian languages like Chinese and Japanese. However, the truth holds that Korean is easier to understand since it is not a tonal language.

If you are looking to learn Korean, here are the top valuable tips and resources to make your learning experience remarkable:

Define your Preferred type of Learning Korean

Learning Korean (or any language) is not a one-size-fits-all activity since everyone has something unique they want to achieve. Some seek to improve their Korean speaking skills, while others seek to ace it for a Korean exam.

Depending on your preferred individual learning style, you could pick visual, kinetic, or auditory learning. You can choose more than one. However, if visual learning works for you, use it until you are comfortable, including other forms. Such promotes simplicity and effectiveness in learning Korean.

Master Hangul- the Korean Alphabet

A great starting point for learning Korean is mastering Hangul, the Korean alphabet. English speakers might initially find it strange since it differs from the Roman alphabet. Still, it is simple.

Hangul, or Hangeul, was created in 1443 CE by King Sejong the Great to improve literacy skills. It contains 24 letters which entail 10 vowels and 14 consonants. Including the double consonants and the 16 diphthongs, add it to 40 letters.

Besides, Korean also uses about 3,000 Chinese characters, commonly known as Hanja. These epitomize words of Chinese origin. However, the use of Chinese Hanja is much more limited than Japanese Kanji since it mainly applies to religious texts, newspaper headlines, or academic writing contexts. However, the use of Chinese Hanja is rare in North Korea.

Learn to Count in Korean

Basic counting skills form an essential part of any language learning. When learning to count in Korean, note that Koreans apply the use of 2 different sets of cardinal numbers: Korean form and Sino-Korean form, the latter being Korean words with Chinese influence. The use of each depends on one’s situation.

For instance, native Korean speakers advise using the Korean form when counting numbers of items between 1 and 99, and ages. For example, apply these when saying 2 cups, 8 years old, etc. Here are 1 to 5 in Korean form:

• 1 – 하나 (pronounced hana)
• 2 – 둘 (pronounced dul)
• 3 – 셋 (pronounced set)
• 4 – 넷 (pronounced net)
• 5 – 다섯 (pronounced daseot)

However, Sino-Korean numbers are used when writing dates, phone numbers, addresses, time, money, and numbers above 100. Here are 1 to 5 in sino-Korean:

• 1 – 일 (pronounced il)
• 2 – 이 (pronounced ee)
• 3 – 삼 (pronounced sam)
• 4 – 사 (pronounced sa)
• 5 – 오 (pronounced oh)

Learn Basic Korean Grammar, Everyday Phrases, and Pronunciation

Once you know the Korean alphabet and numbers, start using them to construct basic Korean grammar. One significant difference between English and Korean grammar is that the former uses Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order, whereas the latter uses the Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) order.

In addition, it is common for one to omit the subject when both readers and Korean speakers know it. It is also okay to use adjectives as verbs in Korean.

Next, learn everyday Korean words such as greetings, apologies, and days of the week. For instance, 안녕하세요is pronounced annyeonghaseyo. While learning these phrases, note that Korean pronunciation differs from English since you could never find more than two consonant pronunciations in a single syllable.

Immerse yourself in the Korean Culture

Immersing yourself in the rich Korean culture is one sure way of learning Korean fast. If you are learning Korean for a specific purpose or on an upcoming trip to South Korea, start learning about things you are likely to encounter frequently. These include Korean food, destinations, skincare and fashion trends, and forms of communication.

If you can, find native Korean friends and request them to help you learn Korean. Please pay attention to how they pronounce certain words and imitate them until you sound like them.

Learning how and why these things are essential to the Korean people will ignite your curiosity, making you delve deeper into Korean culture and, by extension, the Korean language.

Learn Konglish and Loanwords

Korean uses several borrowed English words used in the language to form Konglish (Korean and English). These can be ideal for English speakers to figure out how to learn Korean as it is easier for them to understand and remember.

Examples of Konglish include:

• 초콜릿 (pronounced cho-kol-lit) for chocolate.
• 컵 (pronounced keop) for cup.
• 인터넷 (pronounced in-teo-net) for internet.

Listen to K-Pop and Watch K-Drama

One way to learn Korean today is watching Korean movies and documentaries and listening to their music. Popular K-Pop boy band BTS has, for instance, had a massive influence on the love and appreciation of Korean culture. However, we recommend listening to pure Korean songs as your focus is mainly on the language.

You could also watch popular Korean Dramas such as Tomorrow, Happiness, Alchemy of Souls, and Sweet Home. We recommend having subtitles and writing down any unfamiliar words you might need later. Also, try singing along to Korean songs and see yourself getting better at Korean grammar and pronunciation.

Find A Korean Tutor

If you are lucky enough to have tutors that offer Korean physical classes in your area code, contact them and sign up for a Korean language class. The one-on-one learning environment allows you to master verbal and non-verbal skills, making your learning experience faster.

Best Korean Language Learning Resources

The digital world has simplified things, including Korean language learning. Thankfully, the internet contains hundreds of Korean learning resources, with a massive chunk offering free resources. These include websites, podcasts, digital shows, and YouTube channels.

Top YouTube Channels for Learning Korean

• Conversational Korean
• Seemile
• KoreanClass101.com
• Learn Korean with GO!

Top Online Courses for Learning Korean

• First Step Korean (Coursera).
• Free Korean Language Courses (Udemy).
• Korean From Zero.

Reliable online audio and podcasts include TalktomeinKorean and KoreanClass101. You could also take a Korean online course on Coursera, Learn Langs, or How to Study Korea.

Applications like Pop Popping Korean, Dongsa, and Eggbun will hasten your learning process since they are convenient, reliable, and straightforward.

Conclusion

Several things make a significant impact when looking to learn Korean. These include understanding the Korean alphabet and numbers, immersing yourself in Korean culture, and using online resources. Still, staying consistent in your quest will help build your overall Korean language skills.

Also read: How to Learn Sign Language Online | Best 7 Free Tips