Learning The Korean Language: 6 Tips For Beginners

Korean is a good choice if you want to expand your language horizons. With the popularity of Korean movies, dramas, and music across the globe, it makes sense to learn the Korean language.

Learning an increasingly popular language like Korean can give you a competitive advantage—set you apart from others, especially in this highly competitive world.

Learning a new language can be challenging and time-consuming. But with the proper methods and attitude, learning, and even mastering, a foreign language doesn’t have to be that way.

Below are some of the tips you can consider as a beginner when learning the Korean language:

1. Work With A Professional Tutor

While hiring professional tutors may mean an extra expense, they can provide you with proper language resources to help you learn the Korean language quickly. Tutors can also offer personalized advice and help, which may go a long way to fast-tracking your learning.

You can search for tutors locally or online. When looking for one, check the reputation and read reviews to avoid wasting your time and money on the wrong tutor.

2. Understand The Korean Alphabet

One of the best ways to be fluent in a foreign language is to understand and master the alphabet.  The Korean alphabet is called Hangul. Although the characters may seem intimidating, Hangul isn’t hard to learn.

Hangul is made up of 24 letters and was designed to be as easy as possible for every Korean to learn. It includes 10 vowels and 14 consonants. The shape of a consonant is based on the shape that your mouth forms when pronouncing it. A vowel comprises horizontal and vertical lines.

3. Have A Learning Schedule

As a beginner, you need to map out your time to learn Korean fast. Whatever your purpose for studying the language, having a learning schedule can make a difference.

Ideally, you need at least 20 minutes daily to learn a language immediately. However, if you want to learn Korean quickly, you should spend more time studying the language.

But you don’t have to block out a huge amount of time every day just for structured learning. You can also learn by incorporating your language studies into your regular activities. Read a book or listen to a Korean podcast while traveling. All of these will help you get closer to learning Korean successfully.

4. Determine Your Language Learning Method

There are countless ways to learn Korean. You can buy textbooks, go to classes, and hire a tutor. However, all of these will cost you a lot of money. If your budget is tight, you can opt for other learning methods. For example, you can download a free Korean translation app.

The good thing about such apps is that you can use them daily without worrying about the cost. Aside from this, you can also use apps that allow you to communicate with Koreans. If you’re still not confident about your skills, you can take quizzes online or use flashcards.

5. Listen To K-Pop And Watch K-Dramas

Although you can rely on Korean translation apps, listening to K-Pop and watching K-Dramas can make your learning experience more entertaining. During your free time, you can learn by watching Korean films, television series, variety shows, or dramas.

While doing so, jot down the unfamiliar words and research them. Once you do this regularly, you’ll be surprised at how your brain can compare phrases and words with their meaning, even if you don’t have time to learn them thoroughly.

If you prefer K-Pop over K-dramas, an excellent way to master Korean is to listen to songs repeatedly. Doing so won’t only help you learn more words. You’ll also improve your pronunciation.

6. Go Abroad, And Share Your Experience With The Locals

Another tip for beginners when learning the Korean language is to visit the country and interact with the locals. Korea is known for its food, culture, sophistication, and history. If your budget allows it, spend time roaming around the country and put your skills to the test daily.

Stay at least two to three months in Korea. Cultural immersion is a great way to learn any language, especially one as challenging as Korean.

Conclusion

Learning the Korean language may seem hard, but imagine if you reach the intermediate level or beyond—you’ll be able to enjoy your beloved K-dramas, music, and movies with little to no help of subtitles or translation apps.

Being conversant in other languages, especially an increasingly popular language like Korean, is a big plus when applying for an international company or during a cultural trip.

The key is to study and practice regularly. It’ll take time to master Korean, but it’ll be worth it.