Online resources for learning Korean

K-dramas captivated you, BTS has you hooked, or maybe you just have a fascination with Korean culture. Whatever your reason, you’re ready to learn Korean.

Interest and learning of the language has increased globally, ranking top six in Duolingo’s 2023 Language Report, which has also shown that the language has been taken up in some of the world’s largest economies, including India, where it has grown 75% year-on-year.

The Korean language has its own alphabet, grammar rules, and cultural nuances as well. So, finding the right resources is important.

There are many language learning apps out there, from Duolingo to Babbel, but to figure out what learning style works for you, there are some key features to look out for. 

What to look for in learning tools

The best website to learn Korean combines a curriculum with interactive, engaging, and flexible learning methods. They provide cultural context, native-speaker interactions, and community support.

When you find these features, you ensure a rich and effective learning experience for your Korean language journey.

A Structured Learning Path

For Korean, it is important to keep a few things in mind about what you want to achieve and how you want to learn. Look for the following when picking out resources:

• The website should state what topics and skills are covered at each level.
• Lessons should flow to ensure you understand the basics before going on to more complex concepts.
• Indicate your current Korean language skills with a placement test to jump right into the appropriate level.
• The best websites offer a clear roadmap for your learning journey. This typically involves a curriculum divided into levels – beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Each level should build upon the previous one, introducing new Korean grammar concepts and pronunciation challenges.

Sites like Coursera offer Korean courses for different levels of learning, from beginners to intermediate, to even casual small talk.

Engaging Content

Memorizing endless grammar rules can feel intimidating. The best websites understand this and make learning Korean engaging and enjoyable.

Here’s what to keep an eye out for:

• Variety is Key. Lessons should incorporate a mix of formats—audio explanations, video lessons, Korean alphabet dialogues, and cultural insights.
• Bite-Sized Lessons. Short, focused lessons are easier to digest and manage, especially for busy schedules.
• Gamification. Websites that incorporate points, badges, or leaderboards can add a touch of healthy competition and motivation.
• Memorable Content. Engaging and relatable topics with real-world examples make information stick better.

Apps like Duolingo and Babbel are great for interactive and gamified learning, especially with Korean, where the length of each lesson is usually adjustable and short enough to fit around your day.

Interactive Features

The best way to learn is through active practice. Top-notch Korean learning websites will offer a range of interactive features to help you:

• Flashcards. Repetition flashcards are a fantastic tool for memorizing Korean vocabulary and grammar structures.
• Quizzes. Test your understanding of the material you’ve learned with interactive quizzes that provide instant feedback.
• Dialogue Practice. Practice speaking Korean with built-in dialogues or conversation prompts. Some websites even offer speech recognition tools that can scale your pronunciation.
• Community Features. Connect with fellow language learners through forums or discussion boards to ask questions.

The Korea Society offers a more comprehensive educational 10-week programme in Korean, where students have the chance to converse and talk with other learners as they advance through the language. The best thing is that the majority of lessons are taught online, so students will not have travel or location as a barrier.

Native Speaker Integration

Learning from native speakers is important for perfecting your pronunciation. Here’s what to look for:

• Immerse yourself in the Korean language with audio lessons voiced by native speakers.
• Pay close attention to how native speakers move their mouths and the natural rhythm of their speech.
• Look for websites that incorporate cultural explanations to give context to the language.

Some of the best tips for immersion learning can come from TV. LingoPie offers a learning function that people can integrated with streaming services like Netflix where to follow a language as they are watching a series or film. While watching TV, students will have access to language quizzes and grammar information relating to the content they have seen.

Why learn Korean?

Unlock a World of Opportunity

South Korea is a major player in the global tech and business world. Knowing Korean can open doors to exciting career opportunities in international companies.

Moreover, South Korea is a mind-blowing travel destination. Imagine strolling through Seoul’s bustling streets and having real conversations with the locals. Learning Korean lets you experience the country in a way most tourists can’t.

K-Pop Jams and Dramas Without Subtitles

Imagine it: you’re vibing to the latest BTS song. Instead of relying on subtitles, you can understand the lyrics and sing along like a pro. Or, picture yourself watching your favorite Korean drama, completely immersed in the story without needing to peek at the bottom of the screen every five seconds.

Learning Korean helps you to appreciate Korean pop culture. You’ll catch those hidden jokes and understand the cultural references. And you’ll also feel even more connected to your favorite shows and artists.

If you found this article helpful, check out How Long Does it Take to Learn German? What Beginners Should Know. 

Featured image: Anna Terekhova, iStock.