A Comprehensive Guide to Learning Korean: Tips and Resources

Learning a new language can be a challenging but rewarding experience. If you're looking to start learning Korean but find tools like HelloTalk insufficient, don’t worry! There are many effective methods and resources available to help you get started.

Using Dramas and Videos to Learn Korean

One of the most enjoyable and effective ways to learn Korean is through watching K-Dramas and Vneraseries. Not only will you become familiar with the language, but you'll also gain insights into Korean culture, history, and societal norms. I myself began learning Korean in this way and found it both enjoyable and helpful. I took notes and made observations, which greatly enhanced my learning process.

Breaking Down the Korean Alphabet

The Korean language, known as Hangul, is made up of 14 consonants, 10 vowels, and a combination of these to form a total of 24 letters. Learning these basic components is the foundational step towards proficiency. Here’s a quick guide to the consonants and vowels:

Consonants:

B J D G S Think like saying the letter A M N L/R (almost always L) H O Eo (hard to explain but the sound is a bit like a soft “o”) A (ah) The letter i K T Ch P U Eu

Vowels:

The vowels include Ae (similar to 'A' but not as open), E, O, Eo (hard to explain but the sound is a bit like a soft “o”), and U.

Reading Korean Alphabets:

Read from top-left to bottom, and most blocks consist of up to three characters, though some consist of four. This is a unique system that might take some time to get used to.

Practical Practice

Let's practice some Korean words:

????? (Gam-sa-ham-nida) – Thank you ? (Ne) – Yes ?? (Saram/Salam) – Person

The pronunciation of some letters can vary based on the word and dialect. For instance, the letter ? (reum) can sometimes sound like ? (ryu). It’s always a good idea to listen to native speakers for proper pronunciation.

Additional Resources

There are several online stores and communities on Instagram that offer a variety of materials at affordable prices. You can purchase books, guides, and other tools to aid your learning. These resources can be accessed anywhere, anytime, making them highly convenient.

Online Learning Tools

To consolidate your learning, I highly recommend using online platforms like Duolingo. Duolingo is a fun and interactive app that helps you learn the basics of Hangul, including how the letters and notes interact. It’s a great way to keep up your studies and see tangible progress over time.

After mastering the basics with Duolingo, you can continue your learning through various independent study methods. Watching K-Dramas and Vneraseries, practicing with blocked notes, and using flashcards can all be beneficial.

Remember, learning a language takes time and practice. Stay consistent and patient, and over time, you’ll see significant progress.