Learn Korean!

To learn Korean you must be willing to face a number of unique challenges. The Korean language has a unique writing system, which adds a level of complexity when learning another language. It is not very closely related to any other languages, but there is some vocabulary from Chinese. Also, it is not as widely spoken outside of Korea as other national languages are outside of their home country, so finding people to speak with can be difficult, but presumably you are learning Korean for a reason, so don't let these obstacles remain standing in your way.

Internet/Free Learn Korean Language Provides lessons to learn Korean, ranging from beginners to advanced. Also has a forum, Korean news, music, culture, food and recipes. Easy to meet new people to practice the language with as well.

Internet/Free Korean Tutorial Has a free (and downloadable) tutorial to learn Korean. The tutorial is very deliberate, progressing slowly and carefully forward. It contains grammar, vocabulary, common phrases, the all-important sound files, and takes great care with the Korean alphabet.

Internet/Free Learn Korean with Mr. Oh Mr Oh's more grammar-oriented site provides a slightly different approach and has those sound files that are so important. There are also lots of links to other Korean learning and culture sites.

Internet/Free Korean Learning and Culture Has a number of lessons going beyond the basics. Also includes an active forum for Korean learners and links to Korean news, music and movies.

Internet/Free Transparent Language offers a free vocabulary trainer to get started learning Korean - Free BYKI™ Lite download by Transparent Language

Book/Audio Combo/Inexpensive Teach Yourself Korean ($25) The longstanding Teach Yourself series has always had a wide variety of languages. The coursebook comes with two audio cd's and is available in most bookstores or online.

Software

This inexpensive downloadable software program to learn Korean is a great tool to have in your arsenal. Lots of vocabulary and phrases, dialogues, audio from native speakers, games and activities and much more to get you started on your path to study the Korean language.

Audio Only
Pimsleur Korean Comprehensive
Pimsleur publisher Simon and Schuster recently upgraded their Korean offering by adding a Comprehensive level course. Until that time only the 10 lesson Korean Compact had been available. They have further expanded that to a Level 2 Comprehensive course.

As far as ease of use and quality of the material and method, Pimsleur is the best. You learn to speak Korean in a natural and comfortable way. With a 30 lesson Comprehensive course, you can get a reasonable understanding of the language with some conversation ability and the best possible accent for a beginner. Because of the unique Korean writing system, you will need other written materials, a book or tutorial, in order to learn to read Korean, as Pimsleur focuses on hearing and speaking. Read my more in-depth Review of Pimsleur Products.


Look for penpals, forums and chats, and other helpful resources to learn Korean on the General Language Resources page.

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"The spiritual activity of millennia is deposited in language."

- Friedrich Nietzsche