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/FreeLearn 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/FreeKorean 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/FreeLearn 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/FreeKorean 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 Before You Know It™ download
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 or cassettes, and is available in most bookstores or online.
Software Rosetta Stone Korean Rosetta Stones multi-media software is only available for Korean for level 1, unlike the other more widely
spoken languages which go to level 2. Despite this, Rosetta Stones program is probably the most comprehensive product for self-learners to learn Korean. They use an immersion approach, and bombard the learner with text, audio and pictures. They also offer an online version of the software for a more affordable price. A highly recommended method for learning Korean.
Rosetta Stone is an excellent choice for learning Korean. Read my
review of Rosetta Stoneor see for yourself how Rosetta Stone works f or you and try out the free demo -
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.
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 indepth
Review of Pimsleur Products,
or listen to the first lesson of Pimsleur Korean free below!
