Introduction:

Korean (한국어, Hangugeo) is the official language of South Korea, North Korea, and China’s Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, and is the dominant community language of the Korean diaspora, spanning Uzbekistan to Japan to Canada. It is a fascinating and complex language of debated origins yet rich in history, culture, and beauty. Korean fluency is absolutely within reach, even if you don’t speak more than one foreign language yet. Even if you’re monolingual and only know English. This is still doable.

1. Learn Hangul

At the very beginning of learning any foreign language, you need to thoroughly master the alphabet. This will be a great start on your way to language acquisition. In fact, the Korean alphabet is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance compared to the other Asian languages. The Hangul alphabet consists of 24 letters (14 consonants and 10 vowels). The shape of the consonants is based on the form that the mouth takes at the time of pronunciation. Vowels simply consist of vertical and horizontal lines. To say that you can learn Hangul in just two hours is no exaggeration. Another plus is that Hangul is a completely phonetic language. 

2. Build your vocabulary

Having once mastered Hangul, you can begin to form your vocabulary. Better to start with numbers (both Korean and Chinese numerals are used in Korea), days of the week, and simple conversational phrases. Then add words that are related to your reason for learning a language. 

3. Loanwords and Konglish-words are your friend

Korean has many loanwords and Korean-style English words which are called “Konglish” (Korean + English). Such words make up a significant part of everyday vocabulary. Borrowed words are words that sound and mean the same as English words. They are easy to remember, because they sound like English, though with a Korean accent.

4. Surround yourself with Korean:

This is the best way to keep information in your head. You can also change the language on your phone or write reminder notes for scheduled daily activities in Korean. Surrounding yourself with Korean does not mean exhausting yourself by studying every day hourly. On the contrary, you can reasonably spend your free time. To practice Korean, you can use the time while you get to work or lunch break – get benefit from this.

5. Define your type of learning

One of the simple, but extremely important methods for quickly learning a language is to determine your individual type of learning. There are three main types: (a) visual (visual memory works well); (b) auditory ( information is better absorbed and stored by ear); (c) kinetic (memorization using movements). 

6. Work with Korean teachers

A structural study using private lessons with an experienced tutor will provide you with an additional impetus, which is simply necessary for a short way in learning. The tutor will not only help you deal with the difficulties and tricks in grammar but also make you be responsible for achieving goals. A good Korean teacher will focus on your learning style and apply an individual lesson plan. 

7. Find companions / Korean friends

Spending more time talking is without a doubt the best way to improve your language skills. Find Korean language groups nearby on sites like Meetup. If there are no Korean communities near you, you can also try to find a companion on forums and groups on Facebook, for example. Commit to meet with your language partner weekly, and of course, set the rule to communicate only in Korean.

8. Engage in groups

As you learn the language, you may encounter many interesting and funny moments, but over time, your motivation may decline. Try to find new ways to remain interested in learning and refresh ordinary activities, for example, start practicing in groups with people who are similarly minded to you.

9. Watch K-dramas and listen to K-pop

Add more Korean to your daily life: watch dramas, films, TV shows, thereby increasing your vocabulary. Include subtitles, if possible, and write and learn all unfamiliar words. After some time, you will be surprised at the ability of your brain to compare words and phrases with their meaning, even if you did not have time to thoroughly learn them. Another good habit in learning a language is listening to Korean songs or radio. After listening to the song once, you are unlikely to understand something. 

10. Full immersion in Korean social life

If you have time and money, the best way to learn the language is to be completely immersed in Korean culture. Organize a trip to Korea and you will be forced to talk and read at every step. Of course, many Koreans will be able to speak English with you, but try to communicate only in Korean. As a last resort, explain that you are learning the language.