Factors that affect how long it takes to learn Korean
Whether you’re already learning Korean or only just thinking about starting the journey, one question has likely popped up in your mind by now: “How long does it take to learn Korean?”
It’s understandably an important question for you to ask. After all, it influences your decision on whether to learn Korean or not. Like with many other languages, Korean is good to learn and work towards being fluent if you want to visit or live in South Korea. It’s also worth putting in some study hours if you are interested in Korean Pop, Korean Dramas, Korean movies, or Korean culture.
But on the flip side, it’s an entirely new alphabet, and the language is mostly spoken in Korea. So is it worth the time investment?
All great points! We’re going to tell you what you need to know about how long it takes to learn Korean so you can make your decision.
Let’s get to know the learning process!
Your native language
Depending on what native language you speak, learning Korean might be just a little bit easier or a little bit tougher for you. For example, it is thought that Korean is especially difficult for native English speakers to become fluent.
Meanwhile, for Japanese, Chinese, and Arabic speakers, Korean can be an easy language to learn. It could take far a few hours (or years!) to become fluent at the same level as a native English speaker.
Your previous language learning experience
You’re at an advantage with learning a new language if you were raised as bilingual. Having developed fluency with speaking more than one language as a child over the years has made you naturally more adjustable to learning new languages.
The learning methods you are using
Learning Korean in a classroom setting is the best way to get clear information on grammar structures. It will also give you a well-thought-out plan to follow for learning vocabulary.
However, if you aren’t learning, practicing, or applying the Korean you learned in situations outside of the classroom, then your progress will be slower. Instead of just focusing on getting the minimal homework done, try actively watching Korean TV shows and movies, practice through apps or language exchanges, talk with native speakers, and use eBooks and Korean learning websites. These are other fun methods Korean language learners like you can try to help develop your skills and achieve language proficiency faster.
How much of your time you are dedicating to learning Korean
The more hours you spend each day studying Korean, the quicker you can grow your fluency. Your time dedication is also connected to your general language learning ability and learning methods in use.
Your attitude and motivation towards learning Korean
It’s no secret that these two are the key to unlocking your language learning potential. Having a positive attitude towards learning Korean can help you keep highly motivated. And your motivation is what keeps you studying, day after day, even on the days where you’re feeling frustrated because you are working on some challenging new grammar.
How long does it take to learn Korean?
It takes 3 months (90 days) to learn enough Korean to have a 3-minute conversation in Korean if you study for 7-10 hours per week. After 1 year of studying at this pace, you can become conversationally fluent.
Below, we’ll go over how much each step of learning Korean approximately takes. Since learning something new depends on the person and the factors mentioned above, it’s difficult to give a specific numeral timeline.
our attitude and motivation towards learning Korean
It’s no secret that these two are the key to unlocking your language learning potential. Having a positive attitude towards learning Korean can help you keep highly motivated. And your motivation is what keeps you studying, day after day, even on the days where you’re feeling frustrated because you are working on some challenging new grammar.
How many hours a day should I study Korean?
This is really a personal call and depends a lot on your goals and timelines. If you’re studying part-time or as a hobby, a good target to start out with is 1 hour a day, and then make adjustments as you go. Keep in mind that you will likely be more excited and motivated to study at the start. The real test comes when you don’t feel like studying.
In those cases, we usually recommend adjusting your study time. You may also want to come up with a small minimum to do each day, even if it’s only 5 minutes. That way you still get some practice in, but also leave yourself open to study more when you’re motivated.
If you’re studying as a full-time student, then you should aim for about 4-7 hours of study per day.
How many hours a week should I study Korean
For part-time students or if you’re studying for fun, then make a goal of 5-8 hours per week. Then make adjustments as you go. You can always add more to it, but make sure you’re keeping at a comfortable pace.
If you’re a full-time Korean student, then about 20-25 hours per week is a good target.
How long does it take to become fluent in Korean?
It will take about 1200 hours to reach a high intermediate level. You’re going to need additional practice, so you may want to double that number to 2400 hours to get towards fluency. That would be about 23 hours of study per week for 2 years.
There are many resources out there to teach you Korean. They can be very different from each other and may have wildly differing (or even seemingly contradictory) methods. And it is easy to get lost in them especially when one does not have experience learning a foreign language. But most importantly, these will all become useless to you without the right mindset and the necessary habits. Take your time, and make sure you enjoy the process.
If you wish to learn any language right from the basics or even its advanced level, Multibhashi Language Learning Sessions are an excellent solution.
There can be different methods of learning some wildly differing (or even seemingly contradictory) to each other
But most importantly, these will all become useless to you without the right mindset and the necessary habits. Take your time, and make sure you enjoy the process.
If you wish to learn any language right from the basics or even its advanced level, Multibhashi Language Learning Sessions are an excellent solution.