The Korean language is becoming a popular choice for language learners thanks to the catchy K-pop beats and addictive Korean dramas. Whether you want to learn Korean because of this or any other reason, you may not know where to start.
Even though the language may sound too complicating or difficult to learn, we have good news for you. Its writing system is one of the easiest in the world. This means you’ll probably learn how to write and read in Korean a lot sooner than you expected. In addition, as a student, typing “write my thesis or essay” will help you be more free while learning Korean and studying at the same time.
In fact, following the right tips will help you study Korean a lot easier and have fun in the process.
How to Learn Korean – A Step by Step Guide
This step-by-step guide is perfect for learning Korean for beginners. Follow the steps, and you’ll be headed in the right direction.
Step 1 – Learn the Korean Alphabet
Did you know that the Korean alphabet, Hangul, is one of the easiest to learn? In fact, it was purposely made easy because of King Sejong’s wish to have an easy and instinctive writing system.
The Korean alphabet has only 24 letters, each being highly symbolic. Consonants reflect the way your tongue or mouth looks when producing the sound. Vowels, on the other hand, consist of 3 symbols, a dot, a vertical line, and a horizontal line.
Overall, it’ll probably take you a few hours to learn the entire alphabet once you learn the logic behind it.
Step 2 – Collect Vocabulary
Experts say you need to learn only 500 words to speak another language. That’s less than ten words each month, which sounds like a good start.
Start with the basic categories of vocabulary, such as greetings, transportation, food, body parts, and common adjectives, and move on to others based on your needs and interests.
Having a good vocabulary base will help you understand Korean better when you hear it, even if you’re not participating in the conversation.
Step 3 – Use Strategies to Learn New Words
You can learn Korean words a lot easier and faster by using strategies such as mnemonics, associations, and stories.
Let’s say you want to learn the word 집, which means house. It’s pronounced jip, which sounds like the English word “jeep”, so an easy way to remember it is to make a story by imagining there’s a jeep in front of your house. It’s a lot easier, right?
The more Korean words you learn, the faster you’ll learn the language and use it in everyday situations.
Step 4 – Learn Korean Verbs
Verbs are essential to every Korean sentence, so it’s really important to focus on them right after learning the alphabet and some common vocabulary. A verb can make an entire sentence in Korean.
Start with common verbs like go, eat, come, walk, etc., and try to use them in your everyday speech. For example, instead of saying “let’s go” in your native language, try saying ga-ja (가자).
Try to learn five new verbs every other day and practice them by using flashcards. But, keep in mind that Koreans don’t use the base form of verbs in sentences. They change their endings depending on factors such as the tense.
Step 5 – Focus on How to Speak Korean
After learning how to read Korean, it’s time to focus on your speaking skills. The more you speak Korean, the more you’ll practice pronunciation and be able to have simple conversations. But, where to practice speaking if you don’t reside in Korea?
That’s when online Korean tutors can be really helpful.
Step 6 – Look for Korean Teachers Online
Learning Korean can be a challenge, but online Korean tutors can make the process a lot easier and more fun. They will help you in each step of the process, keeping you focused on what matters and motivated throughout the entire journey.
Unless you reside in Korea, they are the best way to practice speaking Korean and understand the language. You can find the best Korean teachers online on platforms for learning and teaching languages such as LiveXP, Italki, Preply, Verbling, etc.
