Learn Korean: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
It’s no surprise that learning Korean has become more popular recently – Korean culture has exploded in popularity all over the globe, from catchy K-pop songs to popular Korean dramas and movies on Netflix.
Korea is just now coming on the Western radar as an interesting location to visit, or even to live. Its culture and history are every bit as storied and intriguing as other countries in Asia. But until now, Korea didn’t have the same recognition as Japan or China.
All that is changing with the interest in Korean TV shows, movies, and music. Korean pop groups have captivated viewers all over the world with their crisp dance choreography, catchy lyrics, and vibrant music video cinematography.
Interest in K-beauty, especially skincare, has likewise caught the attention of the world spotlight for its bizarre ingredients and stunning results. And who can forget the bone-chilling horror movie “Train to Busan” or the historical drama series with a zombie twist, “Kingdom”?
People are also starting to take notice of the amazing landmarks Korea has to offer, steeped in a proud historical tradition. While Korea is more modest about its tourist advertising than other countries, it has plenty of places to sightsee – from the scenic, to the historical, to the downright strange.
Maybe you don’t necessarily want to visit Korea or live there. Maybe your hometown has a sizeable Korean population, or a Korea-town, and you’d like to try interacting with Korean people. There are plenty of ways to connect with and appreciate Korean culture without ever leaving your home country.
And what better way than to learn Korean?
Here’s what we’ll cover in this article…
If you’ve ever asked yourself any of the following questions, then this article is for you. If you want to skip ahead, just click the section that interests you.
- Why Should I Learn Korean?
- What Are The Key Features Of Korean?
- A Beginner’s Guide to the Korean Writing System
- What Do I Need to Know About Korean Culture?
- What Are Some Beginner Korean Learner Challenges?
- Is Korean Hard to Learn?
- What Are Some Common Pitfalls to Avoid as a Beginner Korean Learner?
- What’s the Best Way to Learn Korean?
- What are the Best Resources for Learning Korean?
I’ll start by telling you about the fundamental aspects of the Korean language and its culture. Then I’ll look at one of the major challenges faced by all beginner Korean learners – the writing system. Finally, I’ll finish with my recommended action steps to so you know the best way to learn Korean quickly.
Learning Korean requires a lot of hard work, but if you stick with it and practice regularly, it’s an amazing tool that will become an invaluable part of your life.
Because this post covers everything you need to know as a beginner, it’s quite long! I’ve also prepared a special PDF version of the post so you can download it and read it anywhere, anytime.