In today’s globalized world, learning new languages has become more critical. And one of the most exciting and challenging languages to learn is Korean. With its unique alphabet and complex grammar system, it can be a daunting task for beginners. But don’t worry – in this blog post, we will teach you how to teach yourself Korean in 5 simple steps! So, without further ado, let’s get started!
5 Tested and proven steps on how to teach yourself Korean
1. Get an efficient learning tool
The first step ( we recommend this to everyone) is to get an efficient online learning tool. What this does is that it provides you with the required resources you need to learn Korean. On that note, we recommend italki. It is a resourceful, affordable, and reliable online tool for learning Korean online.
italki is an online Language tool that uses the best material to help students learn Korean. It is a safe space for Korean students and language enthusiasts. italki offers its students a vast array of qualified teachers.
With italki, you have input on how your learning journey will go. To help students grow, italki has an active, interactive community where students and teachers connect. This connection creates a safe space for students to learn and improve their conversation skills.
You can give your Korean teacher tips on the areas you believe needs more work. It could be your writing skills, speaking, or even reading. italki is affordable, readout e but most importantly, it is reliable. italki can be accessed using Android and iOS devices on their official website.
Pros of using italki
- italki is a safe space for growth. Here, there is no pressure whatsoever. You grow at your own pace, and it is easy to track your progress with the help of your Korean teacher.
- The best way to develop your speaking skills in Korean is by speaking! And doing so regularly. In that accord, italki has made available an active community where students get to interact with each other. This gives the students a chance to grow in a mitral and safe environment.
- italki has a range of qualified and experienced Korean tutors and teachers. These Korean teachers are very passionate about their student’s growth.
2. Study and Master the Hangul
Hangul is otherwise known as the Korean alphabet. It comprises 1o vowels and 14 consonants and dates back to the 15th century when it started being used during the Joseon Dynasty. The Hangul is said to mimic every human sound with a cut-throat precision.
Studying and eventually mastering the Hangul can be very difficult because it is an intricate alphabet. But, here is why you need to do it. Studying Korean in the Roman numerals for a beginner can be comfortable, but you will eventually get into pronunciation trouble.
The Korean language is packed with complex pronunciations making it particularly difficult to succeed using the Roman alphabet. If you plan on developing your Korean skills, then we suggest learning Hangul, but if not, then it is ok to get comfortable ( not really).
3. Find the right resources that work for you
The next step is to find resources that fit your learning style. There are many different ways to learn Korean – from books and websites to apps and podcasts. And there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some people learn best by listening to audio recordings, others by reading texts.
Some like to learn through games and quizzes, while others prefer a more traditional approach to grammar rules and vocabulary lists. So take some time to explore different resources and find the best ones for you. Once you get the help that works for you, the next step is to make a schedule and stick to it.
4. Make a learning schedule and stick to it
Once you have found your ideal resources, it’s time to start studying! Make a schedule for yourself and stick to it as much as possible. Dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to learning Korean, and try to do it simultaneously every day.
This will help you create a habit and make your studies more effective. A pattern is important because it eventually integrates into your system. Learning consequently becomes more of a hobby than a responsibility. And speaking of effectiveness, let’s talk about studying smart, not hard.
5. Study smart and not hard
When you’re starting, it’s essential to focus on the critical words and phrases first. Learn the basics of grammar and vocabulary, and practice them as often as possible. You don’t need to learn hundreds of words right away – start with the essentials and gradually build up your knowledge.
This is the most effective way to learn Korean. Start simple, don’t feel pressured to go for the big words and phrases. You can start by learning essential conversation words like “how are you?” and just the basics for small talk. What this does is that it builds up your confidence until you are ready for the big boys.
6. Use flashcards
We all know the myth surrounding the use of flashcards. Many people believe it is for middle schoolers and find it juvenile (if not self-degrading) but permit us to debunk this myth. Using flashcards is one of the most effective ways to study and memorize new words. We will tell you why.
The human brain stores information in three ways: visual, audiovisual, and repetition. One way is to say the words you want to memorize. Another way is here, it is said, and the last is by watching what you want to learn. If you are still wondering, yes! that is why I remember the lines from that movie so well.
When using flashcards, we advise using self-made cards. You can make them simple, write the Korean word on the front and the English translation on the back of the card. This way, you can memorize the Korean words and the English translation.
For a better learning experience, work on quizzing yourself. Read out the practice words in Korean and time yourself on when to provide the English translation. If you have any difficulty doing this yourself, you can ask a friend or loved one to help you. You may also have friends who study Korean. They can be your quiz buddy. For a more practical experience, try using multi-colored flashcards.
7. Immerse yourself in the Korean culture
Another important tip is to immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Get comfortable, get integrated, allow the Korean culture to suck you, and Allow yourself to enjoy this new experience. There are a couple of ways to do this:
- Listen to Korean music: Do you have a favorite Korean band? If your answer is no, then you probably need one. Make it a habit to listen to K-pop. Outside of responsibility, you may find it exciting and fun. And along the line, you will be more likely to catch up on Korean words from audiovisual memory.
- Watch Korean TV shows and movies: Another great way of getting yourself immersed in Korean culture is by watching Korean TV shows and movies. Over time, your subconscious will catch up and adapt to words and body gestures which is very important.
- Read Korean news articles: Everyone knows reading improves your writing and comprehension skills. Doing this may be challenging, but persistence will be your best friend. Start with simple news articles. It is okay if you don’t get it at first. Keep trying. Use a dictionary or translator. You will get it eventually. There are many ways to do this, and the more you expose yourself to the language, the easier your chances of mastering Korean are.
8. It is okay to fail
Last but not least, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Believe it or not, even native Koreans fumble now and then in speaking Korean. So, don’t be too hard on yourself. Learning a new language is all about trial and error. So don’t be discouraged if you can’t pronounce a word perfectly or if you make a grammar mistake – everyone makes mistakes when they’re learning something new. Just keep practicing, and you’ll eventually get the hang of it!
Conclusion
In conclusion, we would add one more, and that is to find a study buddy. It helps to solidify your conversation skills and also provides some degree of healthy competition. We advise you to get an effective learning tool to learn Korean pronunciation and culture. For success in your Korean journey, get connected on italki today.
