Are you looking to become a true master of the Korean language?
Learn First Step Korean from Yonsei University. This is an elementary-level Korean language course, consisting of 5 lessons with 4 units, and covers 4 skills:. Sep 28, 2018 Korean learning for correct pronunciation (바른소리) Online Korean language education from the National Institute of the Korean Language. Online Intermediate College Korean (버클리대학 프로그램)Complete online course from UCal Berkeley. Forvo.com Korean Pronunciation Audio clips of native speakers pronouncing more than 5,300 Korean.
Immersion is without a doubt the most effective way to learn Korean, and the options are endless to reach your goals: Korean dramas, apps, comics, K-pop songs, movies, blogs and more.
Yet, the harsh reality remains: You need some structure to nail down the basics.
You need to understand the elements of the Korean grammar, conjugation and fundamental vocabulary. And that’s where textbooks come in.
Korean textbooks are an essential component of a successful Korean learning strategy.
And for legitimate reasons—Korean textbooks are designed for non-Korean speakers by Korean teachers and language experts who know the most effective way to learn the Korean language.
Textbooks are a great way to supplement immersive learning by focusing on the foundations.
However, selecting the right textbook isn’t always a walk in the park.
So to make this part easy for you, we’ve chosen eight of the best Korean textbooks out there and shown what each has to offer. Take the time to review them and find one that works for you, based on your fluency level and personal preferences.
1. “Ewha Korean”
This series of textbooks from Ewha Woman’s University is the Bible of all Korean learning textbooks. Widely used both in Korea and abroad, these well-structured, step-by-step guides make learning Korean fun and approachable. Covering six levels of fluency and focusing on all four skills, the Ewha series is particularly powerful if you’re studying by yourself.
Each textbook uses plenty of images, colorful vocabulary boxes and straightforward explanations of basic and complex Korean grammar. If you’re looking for a no-time-wasted approach to language learning, look no further.
A glance at the table of contents alone sets the right tone. Instead of just listing out the functions covered, it provides an exciting and instructive overview of each point that will be introduced, just like ready-made flashcards. Considering the quality of these explanations, you can also use it as a study recap once you have finished the book.
The textbooks themselves are cleverly designed. Each unit is divided into relevant topics, such as family, food, hobbies, daily schedule, looking for an apartment, etc. There are lots of personal touches in there, such as the series of friendly, recurring characters whose stories support each lesson and dialogues. Units also include listening scripts and answers in case you’re struggling with certain dialogues.
Each unit includes a “Try it” section which focuses on speaking without too much memorization. The books also incorporate a unique (and yes, revolutionary) approach to teaching Korean grammar, using targeted questions to prompt students to think about a grammar rule rather than be told about it. This will allow you to learn about grammar in context using pictures, examples and even thought bubbles to summarize the point.
In addition, textbooks in the Ewha series include a fascinating culture and literature part to introduce learners to aspects of the Korean civilization, while also growing their communication skills.
Be sure to use the textbooks with their accompanying audio CDs for pronunciation practice. A smart way to do this is to pause after a sentence and repeat it out loud until you nail the pronunciation. It’s a very effective way to familiarize yourself with the sounds of the Korean language and memorize new elements!
2. “My Korean 1” and “My Korean 2”
Monash University’s “My Korean” textbooks by Young-A Cho, In-Jung Cho and Douglas Ling are a fantastic introduction to modern Korean, with a special focus on spoken usage for everyday situations.
Developed with the support of the Korea Foundation, “My Korean 1” and “My Korean 2” are very useful textbooks that are also available for free online. Each including a PDF and audio version of the textbook, they adopt a four-skill approach to learning Korean using situation dialogues, comics and easy grammar explanations.
The textbooks are organized into 10 units composed of three situation dialogues, grammar explanations and various activities—such as role plays, listening and writing. The textbooks also feature some very useful appendixes that summarize fundamental grammar, conjugation and writing points.
Considering the importance of grammar in the Korean language, these textbooks focus on giving learners a good working knowledge of basic structure and grammar of the Korean language, plus a limited number of commonly-used vocab. So make sure to supplement this one with a good vocabulary textbook or, better yet, by reading comics in Korean.
Ecomix has a great selection of authentic 만화 (South Korean comics) and novels to boost your vocabulary. The first volume is generally free, with the rest of the series for purchase. To get started, simply create an account by clicking the header on the right, then select 회원가입 (membership), add your information, and click on any title you like to start reading.
3. “Integrated Korean”
Developed collaboratively by Korean classroom teachers and linguists, “Integrated Korean” is another popular Korean textbook series that uses performance-based principles and tools to improve learning, including contextualization, authentic materials and balance between skill acquisition and effective use.
Integrating a four-skills approach and a step-by-step methodology to learning Korean, it covers five levels of fluency over 10 volumes (Beginning 1 and 2, Intermediate 1 and 2, Advanced Intermediate 1 and 2, Advanced 1 and 2, and High Advanced 1 and 2).
Each format tends to differ based on the targeted level of fluency, but all cover a wide range of interesting topics relevant to modern Korea. All textbooks also incorporate situation-based lessons supported by a conversational reading text, a glossary with clear annotations, vocabulary notes, lists of useful expressions, culture points and notes on grammar usage.
Ample examples are given to help learners understand usage in context, which is definitely helpful. Every chapter ends with a related reading passage to expand on a given topic with new insights and more vocabulary.
Considering that these textbooks are bilingual and incorporate English translations, “Integrated Korean” can be easily used for self-study. Make sure to complement your efforts with their accompanying workbooks to maximize the assimilation process.
If you’re studying by yourself, it could also be beneficial to also use these textbooks alongside a variety of methods focused on listening practice. Watching authentic videos or listening to podcasts in Korean on a regular basis can make a difference in your level of fluency, as well as creating a fully immersive experience. FluentU, an online immersion platform, is offering videos in Korean—so don’t miss this opportunity! FluentU takes real-world videos—like cartoons, news, vlogs, music videos and more—and turns them into personalized language lessons.
Start using FluentU on the website or download the app from the iTunes store.
4. “Once Upon a Time in Korea”
“Once Upon a Time in Korea” is ideal if you’re looking for a fun learning experience. For students with limited knowledge of Korean, this highly colorful and visual textbook uses stories as the medium of choice to start your exploration of the Korean culture.
The book is a collection of 23 chapters, each centered around a unique Korean folktale written in Hangul. Often humorous and always including a moral, each story makes for a learning experience that is both cultural and instructive—while also providing a glimpse into Korean values and social etiquette.
Each lesson also incorporates beautiful illustrations, cultural notes and—rather than translating each text line by line—very extensive vocabulary lists to help you understand the difficult words you’ve read in the stories. There are also handy appendixes so you can review Korean sentences and irregular verbs at a glance.
This book is perfect for beginners looking to improve their knowledge of Korean through compelling storytelling, simple vocabulary and sentence structure.
To accompany “Once Upon a Time in Korea” and make textbook learning an even more immersive experience, make Korean part of your daily routine (if you haven’t already). For example, change your phone or Facebook interface to Korean, or start shopping regularly at a Korean market if you can find one nearby.
5. Seoul National University’s “Korean”
What’s not to love about a fun textbook that truly elevates your learning experience by providing a comprehensive overview of grammar and vocab? The Korean textbook series made by Seoul National University (SNU) is an excellent balance of interactivity, structure, fun and rich content, and challenge!
![Pack Pack](/uploads/1/2/5/8/125848609/602232907.jpg)
This is a do-it-all textbook which is well structured, nicely designed, suitable for self-study and takes you through Korean grammar without compromising vocabulary.
With a focus on listening practice, each lesson is accompanied by its own recordings, which are offered on CD and as downloadable MP3 files. Covering a wide variety of topics in an engaging way, the textbooks from SNU incorporate a wealth of detail and knowledge based on the learner’s stage of fluency.
The glossary, too, is packed with information. A great complement to the lessons, each book has its own detailed word banks which include the word, its meaning in English, examples in context, and even in some cases the hanjas that compose the word.
To maximize outcomes, be sure to complement this textbook with effective communication practice. Verbling lets you find a Korean tutor near you, or alternatively you can find a Korean language exchange partner online. Be sure to outline your goals from the start and ask yourself what kind of partner would be most beneficial for you.
6. “Learning Korean Through Traditional Fairy Tales”
If you’re bored with old-fashioned manuals, this magical reading textbook may be just the right book for you!
Based on the principle that reading authentic content can help you learn a language more effectively, this book is best for intermediate students looking to improve their reading, listening, speaking and writing abilities using a variety of entertaining activities.
The real beauty of this unconventional textbook is its collection of inspiring illustrations and use of audio recordings to tell the Korean folktales and introduce learners to Korean culture.
The fairy tales are sorted into three sections: instructive and interesting stories with a moral behind them, mysterious folktales with a fantasy elements and classical Korean fairy tales.
Each chapter starts with a series of pictures based on the tale’s story. Then, the learner has to describe each image and put them in the right order before listening to the story.
Each recording is about five minutes long and gets progressively longer. They’re very well done, with numerous speakers acting the part and sounds to make it seem like you were there. This is definitely a great way to make listening practice fun and interesting!
Then, the textbook introduces a vocabulary list which also breaks away from the conventional. It introduces a word, lists an example in context, and then asks students to guess the meaning of the word. The transcript on the following page lets learners make an effort before reading the content, and is followed by practice exercises for maximum learning.
We particularly love the variety of content used in this textbook, including interesting activities, games, quizzes and proverbs. Make sure to complement your textbook learning by using the audio CD. Not only are audiobooks a fantastic language-learning tool to help you stay on track with the goals you’ve set, but this particular textbook makes it fun and lively to follow these unique stories.
7. “TOPIK 어휘로 잡아라!” (Conquer the TOPIK via Vocabulary!)
Sometimes, especially when you’ve focused on grammar and structures, all you need is to learn old-fashioned vocabulary lists to communicate your thoughts with greater accuracy.
A very comprehensive vocabulary book to prepare for the TOPIK (or just to expand your Korean vocabulary), this one eases the learner into intermediate Korean through words of high frequency.
Listing out vocabulary, their meaning and model sentences, this no-frills textbook helps you broaden your understanding of common Korean words. Targeting students preparing for the TOPIK, this textbook includes sample test questions which follow the format of the exam.
We particularly love the section dedicated to 사자성어 (4-character idioms), 관용 표현 (idioms) and 속담 (proverbs) tested in previous exams, which are hard to find anywhere else.
If you plan on using this textbook, be sure to pair it with some real-world reading practice to make your learning more comprehensive. Choose an article from Naver’s news section, print it and look up any unknown words using Naver’s bilingual dictionary and take notes. Alternatively, head to the bilingual column section of Joongang Dailyfor translations of popular Korean articles to do the same.
8. “Korean Language for Academics in Business Administration”
If you have enrolled in a Korean business administration class and don’t know what to expect, this can give you some great preparation. This textbook is good for advanced non-native Korean speakers who are studying business at a Korean university, and want to be more fluent and natural.
It begins with a useful overview of the South Korean education system, including how classes are structured, tips on taking notes, how to write a report, how to get good grades and how to register for classes. It also details the language commonly used by professors in classrooms, which is particularly enlightening considering that these are elements you won’t find in traditional textbooks.
Comprised of 14 highly informative chapters centered around the basics of business administration (marketing, economics, HR, etc.), each lesson begins with a description of the subject in Korean before jumping right in.
We can’t praise enough how well structured this textbook is. Each lesson has a glossary of main terms with their definitions, charts and boxes with associated questions, a detailed article discussing the topic, listening practice and even more exercises, similar to what you’d find in actual Korean business administration classes.
Be sure to complement your textbook learning with some instructive Korean business podcasts and news shows. Head over to SBS and KBS for a vast selection of authentic segments on topical subjects to keep you current and informed.
Textbooks can be a great investment, but they’re useless if you don’t use them. So choose a textbook (or two) that looks interesting to you, use it regularly, and complement it with a variety of learning methods.
잘 해보세요! (Good luck!)
And One More Thing…
We already mentioned pairing FluentU with textbooks as part of a regular learning routine, so now we’ll take a closer look at what that means.
FluentU is an online immersion platform that takes real-world videos—like movie trailers, music videos, inspiring talks, vlogs and more—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.
FluentU really takes the grunt work out of learning languages, leaving you with nothing but engaging, effective and efficient learning. It’s already hand-picked the best videos for you (which are organized by level and topic), so you simply choose any video that strikes your fancy to get started!
Each video comes with annotated subtitles. Just hover over a word to see its definition, part of speech, example sentences and an associated image. This makes memorizing vocab insanely easy!
Access a complete interactive transcript of every video under the Dialogue tab, and easily review words and phrases from the video under Vocab.
You can use FluentU’s unique Quiz Mode to learn the vocabulary and phrases from the video through fun questions.
FluentU keeps track of what you’re learning, and tells you exactly when it’s time for review, giving you a 100% personalized experience.
Review sessions use video context to help embed the words in your memory.
The best part? You can try FluentU for free with a trial!
Start using FluentU Korean on the website or download the app from the iTunes or Google Play store.
If you liked this post, something tells me that you'll love FluentU, the best way to learn Korean with real-world videos.
So you want to study Korean.
The only problem?
There aren’t exactly a lot of opportunities for you to enroll in an in-person course.
In fact, there aren’t any.
And it’s not like you have a ton of cash or vacation time to fly over to Korea for a full immersion course, either.
This is where the beautiful, beautiful internet comes into play.
A simple search, and you’ll find thousands of websites to learn Korean.
But which to choose? After all, one site might be perfect for a beginner and another site might better for someone more advanced. You’ll need to know exactly what’s best for your situation.
Well, in this list, I’m covering the top websites for learning Korean that you’ll need along your journey to mastering the language.
![Korean Korean](/uploads/1/2/5/8/125848609/213298748.png)
And I’m listing them from beginner to advanced, so you can choose where you want to start and which learning style you think is best for you.
But first, here are some study tips so that you get the most out of learning online. Online learning takes a different kind of discipline than an in-person course!
Study Tips for Making the Most of Learning Korean Online
- Make a schedule and stick to it. If you enrolled in (and paid good money for) a course that holds class every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., how often would you miss class? I’m betting you’d have next to perfect attendance. The same should go for online learning. I highly recommend setting aside about an hour of study each night to learn Korean with websites. And yes, at a certain level, watching your favorite Korean movie, whether you’re renting or using Netflix, totally counts.
- Keep a notebook. Nothing helps you remember how to do something more than physically writing it down, especially if you need to learn Hangul, the Korean alphabet. Oftentimes, you may have the option of doing little exercises. Either print them out or use your notebook to write down your answers.
- Find somewhere you can talk. You need to be able to repeat after the virtual teachers at some point or sound out new vocabulary. Make sure you have a space where you can do this.
- Use something to warm up your screen. Huh? Okay, hear me out. Don’t your eyes get tired after staring at a screen for too long? Mine certainly do. Downloading software or using a plugin that “warms” up the blue screen will make studying and reading online much easier. I prefer f.lux, but there are quite a few free, safe options out there. This is going to especially help if you schedule your hour later in the evening.
Okay, now that you have some tips for online success, here are the sites to get you there!
Memrise
Beginner
While Memrise isn’t exclusively a Korean study site, it has a ton of Korean sections from which to choose. If you’re an absolute beginner who still needs to learn Hangul, head here to begin learning pronunciation.
Choose “Courses,” go to “Korean” and search for “A Lesson Hangul.” Start practicing and listening to the sounds. Using multiple-choice quizzes, you’ll learn the alphabet and even vocabulary words in no time.
FluentU
Beginner–Advanced
FluentU takes real-world videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language-learning lessons. It’s a comprehensive and interactive learning platform that is designed to appeal to learners at all levels. FluentU contains hundreds of authentic Korean videos. Each video comes equipped with a number of fantastic language-learning features, such as curated vocabulary lists, interactive subtitles, flashcard decks and comprehension quizzes.
Simply pick a difficulty level and a topic. Then, choose a video you like!
As a FluentU member, you’ll gain access to a wide variety of contemporary videos featuring native Korean speakers. This means you’ll be able to experience modern Korean as it is spoken today in a variety of contexts, such as music videos, commercials, sketch comedy, inspirational talks and much more.
Here’s a quick look at the variety of Korean videos available to FluentU members:
Use the sidebar to sort videos by language level or by content. Or, use the search bar to locate videos that contain a particular phrase or grammar topic.
Once you’ve found a video that appeals to you, get ready for an immersive and customized language-learning experience that allows you to practice grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, listening and pronunciation all at the same time.
For example, you can check out this sketch comedy short that pokes fun at stereotypical Korean dramas:
Here’s where you get the chance to personalize your language-learning experience to fit your learning style. You can start by jumping right into the video, or take a few minutes to explore the curated vocabulary list. If you’re interested in working on your reading skills, you can jump over to the Dialogue tab and read a full interactive transcript of the video, complete with pronunciation guides.
Once you’re ready to watch the video, you’ll find even more user-friendly features. FluentU makes native Korean videos approachable with interactive subtitles. No matter your Korean language ability, FluentU’s got something for you. You can watch with English and Korean subtitles, just Korean subtitles or no subtitles at all for advanced listening practice.
Come across a word you’re not familiar with? FluentU’s got you covered! Simply click on the word and you’ll find a definition, example sentences and links to other videos that include the word. This is the beauty of FluentU: each new word, phrase or grammatical topic you learn is presented within real-world context. This makes each vocabulary word more memorable—and helps you learn a bit about Korean culture in the process.
Use the convenient “Add To” button as you go to add words to customized flashcard decks or vocab lists, which you can later use as personalized practice resources.
Don’t stop there, though. Each FluentU video comes equipped with a learn mode, where you can actively practice the vocabulary and grammar topics from each video. The learn mode features fun questions and comprehension quizzes. Each new word is presented in context and includes multiple examples—just swipe left and right for more sentences using the same word.
The best part? FluentU keeps track of your vocabulary, and it suggests content based on what you already know and where you need to strengthen. You’ll have a 100% personalized experience.
You can even use the FluentU app to download audio files for offline listening practice, allowing you to immerse yourself in authentic Korean wherever you are and whenever you feel like it.
Start using FluentU Korean on the website or download the app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Check out a free trial to get started--you’ll be surprised how much you can learn from a few days of binging Korean videos.
KoreanClass101
Beginner–Advanced
While many of its resources require a paid plan, this site has a ton of free material to begin learning basic vocabulary and even phrases. One fun feature is its vocabulary lists, which are often updated for the holidays. The free material mainly uses audio to teach you. Lesson PDFs, reviews, dialogue audio and interactive learning features are available with a membership only. Either way, it’s excellent for listening practice.
Dom & Hyo
Beginner–Intermediate
This site is best for beginners who want to learn with colorful illustrations. Dom is an ESL teacher in Korea and an active student. His wife, Hyo, is a native Korean who can double-check his work, so you know you’re getting accurate graphics. His comics are fun and easy. They’re great to save and have on hand for quick reference. He also has comics describing daily Korean life, which are in both English and Korean. You can practice your reading comprehension here as your level gets more advanced.
Cyber University of Korea: Quick Korean
Beginner–Intermediate
For those who crave a bit more of an academic setting, I’d recommend the Cyber University of Korea’s own free online course, “Quick Korean.” While I wouldn’t recommend it for an absolute beginner, if you’re at a stage where you want to move beyond basic vocabulary words, this is for you.
Talk to Me in Korean
Intermediate–Advanced
Easily one of the most popular online Korean resources, Talk to Me in Korean is an awesome program with native Korean speakers who really understand how to break down more difficult grammar points.
It’s mainly a podcast, but each lesson comes with a PDF of the lesson as well (or you can buy the workbooks in a bundle). While I love TTMIK and listen to the podcasts, I do warn it’s not for a beginner. It’s best to completely know Hangul and build up a vocabulary list before you dive in.
How to Study Korean
Intermediate–Advanced
This site is an excellent resource for those who prefer more reading and writing versus listening. It’s thoroughly organized into units. With each lesson, they introduce you to new vocabulary before thoroughly explaining a grammar point. They then provide multiple sample sentences for every situation to help you practice it.
I noticed that when I was studying Korean and needed to search for clarification, this is the site that would pop up and be the most useful.
GLOSS Korean
Advanced
The Global Language Online Support System (GLOSS) is actually a product of the Defense Language Institute (DLI), part of the United States Department of Defense (DoD). One of its main objectives is training American personnel in foreign languages, and Korean is one of them.
GLOSS Korean is definitely for the more advanced learner as it bases its lessons off of realia material like newspapers or television shows to really ensure fluency. This is also great if you want more serious reading to test your comprehension.
Naver or Daum Webtoons
Advanced
Webtoons are an incredibly popular form of entertainment in Korea for all ages. If you prefer something more lighthearted, start scrolling through the hundreds of webtoons available on Korea’s two main search platforms, Naver and Daum. Important to note: Webtoons are designed more for mobile devices than your laptop.
Naver or Daum Blogs
Advanced
Another resource to use is the multitude of blogs on these same platforms. Look for topics that interest you and change the search to 블로그 (blog). You’ll be able to find something that interests you and get an understanding of how Koreans might write or speak. This is great to pair with the more formal GLOSS, as you’ll come to understand the way a typical Korean speaks.
Well, there you have it! A collection of amazing websites for learning Korean to bring you from total beginner to fluent speaker.
These sites will give you a range of options for whichever part of language learning you want to focus on—listening, writing, speaking or reading.
화이팅 (good luck)!
Samantha is a freelancer and travel blogger. She majored in Spanish as an undergraduate and taught English in Korea for two years while studying the language. Check out her adventures over at There She Goes Again.
If you liked this post, something tells me that you'll love FluentU, the best way to learn Korean with real-world videos.