The Korean language has become famous all over the world with K-pop and K-dramas, the increasing cultural and economic power of South Korea are its main drivers. By learning Korean, one can access new job opportunities, appreciate another level of immersion into Korean culture or enjoy watching their favorite TV shows without having to rely on subtitles.
In our digital world today, the internet has streamlined the learning process by allowing people to learn Korean from their homes easily even without being to any korean speaking country. This article explains the best tools, techniques and important features on how to study Korean language in a digital age.
Why Learn Korean?
Now before we proceed with this article, here are reasons one should consider to learning Korean they’ll help keep you focused during your learning process:
1. Cultural immersion: To deepen your understanding of Korean music, films, TV shows, and literature
2. Career opportunities: Speaking Korean may open doors to countless potential job opportunities across different sectors.
3. Travel enhancement: When and if you go to South Korea, speaking Korean will enrich your experience there.
4. Cognitive advantages: Learning a new language can boost your memory, and ability to carry out several assignments at once and solve problems effectively.
5. Unique characteristics of language: The logical writing system (Hangul) used in Korea as well as its interesting grammar rules makes it fun to learn.
Strategies For Learning Korean Online
1.) Get clear objectives and reasons for learning Korean
(a) Fix a target level of fluency such as beginner or expert level.
(b) Put in place tangible goals that are easily measurable e.g. learning basic vocabulary of about 20 words per week.
(c) Develop a calendar on when you want to reach your set milestones, with regards to this foreign language.
(d) Always make reviews on them and adjust accordingly when necessary.
2.) Make use of regular study timetable Language acquisition requires regularity
(a) Reserve time each day for studying Korean, irrespective of whether it only takes 15-30 minutes at times in the whole day.
(b) Only utilize time that would have otherwise gone unused, during traveling for quick revision or listening practice.
(c) Create a learning program, comprising different components involved in the process of language learning.
(d) Utilize applications that help you track your habits and keep you going without losing hope because you have missed out on their previous related activities.
3.) Surround yourself into the Korean language as much as possible by doing the following
(a) Set your phone or computer language to Korean.
(b) View Korean dramas, variety shows, and movies with subtitles as a beginner and try turning them off as you continue to advance in the language.
(c) Listen to music from Korea while trying to grasp the lyrics.
(d) Follow Korean social media accounts and news sites.
Online Resources for Learning Korean
1. Language Learning Platforms
There are several online sources offering full-fledged courses on Korean:
a) Talk To Me In Korean (TTMIK): A notable platform that provides free lessons in addition to its premium content available at a specific price.
b) Coursera: They offer Korean language classes including other language classes that have been offered by recognized universities.
c) Duolingo: It has gamified lessons on the Korean language emphasizing vocabulary and simple sentences.
d) LingoDeer: It has structured courses on the Korean language designed especially for Asian languages.
2. Mobile Apps for Learning Korean
Mobile applications can also facilitate easy and enjoyable learning of the Korean language:
a) Memrise: With the use of spaced repetition and mnemonic techniques, this app aids to help beginners acquire new vocabulary skills in Korea.
b) Eggbun: Using animated characters, this app offers interactive lessons in basic Korean phrases.
c) Drops: This mobile Korea learning platform makes use of fast paced visual learning of words, which forms the core part of their curriculum.
d) Naver Dictionary: This is a must-have Korean to English dictionary application that comes with examples of sentences.
3. Channels of YouTube
There are numerous channels on YouTube that target Korean language learning:
a) KoreanUnnie: It gives lessons about grammar, vocabulary and culture of Korea.
b) Learn Korean With GO! Billy Korean: It offers detailed explanations about Korean language’s grammar and its usage.
c) KoreanClass101: It consists of various lessons through videos, related to different aspects of the Korean language.
d) Easy Korean: This channel provides interviews conducted in the street with subtitles in Korean and English translations.
4. Podcasts
Podcasts are great for listening improvement while on the go:
a) Talk To Me In Korean: Different levels are taught using life-like conversations and clarifications.
b) Let’s Learn Korean: short course for sophomores.
c) Korean Champ: lessons focus on the grammar, vocabulary and culture of Korea.
5. Online Tutoring
Tutorial Support through the Web and Exchange of Languages To learn a language, personal attention is vital:
a) italki: This online language learning site helps link students with accomplished Korean language instructors as well as local tutors.
b) Verblings: provides online Korean sessions facilitated by trained instructors only.
c) HelloTalk: this is a mobile platform for languages where you’ll be connected with real Koreans.
d) Tandem: an additional application for language interchange aimed at text messaging and oral discussions.
Final Thoughts
Korean learning through the internet provides a more efficient, convenient and affordable approach to mastering the language. Therefore, you can improve your Korean language level by using various online platforms, continuous practice and creating good ways of learning.
One thing that students should note when learning a new language is that it is a journey which requires patience, persistence and a positive attitude. When you are determined and focused in using the appropriate learning methods, speaking, reading and understanding the Korean Language will be possible for you.
