10 Online Korean Learning Resources
1. Lets Learn Hangul (Total Beginner)
When learning Korean you should make an effort to learn their writing system first, which is called Hangeul/Hangul (한글). This website is free and really all you need to learn it. It’s completely phonetic so it shouldn’t take as long as learning other writing systems. (ahem, hanzi)
2. 90 Day Korean (Beginner)
Search “90 day Korean alphabet” and you should find this blog post guide. It lays out hangul for you in a way you can reference later. I would do this after using Lets Learn.
3. Cake App (Intermediate)
They use popular media to teach the language, which can make it more fun. This app only has English or Korean, which means they are really specialized and a better resource than more generic apps such as duolingo. (Which I don’t recommend for Korean) Cake also has a website version.
4. LingoDeer (Beginner)
Another app with a web version, this one is more similar to duolingo’s style but has more relevant content in my opinion. They have both the romanized and hangul versions of text so you don’t need to know how to read Korean before jumping in. This app has multiple languages but specializes in Korean, Mandarin and Japanese.
5. Topik Guide (Advanced)
Their tips and resources page has a ton of free guides that range in level. If you are preparing for the Korean language exam, Topik these will be helpful. Even if you’re not, this is a good resource for seeing if you’re on track with your language goals or not.
6. Learn to Speak Korean at Coursera (Beginner)
Coursera courses are free to audit (complete on your own time without feedback). If you’re starting out and want to watch some videos you can check these out. They don’t go in depth but could be worth a look as it’s taught by a professor from Yonsei University.
7. Talk to me in Korean (All levels, paid)
This resource isn’t free but is one of the most popular Korean learning resources so I had to mention it. At time of writing it costs $16.99/month or $10.19/month for yearly. They have audio and video lessons, quizzes, and review kits.
8. Go Billy Korean (Intermediate-Advanced)
He has a website as well as a YouTube channel. You can find everything from idioms, conversations, pronunciation practice and more here. It looks like he has some books as well but I haven’t personally used them so I’m not sure if they’re good or not.
9. Korean from Zero (Beginner Books, All Levels YouTube)
While I don’t own these exact books (yet) I own all of the Japanese books from the same author and I love them. I had to mention them since I hardly see anyone talk about him and his content is great. If you don’t want to buy the books check out his Youtube channel for great interviews.
10. King Sejong Institute (Intermediate-Advanced)
This website is a little slow for me but there are some good free resources. They have their own exam (KSI) but I wouldn’t worry about that. I like their graded reader section the best. If you’re at the level where you’re ready for some stories, I would check these out.
#learnkorean #koreanlanguage #koreanlanguagelearning #studykorean #koreanstudy
Learning a new language like Korean can feel overwhelming with so many online resources available. From my own journey, I've realized that the key is finding tools that not only teach but also keep you engaged, especially when it comes to understanding interfaces and getting real conversation practice. Let's dive a bit deeper into some of the highly sought-after resources. Many of you are curious about Cake App, and for good reason! While it's popular for English conversation, its media-based approach for Korean is a game-changer. Imagine learning Korean phrases and pronunciation directly from K-dramas, YouTube videos, or daily dialogues. The interface is super intuitive: you watch short clips, repeat lines, and get instant feedback. This direct exposure to native speech significantly boosts your listening comprehension and helps you develop a natural speaking rhythm. It's truly fantastic for those looking to improve their practical conversation skills and sound more authentic. Then there's LingoDeer, which many find to be a more structured alternative to other well-known language apps. As someone who's tried different platforms, I appreciate how LingoDeer's interface guides you through grammar points and vocabulary in a logical, progressive manner. It clearly displays both Hangul and Romanized text, making it perfect for beginners who are still solidifying their reading skills after using resources like "Lets Learn Hangul" or "90 Day Korean." The lessons are bite-sized yet comprehensive, covering everything from basic greetings to complex sentence structures. It really helps build a strong foundation. Beyond these apps, don't forget the power of comprehensive online courses. For instance, Talk To Me In Korean (TTMIK) offers a fantastic roadmap for learners of all levels. While the core article mentions their paid options, their free lessons and podcasts are invaluable for getting a grasp on grammar and everyday expressions. Similarly, resources like Coursera provide university-level content, giving you a deeper academic understanding that complements the more casual app-based learning. If you're aiming for fluency and want to tackle specific challenges like pronunciation or idioms, experts like "Go Billy Korean" offer incredible insights. And for those eyeing the TOPIK exam or looking for graded readers, the "King Sejong Institute" website and "Topik Guide" are goldmines, providing materials that push you towards advanced proficiency. Even "Korean from Zero" has excellent books and a YouTube channel that explores various aspects of Korean culture and language, making learning more holistic. My personal tip? Don't rely on just one resource. Combine the interactive nature of apps like Cake for conversation with the structured lessons of LingoDeer, and supplement with comprehensive courses or specialized content. Consistency is key, even if it's just 15-20 minutes a day. The online world offers an incredible array of tools; it's all about finding what works best for your learning style and sticking with it. You've got this!
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