Resources
This is an ever-evolving list of sites, apps, books, videos, and other content that I have found useful. Please feel free to send me recommendations of your own.
Apps & Websites
- iTalki – I work with a professional Korean teacher 2-4 times per week. That’s a lot but I recommend some kind of “live” teaching for everyone even if it is only a monthly check-in with someone who can correct pronunciation and answer questions.
- ChatGPT – AI has already completely transformed the way I study language. Surprisingly, ChatGPT handles Korean incredibly well. It’s like having a teacher at your side 24/7/365. It can do so much more than translate.
- Memrise – Great Korean language modules plus you can build and customize your own – which I do, a lot.
- Talk To Me In Korean Online Classes – The bite sized beginner level classes & corresponding podcast episodes are really great.
- LingoDeer – An excellent option for self-study.
- iEggbun – Focuses on immersing the user in short basic conversations. Very cool.
- iAnki – Great for building your own flashcards. A powerful learning system. You can also choose from many Korean decks created by others.
- Learn Korean – Hangul – This iOS app focuses on Hangul and also teaches you how to write the characters with proper stroke order.
- Hangeul 101 – This iOS app is excellent for learning Hangeul but the tables with sounds also make it an excellent quick reference tool when you need a pronunciation refresher.
- iSino-Korean Numbers to Digits & Digits to Pure Korean Numbers – Great for increasing retention and number conversion speed.
Translation & Reference
- Papago – The most trustworthy machine translation for Korean
- Naver Dictionary – The gold standard for English-Korean online dictionaries.
- 동사 Korean Verb Conjugator – The website is a lifesaver! Make sure to click on the conjugations to see the detailed explanation.
Books
- KU Korean Language 1 – A little pricey but well done (and used by my teacher).
- TTMIK – Talk To Me In Korean is the top publisher in the Korean learning space for English speakers. Their Level 1 Package is a great place to start.
- Korean Grammar in Use: Beginning – Frequently recommended. I still have a lot of work to do at this level.
- GO! Billy Korean – Billy has published multiple books that are excellent for beginner to intermediate learners.
- You don’t have to be a K-pop fan to enjoy the Learn! Korean With TinyTAN and Learn! Korean with BTS book. They each include a talking pen that can make self-study a lot easier. It’s a bit pricey but very well done.
- Dom & Hyo – This couple in South Korea makes tons of great downloadables (books and infographics) aimed at beginner level Korean learners.
- Soo & Carrots – This shop makes really cute and useful Korean books, flashcards, and other study materials – much of it downloadable.
YouTubers
Podcasts
Reddit Communities
- r/BeginnerKorean – A friendly place for Korean learners at beginner level and those who are about to start learning Korean.
- r/Korean – We’re here to study and learn the Korean language. All levels welcome.
- r/hanguk – A casual “Sub Reddit” focused on Korean. English welcome.
- r/WriteStreakKorean – Learn Korean with daily writing practice!
- r/KoreanTranslate – Have something in Korean you would like translated and/or explained? Request it here and others will provide you with the proper translations along w/ quality detail regarding the meaning and/or context behind it.
- r/korea – A subreddit for news, culture, and life on the Korean Peninsula. Welcome to everyone, including native Koreans, Korean diaspora, and foreigners.
