Tips for Learning Korean From Hangeul to Conversation

Written By Mel B

1. Start with Hangeul (the Korean alphabet)

One of the first hurdles is Hangeul, but it’s also the easiest win. Designed in the 15th century by King Sejong, it was made so “even a commoner could learn it in a day.” And honestly, that’s not far from the truth!

Why it’s easy:

  • It’s phonetic, every character represents a sound.

  • The letters are grouped into blocks (syllables), which makes reading straightforward.

  • There are only 14 consonants and 10 vowels to learn.

Study tips:

  • Write out your favorite K-pop idols’ names in Hangeul.

  • Use apps like LingoDeer or the website How to Study Korean for alphabet drills.

  • Practice by reading menus or subway signs in Korean (even if you don’t understand the meaning yet).

Here are tips to learn Hangeul

2. Set Small, Achievable Goals

Many beginners overwhelm themselves with “I want to be fluent.” Instead, aim for practical milestones:

  • ✅ Week 1: Master greetings like 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) and 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida).

  • ✅ Week 2: Learn to count to 100 (you’ll need both number systems: Sino-Korean and Native Korean).

  • ✅ Week 3: Order food in Korean, even if it’s just 김치찌개 주세요 (Kimchi jjigae juseyo : Kimchi stew, please).

Pro tip: Write your goals down and celebrate small wins. That dopamine hit keeps you motivated!

3. Use the Right Resources

Korean has a ton of learning materials. The trick is choosing ones that match your style.

  • 🌐 How to Study Korean (website): Free and extremely detailed, great for grammar-heavy learners.

  • 🎧 Talk To Me In Korean (TTMIK): Audio, books, and YouTube, more casual, great for self-learners.

  • 📱 Apps like Anki/Memrise: Use flashcards with spaced repetition for vocab retention.

  • 🗣️ italki & HelloTalk: Practice speaking with real Koreans. It’s scary at first, but nothing beats real conversation!

Here are the best resources for all levels

4. Practice Speaking Early

Most learners avoid speaking because they feel shy or “not ready.” But here’s the truth: you’ll never feel ready. Start small, and confidence will grow.

Examples:

  • Say 안녕하세요 to your Korean barista instead of “hi.”

  • Join a language exchange online and just introduce yourself.

  • Practice shadowing to your favourite idol or youtuber to improve pronunciation.

Koreans usually appreciate the effort and often switch to Korean when they realize you’re trying.

5. Learn Through What You Love

This is the secret sauce to staying motivated.

  • Love K-pop? Print out lyrics, highlight grammar points, and sing along.

  • Into K-dramas? Turn off English subtitles for 5 minutes and test yourself.

  • Foodie? Learn food-related words like 떡볶이 (tteokbokki) or 불고기 (bulgogi) and practice ordering.

When you tie language learning to your hobbies, it doesn’t feel like work, it feels like fun.

6. Make It a Habit

The golden rule of language learning: consistency beats intensity.

  • 20 minutes daily > 3 hours once a week.

  • Stack it with habits: listen to a Korean podcast while commuting, review vocab while drinking coffee.

  • Try the “Don’t break the chain” method: put an ❌ on a calendar every day you study. Watch the streak grow!

7. Train Your Ear with Listening Practice

Korean spoken at natural speed is fast, particles and endings get swallowed. To train your ear:

  • Listen to Talk To Me In 100% Korean (TTMIK podcast).

  • Watch Korean YouTubers with subtitles. Channels like Korean Englishman mix both languages.

  • Play background playlists like Cozy Vibes Corner (YouTube) for jazz/study music while reviewing vocab, it helps with focus and creates a “study mood.”

8. Immerse Yourself (Even from Home)

If you can’t live in Korea, bring Korea to you:

  • Switch your phone and Netflix interface to Korean.

  • Label household items: 책 (chaek – book), 냉장고 (naengjanggo – fridge).

  • Follow Korean meme pages or Twitter accounts for real slang.

The goal is to trick your brain into thinking Korean is part of your everyday life.

9. Be Patient with Honorifics and Politeness Levels

Honorifics can feel like a maze. There’s formal (존댓말), casual (반말), and even extra-formal speech. Beginners should stick to polite speech like:

  • -요 endings: 괜찮아요 (It’s okay), 좋아요 (It’s good).

Over time, you’ll naturally pick up when to use casual speech with friends. Don’t stress about it too early.

Final Thoughts

Learning Korean is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about building small, daily habits, enjoying the culture you already love, and connecting with people. Remember, mistakes aren’t failures, they’re proof you’re trying.

With tools like italki, LangoTalk, and How to Study Korean, plus a dash of K-pop and late-night K-drama sessions, you’ll be surprised how quickly your skills grow. Stick with it, stay curious, and before you know it, you’ll be laughing along with variety shows or chatting with locals on your next trip to Seoul.

Mel B
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