Master Hangul in a few days
Hangul, the Korean alphabet, is logical and beginner-friendly. Most learners can read basic syllables in 2–7 days. Start by learning the consonants and vowels, then combine them into blocks like 가, 나, 다. Focus on sound first, not meaning.
Use simple mnemonics and write by hand to lock it in. Don’t rely on romanization for long—your pronunciation and reading will improve faster when you commit to Hangul. It’s the best first win for beginners learning the language.
- Download a free Hangul chart and practice daily.
- Write each letter 10 times while saying it aloud.
- Read kids’ words and subway signs online.
- Test yourself with quick flashcards for a few days.
Build a simple 30‑day routine
Consistency beats long study marathons. Aim for 20–30 minutes a day for 30 days. Split time: 10 minutes vocab, 10 minutes listening/speaking, and 5–10 minutes grammar. Small wins keep motivation high when you learn by yourself.
Track your streak on paper or an app. Keep materials easy to reach: one beginner book or course, one vocab deck, and one listening source. Fewer choices = more action.
- Days 1–3: Hangul review + basic phrases.
- Days 4–10: Numbers, time, polite endings (-요).
- Days 11–20: Particles (은/는, 이/가, 을/를).
- Days 21–30: Daily routines, questions, directions.
- Weekly: One short speaking or writing task.
Focus on core words and polite phrases
Beginner progress explodes with high-frequency words: people, places, food, time, and verbs like 가다 (to go), 먹다 (to eat), 있다/없다 (to have/not). Learn polite endings with -요 to sound friendly and natural from day one.
Use short sentence patterns: 저는 학생이에요 (I am a student), 물 있어요? (Do you have water?). Build a 300–500 word core with spaced repetition. You can use a free deck online or word lists from your book.
- Learn 15–20 verbs you use every day.
- Memorize polite set phrases like 죄송해요 and 감사합니다.
- Study counters (개, 명, 권) for basic shopping.
- Practice question words: 뭐, 어디, 언제, 왜, 어떻게.
- Review little but often—tiny sessions win.
Train your ear and speak out loud
Listening first makes speaking easier. Use short, slow clips: beginner podcasts, YouTube lessons, or kids’ shows. Shadow (repeat right after) to copy rhythm and intonation. Even 5 minutes a day helps your accent.
Record yourself and compare to the native audio. For real interaction, try a language exchange weekly. If you’re shy, talk to yourself: describe your room, your plans, or what you ate today—in Korean.
- Shadow one 30–60 second clip daily.
- Repeat phrases three times with rising/falling tone.
- Use free subtitles, then turn them off gradually.
- Do a weekly 10-minute voice memo about your day.
- Ask a partner three simple questions every week.
Keep grammar simple and use the right tools
Start with word order (SOV), particles (은/는, 이/가, 을/를), and present/past with -어요/-았어요. Don’t try to learn every rule at once—learn a pattern, make three sentences, then move on.
Pick one beginner book or one structured online course and stick with it. Add a free dictionary app and a spaced repetition deck. The best resource is the one you’ll open every day.
- Study one pattern, write three examples yourself.
- Keep a mini notebook of fixes and common errors.
- Use a bilingual dictionary plus example sentences.
- Review yesterday’s work for 5 minutes before new material.
- After 30 days, repeat the cycle with harder texts.
FAQ
- How long does it take to learn beginner Korean?
- With 20–30 minutes a day, many beginners reach A1 basics in 4–6 weeks and A2 foundations in 3–6 months. Consistency matters more than long sessions.
- Is Hangul hard to learn?
- Hangul is very logical. Most learners can read simple words in a few days. Practice by writing letters and reading easy signs or menus online.
- Do I need a tutor to start?
- Not required. You can learn by yourself using a beginner book, a structured online course, and free listening resources. A tutor helps with feedback, but you can add one later.
- What should I study first: vocabulary or grammar?
- Start with Hangul, then learn 100 core words and a few grammar patterns. Mix both daily: small vocab sets plus one pattern you can use right away.
- Can I learn Korean for free?
- Yes. You can use free apps, online videos, podcasts, decks, and community exchanges. If budget allows, add one paid book or course for structure.