Day 1: Master Hangul (the Korean alphabet)
Start with Hangul. It looks different, but it’s logical and was designed to be easy to learn. Aim to read and write basic syllables by the end of today.
Learn consonants and vowels, then blend them into blocks like 한, 국, 어. Say each sound out loud to lock in pronunciation while you write.
- Use a free online Hangul trainer for 60–90 minutes.
- Write your name, country, and simple words yourself in Hangul.
- Drill basic syllables aloud: 가, 나, 다, 라, 마, 바, 사.
- Practice final consonants (받침) with minimal pairs like 발 vs. 팔.
- Make simple flashcards or a one-page cheat sheet.
Days 2–3: Essential phrases and survival vocabulary
Focus on high-frequency phrases you’ll use daily. Keep everything in the polite -요 style so you sound friendly and safe as a beginner.
Study in short, spaced bursts. Read the phrase, listen, repeat, then test yourself without looking. Keep a tiny phrasebook or beginner book handy.
- Greetings and basics: 안녕하세요, 감사합니다, 죄송합니다, 네, 아니요.
- Self-intro: 저는 [이름]이에요/예요; 저는 미국 사람이에요.
- Shopping/food: 이거 주세요; 얼마예요? 맛있어요.
- Numbers and time: 1–10, 오늘/내일/어제, 지금.
- Directions: 어디예요? 왼쪽/오른쪽/직진, 역/출구.
- Help: 천천히 말해 주세요; 다시 말해 주세요.
Day 4: Pronunciation and basic grammar
Korean pronunciation has regular rules. Focus on vowel length/clarity, the difference between plain ㅂ/ㄷ/ㄱ and tense ㅃ/ㄸ/ㄲ, and sound changes at syllable boundaries.
For grammar, keep it light: word order is Subject–Object–Verb, and polite endings end with -요. Learn just a few particles so sentences make sense.
- Word order: 저는 커피를 마셔요 (I coffee drink).
- Particles: 은/는 (topic), 이/가 (subject), 을/를 (object).
- Present tense polite: -아요/어요/해요 patterns.
- Yes–no questions: rising intonation or -요 with a question tone.
- Linking: 그리고 (and), 하지만 (but) for simple combos.
Days 5–6: Build a routine—listening, speaking, reading
Consistency beats cramming. Mix skills every day: 15 minutes reading Hangul, 20 minutes listening, 15 minutes shadowing, 10 minutes writing. Keep it light and repeatable.
Use free online audio with transcripts. Shadow slowly, then at normal speed. Write short sentences about yourself to connect the language to your life.
- Listening: beginner podcasts or dialogues with transcripts.
- Speaking: shadow phrases line by line; record yourself.
- Reading: menus, signs, captions in Hangul you know.
- Writing: 5 daily sentences about your day using -요.
- Vocabulary: 10–15 spaced-repetition cards; review fast.
Day 7: Review, test yourself, and next steps
Today is about consolidation. Revisit Hangul, your top 50–80 words, and core phrases. Test yourself without notes, then check and correct.
Make a 30-day plan. Keep your free online routine, add a beginner book or phrasebook, and schedule short speaking sessions with a partner or tutor.
- One-take challenge: introduce yourself for 60 seconds.
- Role-play: order food and ask for prices politely.
- Reading check: read 10 menu words and 10 signs.
- Grammar quiz: build five SOV sentences with particles.
- Plan: 25 minutes daily, five days a week, for a month.
FAQ
- Can I really learn Korean in 7 days?
- You can’t be fluent, but you can read Hangul, learn key phrases, and hold basic exchanges if you practice daily and test yourself.
- What free online tools should beginners use?
- Use Hangul trainers, beginner podcasts with transcripts, spaced-repetition flashcards, and YouTube lessons focused on pronunciation and short dialogues.
- Do I need a beginner book or phrasebook?
- Yes, a concise beginner book or phrasebook organizes essentials, offers dialogs and exercises, and complements your free online practice.
- How should I practice speaking by myself?
- Shadow audio slowly, then normally. Record yourself, compare, and repeat. Do one-take monologues about your day using polite -요 sentences.
- What daily goal keeps progress steady?
- Aim for 45–60 minutes: 15 reading, 20 listening, 10–15 speaking, 10 vocabulary. Small, consistent sessions beat long, irregular days.