Learn Korean for Beginners Free: A Friendly 7-Day Starter

Ready to learn Korean without spending a cent? This friendly guide is for English speakers at beginner level (A1–A2) who want a simple, free path to progress. You’ll master Hangul, pick up everyday phrases, and set a routine you can follow online or with a book you already own. Study in short bursts over seven days, then keep going at your pace. Use it to teach yourself the language step by step, without stress, and start using Korean in real conversations sooner than you think.

Master Hangul in Days

Hangul, the Korean alphabet, is logical and quick to learn. Most beginners can read it in a couple of days with focused practice. Knowing the letters early lets you pronounce words correctly and avoid over-relying on English romanization.

Practice by reading menus, subway signs, and short words online. Write each block by hand to feel the structure. Pair visual drills with audio so you link letters to real sounds from day one.

  • Use a free Hangul chart plus audio
  • Write 5 new words yourself daily
  • Read simple signs or screenshots
  • Avoid romanization after day 2

Core Phrases for Real Life

Collect high-frequency phrases you’ll actually use. Start with greetings, thanks, apologies, numbers, ordering food, and asking prices. Keep a small deck so you can review anywhere and learn the language in real contexts.

Learn each phrase in Hangul, with polite endings first. Record yourself, compare to natives, and shadow slow audio. Remember: a few solid phrases beat a long list you never say.

  • μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ„Έμš” (annyeonghaseyo) – hello
  • κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€ (gamsahamnida) – thank you
  • λ¬Ό μ£Όμ„Έμš” (mul juseyo) – water, please
  • μ–Όλ§ˆμ˜ˆμš”? (eolmayeyo?) – how much?
  • λ„€/μ•„λ‹ˆμš” (ne/aniyo) – yes/no

A 7-Day Beginner Plan

Structure beats motivation. Here’s a simple seven-day plan to kickstart the habit. Each day takes 25–35 minutes and mixes reading, listening, speaking, and a tiny bit of grammar so beginners feel steady progress.

Use a free course or a beginner book for guidance, but keep it light. Check off wins to keep yourself motivated and celebrate small streaks. You’ll learn more when you enjoy the days, not just the results.

  • Day 1: Hangul rows 1–2 + audio
  • Day 2: Hangul rows 3–5 + 10 words
  • Day 3: 10 core phrases + shadowing
  • Day 4: Particles 은/λŠ” vs. 이/κ°€
  • Day 5: Polite present tense -μ•„μš”/μ–΄μš”
  • Day 6: Menu vocab + order practice
  • Day 7: Review, record yourself, quiz

Best Free Online Tools

You can learn a lot online for free. Combine one course with one dictionary and one spaced-repetition app; don’t overload your brain. Keep your toolkit simple and consistent for the first weeks.

Choose tools that match your style: video for visual learners, podcasts for commuters, and text lessons if you like reading. Bookmark them and use daily so the language sticks.

  • Talk To Me In Korean Level 1 (free lessons)
  • How to Study Korean Unit 1 (text + drills)
  • Duolingo for gamified review sessions
  • Naver Dictionary + Papago voice lookup
  • Anki/AnkiWeb shared Korean decks

Pronunciation, Grammar, and Tracking

Pronunciation matters early. Focus on batchim (final consonants), tense sounds (γ„², γ…ƒ, γ…†), and spacing. Record short clips and compare to native audio. Small, daily corrections compound fast for a beginner.

For grammar, learn particles (-을/λ₯Ό for objects, -에/μ—μ„œ for place) and stick to polite speech at first. Track study time, not just streaks. A simple sheet keeps the habit visible and helps you coach yourself.

  • Shadow 5 minutes daily
  • Repeat after slow native audio
  • One grammar point per day
  • Weekly check: use 3 phrases in chat
  • Record yourself on days 1 and 7

FAQ

Can I really learn Korean free online?
Yes. Combine a free course, dictionary, and spaced repetition app. Keep sessions short, review daily, and practice speaking out loud so the language becomes active.
How many days to learn Hangul as a beginner?
Most beginners can read basic Hangul in 1–3 days with focused sessions. Keep practicing handwriting and listening so letters connect to real sounds.
Is one book enough for beginners?
One beginner book plus free audio is plenty to start. Add an online course for explanations and use a deck for review. Depth beats collecting more materials.
Should I teach yourself or find a tutor?
Start by teaching yourself to build habits. After a few weeks, consider a tutor or language exchange for feedback and speaking practice once a week.
How long to reach A2 if I study daily?
With 30–45 minutes a day, many learners reach A2 in 3–6 months. Keep steady: Hangul, core phrases, particles, polite tense, and consistent speaking practice.

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