Master Hangul in 7 Days
Hangul, the Korean alphabet, has about 24 basic letters arranged into blocks. It’s logical, phonetic, and far easier than many beginners expect. If you give it steady attention, you can read simple words in a few days and short signs in about a week.
Use free online charts and typing trainers to learn shapes and sounds, then read out loud. Limit romanization so your brain maps letters to sounds quickly. Aim for short daily sessions: consistent, light practice beats long, rare cram sessions.
- Days 1–2: Learn consonants and vowels; say them out loud.
- Days 3–4: Build syllable blocks (CV, CVC) and read slow, steady.
- Day 5: Add final consonants (batchim) and double consonants.
- Days 6–7: Read menus, names, and app screens; start Korean typing.
First Words and Phrases for Beginners
After Hangul, stock your toolkit with polite, high-frequency phrases you’ll hear every day. Keep a tiny phrase deck on your phone and review it during spare moments. Record yourself to check clarity and rhythm.
Focus on polite endings with -요. Copy short model sentences, then swap a word or two to personalize. Free online audio is perfect for shadowing: listen, repeat immediately, and try to match melody and speed.
- 안녕하세요 — hello
- 감사합니다 — thank you
- 괜찮아요 — it’s okay
- 주세요 — please (give me)
- 이름이 뭐예요? — what’s your name?
- 얼마예요? — how much is it?
Simple Grammar You’ll Actually Use
Korean is SOV (Subject–Object–Verb) and uses particles to mark roles. Start with the topic particle (은/는) and subject particle (이/가). Keep sentences short and polite with the -요 ending. Don’t worry about every rule; aim for understandable, friendly speech.
Use set patterns to build many beginner sentences. Learn one model, then swap vocabulary. This lowers stress and accelerates speaking confidence, especially for A1–A2 learners studying free and online.
- N은/는 N이에요/예요 (X is Y): 저는 학생이에요.
- N이/가 있어요/없어요 (there is/isn’t): 시간이 있어요.
- V-아요/어요 (present polite): 먹어요, 가요, 봐요.
- 안 V / 못 V (don’t / can’t): 안 먹어요; 한국어를 잘 못해요.
A 30-Day Free Study Plan (10–20 minutes/day)
Short daily sessions add up. Use a timer, keep notes, and end each study block with one clear win (a word, a phrase, or a line you can say). If you miss a day, reset—don’t double the next one.
Mix listening, reading, speaking, and a tiny bit of writing. The plan below is flexible—swap resources with any free online tool you like.
- Days 1–3: Hangul basics + typing practice (5 min read aloud, 5–10 min drills).
- Days 4–7: Syllable blocks + batchim; read signs and app UIs you see daily.
- Week 2: Core phrases, numbers, and time; shadow 5–10 minutes/day.
- Week 3: Grammar patterns (은/는, 이/가, -아요/어요); write 3 mini lines/day.
- Week 4: Conversation drills; record 30–60 sec monologues and review.
Best Free Online Tools and a Book to Try
Pair a few high-quality resources instead of chasing dozens. Keep one dictionary, one audio source, one deck, and one grammar reference. If you prefer paper, borrow a beginner book from your local library to anchor your notes.
When you learn by yourself, track what you actually used and what helped. Retire anything you’re not opening in a week. Simplicity makes progress visible—especially for beginners.
- Free dictionary and translator: Naver Dictionary + Papago for examples and audio.
- YouTube listening: short dialogues and slow news for learners (auto-captions in Korean).
- Flashcards: community decks on Anki or Memrise; keep them small and targeted.
- Language exchange apps: 10-minute voice notes with patient partners.
- Beginner book: borrow “Integrated Korean: Beginning 1” or TTMIK Level 1 from a library.
FAQ
- Can I learn Korean by yourself for free?
- Yes. Combine free online lessons, a dictionary, and short daily practice. Focus on Hangul first, then phrases and one grammar pattern at a time. Record yourself, shadow audio, and use language exchange voice notes for speaking.
- How many days to learn Hangul?
- With 10–20 focused minutes per day, most beginners read basic Korean in 3–7 days. Expect another week to feel comfortable with batchim (final consonants) and to read real-life words smoothly.
- Should I use romanization as a beginner?
- Use it sparingly. Learn Hangul early so your brain links letters to sounds correctly. Keep romanization only as a temporary guide for tricky words, then phase it out to improve pronunciation and reading speed.
- What’s a good beginner book to support free study?
- Check your library for “Integrated Korean: Beginning 1” or “Talk To Me In Korean Level 1.” Even if you study online for free, a clear book structure can anchor notes and give you graded practice.
- How do I practice speaking without a tutor?
- Shadow short clips daily, record 30–60 second monologues, and swap voice notes on exchange apps. Repeat the same lines across days. Consistency and re-use grow fluency faster than always chasing new material.