Want to know how to learn Korean? I think you do! Korea is becoming a popular destination for both tourists and for those looking to find overseas work. Korean can be frustrating and difficult to master, though, if you don’t know what you’re doing. Follow the step-by-step process I have created below, though, and you’ll be speaking Korean in no time.
How to Learn Korean Step 1: Get Friendly With the Korean Alphabet
When I lived in Korea, I met lots of people who had tried to speak Korean without taking the time to learn to pronounce Korean characters. Doing so, people mistakenly think, speeds up the learning process. Glossing over Korean characters, though, impedes the learning process greatly. It causes problems because the sounds of English characters do not translate well into Korean. For instance, here’s how you say, “Korea has four distinct seasons.” Hangugeun ne gyejeori tturyeothada. Try to get that pronunciation right! It’s not going to happen. You’ll learn, sure, but nobody will be able to understand you. Then you’ll have the terrible task of fixing your poor pronunciation. Do the right thing, then, and just learn Korean characters in the beginning.
How to Learn Korean Step 2: Master Korean Grammar
Yes, if you want to know how to speak Korean you have to study the grammar. I’m sure you’re disappointed, but hold on. I’m not suggesting that you spend tons of time doing sentence construction drills. What I’m saying is that you should get familiar with the basics. Why do I think this is necessary? Learning the basics of Korean grammar is necessary because it goes against what you’ll “feel” is normal. For example, in English we use the structure Subject + Verb + Object. We would say, then, “I threw the ball.”
The same sentence in Korean, though, is structured Subject + Object + Verb. So, in this case, we would say “I ball threw.” You can see, as well, that this sentence has not article. The reason is because articles are not used in Korean. Review those 2 simple structural differences. Now try to say another simple phrase such as, “He went home.” It’s going to be easier, right, now that you know just 2 simple grammar points? It’s going to be far easier, I’m sure you’ll agree.
How to Learn Korean Step 3: Get Speaking
Really, it’s best if speak a little right from the start, but I want to highlight a certain point My point is that when learning Korean it is really important to master the sounds of the alphabet and become familiar with grammar before you focus too much on your speaking. Otherwise, you’ll end up with poor pronunciation and grammar skills.Now you know the secret to learning Korean, so have at it, and enjoy mastering this fun and interesting language.
Teaching in Korea is fun, exciting and profitable. Plus it’s easy to do. Learn more about teaching English in Korea.
