9 FREE TIPS FOR LEARNING THE KOREAN LANGUAGE

Here are some Korean language learning tips…

1. Conversation.

An hour of conversation with me (with corrections and a textbook for reference) is as good as five hours in a classroom and ten hours with a language course by yourself.

There are a few reasons for this. The first is motivation. Even if you have the coolest self-study guide, you’re going to be far more invested and motivated to communicate with a live person than with a book or audio program.

The second reason is that language is something that needs to be processed, not memorized. The reason is that our minds place more priority on memories that involve actual human and social experiences, memories that have emotions tied to them.

2. Repetition.

Studying the Korean language for 1-2 hours a day for 3 years continuously will be more beneficial for you. (I recommend no breaks in between.)

Language requires a lot of repetition, a lot of reference experiences, and a consistent commitment and investment. It’s better to allot a particular period of your life, even if it’s only 3 years, and really go at it 100%!

3. Practice.

Use free resource that I provide for you!— i.e., Conversational topic questions that I post on my website is a good tool that you can practice while going about your day and not talking to anyone. Challenge yourself to think in the new language. We all have monologues running in our heads, and typically they run in our native tongue. You can continue to practice and construct sentences and fake conversations in your head in the Korean language. In fact, this sort of visualization leads to much easier conversations when you actually have them.

4. Tutor.

One-on-One tutoring is the best and most efficient use of time. Studying with me for at least 2-3 hours per week is the fastest way to learn the Korean language.

5. Use.

When you learn a new word, try to use it a few times right away. When we learn a new word in class, make a point to use it in the next two or three sentences you say. Language learning studies show that you need to hit a certain amount of repetitions of saying a word within one hour of learning it, one day, etc. Try to use it immediately a few times and then use it again later in the day. Chances are it’ll stick.

6. TV.

Korean TV shows, movies, and dramas are a good supplementation. But they should not be mistaken or replacements for legitimate learning. I recommend watching a couple each week.

7. Help.

I am helpful. Ask me questions. I am a friendly person and love to help you out. I look forward to hearing from you very soon.

8. Phases.

These are the phases you go through. First, you’re able to speak a little and understand nothing. Then you’re able to understand far more than you speak. Then you become conversational, but it requires quite a bit of mental effort. After that, you’re able to speak and understand without conscious mental effort (i.e., you don’t have to translate words into your native tongue in your mind). Once you’re able to speak and listen without thinking about it, you’ll begin to actually think in the Korean language itself without effort. Once this happens, you’re really hitting a high level.

9. Fun.

Finally, find a way to make it fun. As with anything, if you’re going to stick to it, you have to find a way to make it fun. Find me and come talk to me either in person or online! Don’t just sit in front of a book. Talk to me about personal topics which you care about. Find out about me. Find some Korean friends you could talk, relate to and make friends. Make it a personal, fun life experience!