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Free Language Courses Learn Korean Language

Free Korean Language Courses

  • Foreign Service Institute Basic Korean – Web Site
    • Includes the original and updated courses, each with textbooks (PDF) and audio lessons (MP3).
  • Foreign Service Institute Korean Headstart – Web site
    • Textbook, cultural notes, and eight units of audio lessons (MP3).
  • KoreanClass101 – iTunes Free
    • Features daily audio lessons, video lessons, word of the day, etc.
  • Korean Language Adventure – Web Site
    • These lessons have been developed in the theme of travel and adventure, allowing learners to take a virtual journey to Seoul and its nearby popular tourist destinations.
  • Korean Learning for Correction Pronunciation – Web Site
  • Online Intermediate College Korean – Web Site
    • A web-based online courseware based on Intermediate College Korean (University of California Press, 2002).
  • Pathway to Korean: Beginning Spoken Korean from Zero – Web Site
    • Created by the National East Asian Languages Resource Center at The Ohio State University. When you get to the website, look for the “Units” in the top navigation bar.
  • Talk to Me in KoreanWeb Site
    • Korean learning made simple and easy. Quite possibly the most thorough, frequent, slick, and entertaining language-instruction podcast of any kind.
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Learn Korean Language

Learn Korean Numbers Guide

How to Write Korean Numbers?

The Korean language has two frequently used Korean number systems:

  • Sino Korean
  • Native Korean.

Understanding how to write both Korean number system should take very little time and effort to learn.

To Avoid your initial confusion on when and in what situation to use which number system I put together lists in which each Korean number system applies to.


Korean Sino-Korean Numbers

• For any number 100 or higher since Native Korean numbers only go up to 99.
• Counting any unit of time other than hours
• Measurements (, grams, , etc.)
• Phone numbers
• For creating the names of the months (number of month + ?)
• Money / currency
• Math

You basically write the Korean Characters in order. If the number is a double or triple digit number you write the Number times Position, Number times Position.

Korean Number Examples
Korean Number Examples

It’s actually pretty straightforward when it comes to learning how to use the Sino Korean number system. Pronouncing Sino Korean numbers is just as easy to learn.

Korean Numbers 1 to 10


Korean Sino-Korean Numbers 1 to 100

To illustrate what I mean, here is Sino Korean numbers 1 to 100.

Korean Numbers 1 to 100

Native Korean Numbers

When to use Native Korean
• Counting physical objects (including people) and usually followed by a count word.
• Years of age
• Hours
• Counting (in general)
• Counting months (but only when used with the native Korean word for month/moon: ?)

Native Korean Numbers are written exactly like they are written above.

It’s actually pretty straightforward when it comes to learning how to use the Native Korean number system. Pronouncing Native Korean numbers is just as easy to learn. To illustrate what I mean, here are Native Korean numbers 1 to 99.

You really just need to memorizes how to pronounce the base Native Korean Numbers then you can easily pronounce any Native Korean number. I personally choose to remember that Native Korean numbers follow a “number-position” type pattern. Example of what I mean..

Understanding how to write Korean numbers is really that simple to learn. Only takes an hour or two to fully memorizes the Korean number system.


Native Korean Numbers 1 to 100

Korean Numbers 1 to 100

You really just need to memorizes how to pronounce the base Sino Korean Numbers then you can easily pronounce any Sino Korean number. I personally choose to remember that Sino Korean numbers follow a “number-position” type pattern. Example of what I mean..

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Learn Korean Language

Basic Korean Language Grammar Guide

The Korean grammar rules you must follow and understand to properly speak the Korean language.

Korean Sentence follows the pattern of Subject + Object + Verb but politeness and respect to seniority also play an important part in the Korean language and culture.

Korean Nouns do not have a Gender.

Korean Nouns can be made plural by adding “들” to the end of the word.

Korean Verbs rely on several factors such as tense, aspect, mood, and the social relation to the people you are referring and speaking to.

More information about Korean grammar can be found below.


Korean Grammar Rules

The challenging or confusing part of learning any language.. learning Korean Grammar Rules! The rules you must follow to properly speak the Korean language. But don’t worry about how hard learning Korean Grammar might feel at first. Learning Korean grammar rules is one of the most effective ways to speed up your ability to properly speak the Korean language. Keep in mind this is just a basic introduction to understanding how Korean grammar works.

Korean Grammar Rules: Sentence Structure

• In Korean, the order of the words in a sentence is subject + object + verb.
• Politeness and respect to seniority is a critical part of Korean culture and the Korean Language.

Examples of Korean Sentence

Korean Grammar Rules: Nouns and Pronouns

• Korean Nouns do not have a Gender. Korean Nouns can be made a plural by adding “?”
• Korean Pronouns have honorifics to show respect formally or informally.

Korean Nouns

Korean Grammar Rules: Verbs

• Korean Verbs uses three tenses: past, present, and future
• Verbs can change according to the age and/or seniority to the person your speaking to.
• Korean Verbs rely on several factors such as tense, aspect, mood, and the social relation to the people you are referring and speaking to.

Korean Verb Examples

Korean Grammar Rules: Adjectives

• Korean Adjectives are words that describe or modify another person or thing in the sentence

Learning Korean grammar rules can be considered the cornerstone of the language and will take some time to learn but creates a sturdy foundation to help you completely learn Korean in no time. Take the time to let these points soak in, then build on them as you continue your Korean studies. Good luck, and have fun learning Korean.

Korean Adjective Examples
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Learn Korean Language

Korean Language Dialects List / Map

Within any language or language group, there may be significant changes in speech, vocabulary, and pronunciation. The term used to describe these changes is called a dialect. Some words or phrases that exist in one dialect may exist or be absent from different Korean dialects.

Korea is split into North and South Korea. North and South both have multiple regional dialects.

The most common Korean Dialects in South Korea is the Gyeonggi or Seoul Dialect.North Korean Dialects


Korean Language Dialect Map

Korean Dialects Map

Korean Dialects List

Pyongyang – Spoken in the P’yongyang, P’yong’an, and Chagang regions. Considered to be the primary Korean Dialects of North Korea.
Hamgyong – Spoken in the Hamgyongm, P’yong’an, and Ryanggang Provinces of North Korea.
Hwanghae – Spoken in the Hwanghae region of North Korea.
Gangwon/Kangwon – Spoken in the Yeongseo region of Gangwon and Kangwon Provinces.

South Korean Dialects

Seoul | Gyeonggi -Spoken in Gyeonggi, Incheon, Seoul, and Kaesong. Considered to be the primary Korean Dialects of South Korea.
Chungcheong – Spoken in the Chungcheong(Hoseo) region of South Korea.
Jeju – Spoken on Jeju Island, off the southwest coast of South Korea.
Jeolla – Spoken in the Jeolla province of South Korea. (Honam)
Gangwon-do – Spoken in the Yeongdong region of Gangwon and Kangwon Provinces.
Gyeongsang – Spoken in Gyeongsang includes the cities of Busan, Daegu, and Ulsan.

Different Korean Dialects of the Korean language are spoken in many different nations and regions around the world, most commonly throughout northern Asia. However, the differences in regional dialects may not make one Korean speaker nearly incomprehensible to another.

In most cases, the different Korean dialects don’t have a specific written form of the language, but there’s usually a certain amount of literature that accompanies each Korean dialects

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Learn Korean Language

Learn Korean Alphabet – Korean Language Alphabet Chart

Learning to read the Korean Alphabet should be the first stop for Korean beginners. Korean has personally my favourite alphabet to learn because of its unique structuring and style of writing.

Korean Alphabet has 35 characters overall with 10 vowels, 14 constants, and 11  (Complex vowels made up of regular vowels).

Learn Korean Written Alphabet is also known as Hangul alphabet or script and has origins that from Chinese. The Korean Alphabet contains ten main vowels, fourteen consonants, and eleven complex vowels(Known as Diphthongs). Until 1980, Korean was written from right to left but since then Hangul has changed direction to be written left to right. An interesting fact when you want to learn the Korean alphabet. The shapes of the consonants are based on the shape the mouth made when pronouncing the corresponding sound is made. Some consonants were created by adding extra lines to the original shapes.


Korean Diphthongs Complex Korean Vowels

Korean letters are group together in blocks or boxes to form syllables. These syllables are formed with an initial consonant, then either one or two vowels to the right of the initial constant or below the initial consonant. The consonant “ng” is silent when placed in the initial position. Example of how Korean is written and how to read Korean below.

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Learn Korean Language

Learn Basic Korean Language – Learn Korean Language Guide

Korean Beginners Guide

This guide was written for Korean Beginners that don’t know where to start learning the Korean language.

Why Learn the Korean Language

Korean is spoken by an estimated seventy-five million people in North and South Korea, and the importance of the Korean language is steadily growing all over the world. Although most speakers of Korean live on the Korean Peninsula and its adjacent islands, more than three million are scattered throughout the world on every continent.

Korean Beginners Guide Menu


Korean Alphabet

Learning to read the Korean Alphabet should be the first stop for Korean beginners.

Korean has personally my favourite alphabet to learn because of its unique structuring and style of writing.

Korean Alphabet has 35 characters overall with 10 vowels, 14 constants, and 11 Dipthongs (Complex vowels made up of regular vowels).

Korean Alphabet Table

Learn Korean Written Alphabet is also known as Hangul alphabet or script and has origins that from Chinese. The Korean Alphabet contains ten main vowels, fourteen consonants, and eleven complex vowels(Known as Diphthongs). Until 1980, Korean was written from right to left but since then Hangul has changed direction to be written left to right. An interesting fact when you want to learn the Korean alphabet. The shapes of the consonants are based on the shape the mouth made when pronouncing the corresponding sound is made. Some consonants were created by adding extra lines to the original shapes.

Korean Diphthongs Complex Korean Vowels

Korean letters are group together in blocks or boxes to form syllables. These syllables are formed with an initial consonant, then either one or two vowels to the right of the initial constant or below the initial consonant. The consonant “ng” is silent when placed in the initial position. Example of how Korean is written and how to read Korean below.


Korean Number System

How to Write Korean Numbers

The Korean language has two frequently used Korean number systems:

  • Sino Korean
  • Native Korean.

Understanding how to write both Korean number system should take very little time and effort to learn.

To Avoid your initial confusion on when and in what situation to use which number system I put together lists in which each Korean number system applies to.

When to Use Sino-Korean
• For any number 100 or higher since Native Korean numbers only go up to 99.
• Counting any unit of time other than hours
• Measurements (kilometers, grams, liters, etc.)
• Phone numbers
• For creating the names of the months (number of month + ?)
• Money / currency
• Math

You basically write the Korean Characters in order. If the number is a double or triple digit number you write the Number times Position, Number times Position.

Korean Number Examples

It’s actually pretty straightforward when it comes to learning how to use the Sino Korean number system. Pronouncing Sino Korean numbers is just as easy to learn.

To illustrate what I mean, here is Sino Korean numbers 1 to 100.

Korean Numbers 1 to 100

When to use Native Korean
• Counting physical objects (including people) and usually followed by a count word.
• Years of age
• Hours
• Counting (in general)
• Counting months (but only when used with the native Korean word for month/moon: ?)

Native Korean Numbers are written exactly like they are written above.

It’s actually pretty straightforward when it comes to learning how to use the Native Korean number system. Pronouncing Native Korean numbers is just as easy to learn. To illustrate what I mean, here are Native Korean numbers 1 to 99.

You really just need to memorizes how to pronounce the base Native Korean Numbers then you can easily pronounce any Native Korean number. I personally choose to remember that Native Korean numbers follow a “number-position” type pattern. Example of what I mean..

Understanding how to write Korean numbers is really that simple to learn. Only takes an hour or two to fully memorizes the Korean number system.

Korean Numbers 1 to 100

You really just need to memorizes how to pronounce the base Sino Korean Numbers then you can easily pronounce any Sino Korean number. I personally choose to remember that Sino Korean numbers follow a “number-position” type pattern. Example of what I mean..


Korean Vocabulary and Korean Phrases

The logical next step for Korean beginners after learning the Korean Alphabet would be to start developing your Korean vocabulary with Korean words and phrases.

Common Korean Phrases

If you ever play to visit a country where the primary spoken language is Korean, then knowing and being able to use common Korean phrases. Even though English is gradually becoming the most used language in international business in some situations. Speaking the language of the locals and talking to the people. It shows respect and an effort to their culture with just knowing a few common Korean phrases.

In any language, you should be able to greet people and introduce yourself or simply ask for help or directions. Korean greeting and phrases to start or end conversations. Being able to introduce yourself in Korean. Being able to say your “Sorry” or ask politely for someone to repeat themselves. Common Korean words and phrases like saying “yes’ and “no”

Most of the sentences below can be used for travel and daily life conversations. So they might come handy if you memorizes and practice then. The following is a list of common Korean phrases that you may need to know in the Korean language:

I hope you find this page of common Korean phrases useful in your travels. Memorizes them and try to incorporate them into your daily conversations.

Korean Words for Vehicles


Korean Words for Weather


Korean Words for Homes & Rooms


Korean Words for Countries


Korean Words for Continents


Korean Words for Anatomy


Korean Words for Times / Days


Korean Words for Seasons / Year


Korean Words for Animals


Korean Words for Colours


Korean Words for Days Week


Korean Words for Emotions Feelings


Korean Words for Family


Korean Words for Meals


Korean Words for Months / Year


Korean Words for Professionals



Korean Grammar

The Korean grammar rules you must follow and understand to properly speak the Korean language.

Korean Sentence follows the pattern of Subject + Object + Verb but politeness and respect to seniority also play an important part in the Korean language and culture.

Korean Nouns do not have a Gender.

Korean Nouns can be made plural by adding “들” to the end of the word.

Korean Verbs rely on several factors such as tense, aspect, mood, and the social relation to the people you are referring and speaking to.

More information about Korean grammar can be found below.

Korean Grammar Rules

The challenging or confusing part of learning any language.. learning Korean Grammar Rules! The rules you must follow to properly speak the Korean language. But don’t worry about how hard learning Korean Grammar might feel at first. Learning Korean grammar rules is one of the most effective ways to speed up your ability to properly speak the Korean language. Keep in mind this is just a basic introduction to understanding how Korean grammar works.

Korean Grammar Rules: Sentence Structure

• In Korean, the order of the words in a sentence is subject + object + verb.
• Politeness and respect to seniority is a critical part of Korean culture and the Korean Language.

Examples of Korean Sentence

Korean Grammar Rules: Nouns and Pronouns

• Korean Nouns do not have a Gender. Korean Nouns can be made a plural by adding “?”
• Korean Pronouns have honorifics to show respect formally or informally.

Korean Nouns

Korean Grammar Rules: Verbs

• Korean Verbs uses three tenses: past, present, and future
• Verbs can change according to the age and/or seniority to the person your speaking to.
• Korean Verbs rely on several factors such as tense, aspect, mood, and the social relation to the people you are referring and speaking to.

Korean Verb Examples

Korean Grammar Rules: Adjectives

• Korean Adjectives are words that describe or modify another person or thing in the sentence

Learning Korean grammar rules can be considered the cornerstone of the language and will take some time to learn but creates a sturdy foundation to help you completely learn Korean in no time. Take the time to let these points soak in, then build on them as you continue your Korean studies. Good luck, and have fun learning Korean.

Korean Adjective Examples


Consider Using a Korean Language Learning Program

Try Korean Language Software

If you’re really serious about learning Korean and want to maximize your time then you should consider using a Korean language course to further aid you in your quest to learn Korean. There are several great programs out there that deliver a great language learning experience. The advantages of a language learning program are the organization and having the next step already lined up. Most break down the lessons into 30-minute intervals that can fit into any type of schedule. Flexible to retry a lesson to make sure you understand what you are learning and give you confidence in succeeding.

Examples of great Korean language programs can be found below.

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Importance of Languages

Importance of the Korean Language

Guide to Importance of Korean Language

Why it’s Important to Learn Korean?

The importance of the Korean language is spoken by an estimated seventy-five million people in North and South Korea, and the importance of the Korean language is steadily growing all over the world. Although most speakers of Korean live on the Korean Peninsula and its adjacent islands, more than three million are scattered throughout the world on every continent. In this day and age having knowledge of a second language is seen as a huge asset around the world.


If you were to start learning Korean today, you would realize there is more to the Korean language then the basics, such as infections, pronunciations, and various accents to get a hold of. But nothing so serious that native won’t understand you if only know a few phrases if you speak the language with the unique Korean subtleties that go with it. Hangeul, the Korean alphabet system is somewhat easier to learn then the language itself.

The importance of Korean is beneficial regardless if you do it for fun or for your career or even just for personal travel. But if you are devoted to learning Korean you shouldn’t have many problems with the importance of the Korean language.

The number of international students worldwide that want to study the Korean language has shot up in recent years.

For several reasons such as:

  • understanding Korean TV dramas/music,
  • foreign business job seekers,
  • possibly traveling to Korea in the near future.

Even though Korean is not a major world language, it still is a very important language in Asia and is slowly becoming a more popular second language around the world.


South Korean History

South Korea as a rich culture but isn’t really known as a tourist attraction. It’s very distinct from other countries in the region such as Japan and China. Many historical and artistic places of interest to visit such as the natural landmarks of the peaks of the Baekdudaegan, the caves of Danyang and Hwanseongul. Along the coasts are ferries to take you from island to island, to even limited tourism to the Liancourt Rocks. Korea also has a lot of beaches and islands to visit.

South Korea has as it’s own unique style of cuisine that sets it apart from Japan and China. Many portions of the country have annual festivals, including the Boryeong Mud Festival and the Cheongdo Bullfighting Festival.


South Korean Today

Modern South Korean

Importance of Korean language in business around Asia because of Korea’s increasing trade volume and foreign investors. Many top Korean businesses are viewed as the bridge or central hub of breaking into East Asian markets. Theses business advocate and seeking highly experience bilingual individuals graduates from Europe, Russia, Central Asia and the United States for Business and Trade opportunities. Korea highly values trust and inter-personal bonds in its business deals, for this to work, knowing the local language is indeed invaluable. Cause trust brings cooperation, and cooperation brings successful endeavours.

All languages evolve with time and Korean is no exception. To genuinely understand the importance of Korean language you need to learn the language yourself so you can receive the full benefit of this amazing language. In fact, the latest research has shown that learning a second language helps fight against Alzheimer’s disease and slows down the aging effects of the brain. Talk about the Importance of language in action!


Why Learn Korean – Ten Reasons to Learn Korean

10 Reasons Learn Korean Language

You probably already have your own reasons to learn Korean but in case you don’t have one already or still looking for more reasons to get motivated to learn Korean. This article should help you answer the question “why learn Korean?


1 – “Easiest” of the Asian Languages

Compared to other languages in the area, Korean can be considered the easiest to learn although it does resemble Chinese and Japanese in structure, politeness rules, and borrow vocabulary. The Korean alphabet script Hangul, saves times and lessens confusion,


2 – Gaining Popularity as a Second Language Amongst Young People

Korean is becoming a more and more popular second language for people all over the world including young adults. This is probably due to factors of younger generations becoming more internationally linked together through the internet.


3 – If you Plan to Travel to South Korea. 

Use the Japanese Language to Travel to Japan

Although North Korea is very restricted for people to travel. South Korean is a very vibrant tourist destination full of beautiful historical and artistic sites of interest. Korea also boasts it’s own distinctive cuisine from other countries in the area.


4 – Growing Business Opportunities in Korea

Improve Business Opportunities by Learning New Languages

Knowledge in a second language increases your potential business opportunities cause businesses planning to break into international markets should understanding that communicating in your target demographic native languages increases confidence and builds trust among both parties.


5 – To Understanding That Korean Dramas and Music You Love!

This was the reason why I personally decided to Learn Korean cause I love Korean music. Songs by 2ne1 and T-ara are so damn catchy!


6 – Fastest Growing Economy in Northern Asia

Knowledge in a second language increases your potential business opportunities cause businesses planning to break into international markets should understanding that communicating in your target demographic native languages increases confidence and builds trust among both parties.


7 – If your Significant Other Speaks Korean

Want to learn Korean as it’s your partner’s native language and you want to surprise them or improve communication between you.


8 – Learn the Cultural Importance of Korean

Learn Cultural History With Languages

To truly understand a language is to examine the culture that surrounds it. Korea has a fascinating culture with K-pop and dramas, and the biggest competitive gaming scene. Korea has a rich cultural history dating back a thousand years for you to explore.


9 – Learn Korean as a Hobby/Love of Learning Languages

Love of Language Learning

Maybe you are just one of those people that just enjoy learning languages for the fun of it! Once you’ve mastered the urge to learn more becomes pretty strong. Contrary to popular opinion, not much confusion happens between languages.


10 – Makes Learning Other Asian Languages Easier.

Korea has been shaped by the influences of other countries in Asia like:

  • India
  • China
  • Japan.

While the cultures and languages different in many ways. They do share some similarities when it comes to languages.

Learning one of their languages makes learning one of the others a lot easier because of similar grammar structure, politeness rules, and borrow vocabulary.

Korean is truly an amazing language to learn. I hope you find this article helpful in narrowing and strengthening your reasons to learn Korean.

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