Ever dreamed of mastering Korean without spending a dime? Well, get ready to say ‘Annyeong’ to your bank account and ‘Gamsahamnida’ to free language learning! In this blog post, we’ll unveil the secret treasures of the internet that’ll have you speaking Korean like a K-pop star without breaking the piggy bank.
So, grab your kimchi, put on your virtual language cape, and let’s embark on an entertaining and wallet-friendly journey to conquer the Korean language! Here’s 6 ways you can learn Korean for free.
1. Watch K-Dramas on Netflix
Okay…not exactly free. But most of us have a subscription to some kind of streaming platform these days, and K-Dramas can be found everywhere. For best results, you should watch in Korean with subtitles in your native language.
While you’re a beginner, just get used to the rhythm and sounds of Korean and try mimicking what you hear without worrying too much about meaning. Perfect your pitch and intonation. Then, you can start thinking about writing down new words and checking their spelling in a dictionary. (Also check the meaning, because translation for subtitles isn’t a 1-for-1 science and the translator may have made choices to improve the comprehensibility in your language, rather than going for the authentic Korean meaning.)
Some of the most popular K-Dramas available on Netflix at the time of writing are:
Netflix offers a variety of popular Korean language shows that have gained international popularity. Here are some notable Korean shows available on Netflix:
- “Crash Landing on You” (사랑의 불시착)
A romantic drama about a South Korean heiress who crash-lands in North Korea and falls in love with an army officer from the North.
- “Kingdom” (킹덤)
A thrilling zombie horror series set in the Joseon period, where a prince investigates a mysterious plague that brings the dead back to life.
- “Vincenzo” (빈센조)
A dark comedy-drama about an Italian-Korean mafia lawyer who teams up with a determined lawyer in South Korea to take down corrupt individuals and seek justice.
- “Itaewon Class” (이태원 클라쓰)
A coming-of-age drama that follows an ex-convict who opens a bar in Seoul’s multicultural neighborhood of Itaewon, aiming to achieve success and revenge.
- “Stranger” (비밀의 숲)
A gripping crime drama centered around a prosecutor and a detective who join forces to uncover corruption and solve mysterious cases within the legal system.
2. Language Exchange Websites
Platforms like HelloTalk, Tandem, and ConversationExchange allow you to connect with native Korean speakers who are learning your native language. You can practice Korean with them through voice or text chats. Of course, native speakers don’t always have a perfect grasp of their language and may not be able to explain some of the grammatical intricacies, but it’s always nice to make new friends and practice your speaking skills. (While being careful not to give away any personal information, of course!!)
3. Online Language Learning Communities
As a language learner for the past 30-something years, I maintain the internet is the best thing to happen to language learning. Join online communities dedicated to language learning, such as Reddit’s r/Korean or language learning forums. These communities provide resources, study materials, and opportunities to interact with fellow Korean learners. They are a great resource if you want to learn Korean for free!
4. Korean YouTube Channels
Many YouTube channels offer free Korean lessons, grammar explanations, vocabulary tutorials, and cultural insights. Some popular channels include Talk To Me In Korean, Learn Korean with KoreanClass101.com, and Korean Unnie. These channels are a great way to jump start your language learning if you want to learn Korean fast.
It’s also good to note that the Korean YouTube community is diverse and continually evolving, and there is a range of entertaining and informative YouTubers you can watch based on your interests.
Some of the most popular at the time of writing include:
1. “Pony Syndrome” (PONY): A beauty YouTuber known for her makeup tutorials, transformations, and product reviews. She has a massive following both in Korea and internationally.
2. “Banzz” (Banzz): A food YouTuber who showcases delicious and visually appealing dishes. He shares recipes, cooking tips, and food challenges.
3. “Ssulzun” (썰전): A talk show-style channel where a panel of hosts discusses various social issues, current events, and trending topics in a humorous and insightful manner.
4. “Ddeonggae” (떵개): A channel that focuses on street food, snacks, and eating challenges. The host travels around Korea, trying different local delicacies.
5. “Bokyem TV” (보겸 TV): A gaming and entertainment channel hosted by Bokyem, who shares gameplay videos, vlogs, and humorous content.
5. Use Korean Learning Apps
Several language learning apps offer Korean lessons for free. Duolingo, Memrise, and Drops are popular choices that provide gamified learning experiences.
Many online language learning platforms such as Coursera, FutureLearn, and edX offer Korean language courses that can be audited for free. These courses often include video lectures, quizzes, and assignments.
6. Listen to Korean Podcasts
There are several excellent Korean language podcasts that can help you improve your listening skills, expand your vocabulary, and learn more about Korean culture. Here are some popular Korean language podcasts:
1. “Korean Study Tips”: Hosted by teacher Kayla Cho, this podcast shares helpful study tips, strategies, and advice for learning Korean effectively. It also features interviews with language learners and experts.
2. “Iyagi – Natural Conversations in Korean”: This podcast presents authentic, natural conversations between native Korean speakers. It’s an excellent resource for improving your listening comprehension and understanding colloquial language.
3. “SeoulPodcast”: A podcast that covers various topics related to life in South Korea, including culture, travel, news, and entertainment. It provides interesting discussions and insights into Korean society.
4. “Let’s Speak Korean”: This podcast focuses on practical Korean conversations for everyday situations. It covers topics like ordering food, shopping, travelling, and making reservations.
5. “Learn Korean with KoreanClass101.com“: A podcast series that provides audio lessons on different aspects of the Korean language. It covers vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and cultural aspects.
Final Thoughts
The internet has made learning Korean free possible in a way that just didn’t exist before. With the resources and tools available online, you can embark on a language learning adventure without spending a dime. Whether it’s language exchange platforms, YouTube channels, mobile apps, online communities, or Korean dramas, the options are plentiful.
Keep in mind, sometimes saving money means losing time. Not always, but it does happen. We have lots of ideas for learning Korean most effectively, on your own terms! Check out our Most Recommended Resources For Learning Korean page for some ideas.