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Seung Hae Kang

This is an elementary-level Korean language course, consisting of 5 lessons with 4 units, and covers 4 skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The main topics include basic expressions used in everyday life, such as greetings, introducing yourself, talking about your family and a daily life and so on. Each lesson covers dialogues, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, quizzes and role-plays.

After completing this course, you will be able to

1. read and write Korean alphabet.

2. communicate in Korean with basic expressions.

3. learn basic knowledge on Korean culture.

Read more

This is an elementary-level Korean language course, consisting of 5 lessons with 4 units, and covers 4 skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The main topics include basic expressions used in everyday life, such as greetings, introducing yourself, talking about your family and a daily life and so on. Each lesson covers dialogues, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, quizzes and role-plays.

After completing this course, you will be able to

1. read and write Korean alphabet.

2. communicate in Korean with basic expressions.

3. learn basic knowledge on Korean culture.

It’s fun and easy to follow! Enjoy it!

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
Thanks for joining the course! Watch the video below to get started.
The Korean Alphabet
In this module, you will learn the Korean alphabet or Korean writing system called 'Hangeul'. After completing the lessons, you will be able to understand the principles how each letter was invented. Also, you will be able to read and write Hangeul.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops basic Korean skills, which is useful for personal growth and development
Builds a strong Korean foundation for beginners
May not be suitable for learners with prior Korean knowledge

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Reviews summary

Solid korean language introduction

According to learners, this course is a largely positive and highly recommended entry point for anyone starting to learn Korean. Many highlight the effectiveness of the instructor and the clear explanations, particularly for the Korean alphabet (Hangeul), which many found easy to grasp. The course structure, including lectures, quizzes, and role-plays, is seen as engaging and suitable for absolute beginners. While providing a good foundational vocabulary and grammar for basic daily conversations and introductions, students note it is indeed a first step and will require further study for more advanced proficiency.
Quizzes and role-plays are helpful practice tools.
"The quizzes helped reinforce the vocabulary and grammar points effectively."
"I found the role-play exercises useful for practicing pronunciation and simple dialogues."
"Activities like quizzes and role-plays make the learning process more interactive and solid."
"Practical exercises were a good way to test understanding."
"They provide just enough practice to feel confident moving on."
Covers practical basic expressions and vocabulary.
"The topics like greetings, family, and daily life are very useful for starting basic conversations."
"I learned essential phrases I can actually use right away."
"Content is practical and covers what you need to know to get by initially."
"The vocabulary taught is relevant to everyday situations."
"Good introduction to sentence structure using common scenarios."
Instructor praised for clarity and teaching style.
"The instructor is very clear and easy to understand, which is crucial for a beginner language course."
"I really enjoyed the instructor's teaching style; they made learning fun."
"The explanations were always concise and the examples helpful, thanks to the engaging teacher."
"Great teacher who knows how to break down concepts into manageable parts."
"Her pronunciation was perfect to follow along with."
Teaches the Korean alphabet effectively and simply.
"Learning Hangeul felt so simple after watching the videos. The principles were explained clearly."
"The module on the Korean alphabet was incredibly well-done and demystified reading and writing Korean."
"I was able to read Hangeul much faster than I expected, all thanks to the first part of this course."
"The way the alphabet was introduced made it seem very logical and easy to remember."
"Being able to read Korean signs now is a big win, and it started with this course's Hangeul lessons."
Ideal starting point for those with no prior knowledge.
"This course is a great way to start your Korean language journey. Everything is taught from the very beginning."
"As someone completely new to Korean, I found this course perfectly paced and easy to follow."
"It's truly a first step Korean course and perfect for absolute beginners."
"I had zero background in Korean before this, and now I can read and introduce myself thanks to this course."
"Highly recommend for anyone looking for a beginner-friendly introduction to the language."
Provides a foundation, but not sufficient for fluency.
"This course is definitely only a first step; don't expect to be fluent after completing it."
"It gives you the absolute basics, but you'll need other resources for more in-depth grammar and vocabulary."
"Good as an introduction, but lacks the depth needed for intermediate conversation or comprehension."
"Sets the stage nicely, but is not a complete language learning program on its own."
"Manage your expectations; it's a great starting point, not an end goal."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in First Step Korean with these activities:
Review basic grammar concepts
Brush up on your basic grammar knowledge to strengthen your foundation for learning more advanced concepts.
Browse courses on Korean Grammar
Show steps
  • Review the grammar rules for sentence structure, verb conjugation, and noun declension.
  • Complete practice exercises that test your understanding of these grammatical concepts.
Develop a Korean alphabet cheat sheet
Develop a cheat sheet for the Korean alphabet to reinforce the principles of how each letter was invented.
Browse courses on Korean Alphabet
Show steps
  • Review the Korean alphabet and its rules.
  • Create a table or chart that includes the Korean letters, their pronunciations, and examples of words that use them.
  • Use the cheat sheet to practice writing and reading Korean words and phrases.
Complete Korean vocabulary exercises
Reinforce your Korean vocabulary by completing regular practice drills.
Browse courses on Korean Vocabulary
Show steps
  • Use flashcards to memorize new words and their meanings.
  • Complete online exercises that test your vocabulary knowledge.
  • Read Korean texts and make a note of any unfamiliar words.
  • Look up the meanings of these unfamiliar words and add them to your vocabulary list.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Organize and review course notes and materials
Review and organize your course notes and materials to enhance your retention of the material.
Show steps
  • Gather all of your course notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
  • Create a system for organizing and storing these materials.
  • Review your notes and materials regularly.
  • Make additional notes or summaries as needed.
Read a book about Korean culture
Gain a deeper understanding of Korean culture through a recommended book.
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes on key concepts and ideas.
  • Discuss the book with a friend or classmate.
  • Write a summary or review of the book.
Engage in a Korean language exchange with a partner
Find a language exchange partner and practice speaking and listening to Korean.
Show steps
  • Find a language partner who is willing to exchange Korean and English.
  • Schedule regular meetings to practice speaking and listening to Korean.
  • Prepare conversation topics or activities to make the sessions more structured.

Career center

Learners who complete First Step Korean will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Korean Interpreter
Korean Interpreters are professionals who enable communication between Korean and non-Korean speakers. This role requires the ability to translate spoken and written words accurately. With the help of this course, you will be provided with the foundation necessary to build your Korean language fluency, which can open doors to success in this field. This course will help you develop the skills needed to comprehend and convey information between Korean and your native language, making you a valuable asset in this role.
Korean Language Teacher
Korean Language Teachers are educators who specialize in teaching the Korean language and culture to non-native speakers. To excel in this role, one must be able to effectively convey the fundamentals of the language, including grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. This course can be a valuable asset by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the Korean language, enabling you to teach with confidence and accuracy. Furthermore, the course will help you build a solid foundation in Korean culture, which is crucial for providing a well-rounded learning experience for your students.
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Service Officers are government officials who represent their countries abroad. They work in various capacities, including diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange. To succeed in this role, individuals must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a deep understanding of foreign cultures. This course may be useful in developing the language skills necessary for effective communication in a Korean-speaking environment. Furthermore, its focus on Korean culture can provide valuable insights into the Korean way of life, helping you build strong relationships with Korean counterparts.
Travel Agent
Travel Agents assist individuals in planning and booking travel arrangements. They must possess excellent communication skills, as well as knowledge of different cultures and destinations. This course may be useful in developing your communication skills in Korean, which can be beneficial when interacting with Korean-speaking clients or planning travel to Korean-speaking destinations.
ESL Instructor
ESL Instructors teach English as a Second Language to non-native speakers. They must possess strong communication and teaching skills, as well as a deep understanding of the English language. This course may be useful in developing your communication skills in Korean, which can be beneficial when teaching English to Korean-speaking students. Furthermore, the course's focus on Korean culture can provide valuable insights into the Korean way of life, helping you build strong relationships with Korean students.
Cross-Cultural Trainer
Cross-Cultural Trainers help individuals and organizations understand and adapt to different cultures. They must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a deep understanding of cultural differences. This course may be useful in developing the language skills necessary for effective communication in a Korean-speaking environment. Furthermore, its focus on Korean culture can provide valuable insights into the Korean way of life, helping you build strong relationships with Korean counterparts.
International Business Consultant
International Business Consultants advise businesses on how to operate successfully in foreign markets. They must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a deep understanding of different cultures and business practices. This course may be useful in developing the language skills necessary for effective communication in a Korean-speaking environment. Furthermore, its focus on Korean culture can provide valuable insights into the Korean way of doing business, helping you build strong relationships with Korean clients and partners.
Journalist
Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. They must possess strong communication and writing skills, as well as a deep understanding of the world around them. This course may be useful in developing your communication skills in Korean, which can be beneficial when reporting on Korean-related news or events. Furthermore, the course's focus on Korean culture can provide valuable insights into the Korean way of life, helping you to better understand and interpret Korean news and events.
Lawyer
Lawyers provide legal advice and representation to individuals and organizations. They must possess strong communication and analytical skills, as well as a deep understanding of the law. This course may be useful in developing your communication skills in Korean, which can be beneficial when working with Korean-speaking clients or in cases involving Korean law.
Doctor
Doctors diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. They must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a deep understanding of the human body. This course may be useful in developing your communication skills in Korean, which can be beneficial when working with Korean-speaking patients or in cases involving Korean medical practices.
Engineer
Engineers design, build, and maintain machines, structures, and systems. They must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as a deep understanding of science and mathematics. This course may be useful in developing your communication skills in Korean, which can be beneficial when working with Korean-speaking colleagues or in cases involving Korean engineering practices.
Scientist
Scientists conduct research and develop new knowledge in various fields of science. They must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as a deep understanding of the scientific method. This course may be useful in developing your communication skills in Korean, which can be beneficial when working with Korean-speaking colleagues or in cases involving Korean scientific research.
Professor
Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a deep understanding of their subject matter. This course may be useful in developing your communication skills in Korean, which can be beneficial when teaching Korean language or culture courses or in cases involving Korean academic research.
Librarian
Librarians help people find and access information. They must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a deep understanding of library resources. This course may be useful in developing your communication skills in Korean, which can be beneficial when assisting Korean-speaking patrons or in cases involving Korean library materials.
Museum curator
Museum Curators oversee the collections of museums and galleries. They must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a deep understanding of museum practices. This course may be useful in developing your communication skills in Korean, which can be beneficial when working with Korean-speaking patrons or in cases involving Korean museum collections.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in First Step Korean.
This textbook is commonly used in academic institutions to teach Korean as a foreign language. It provides a thorough grounding in the Korean language, covering grammar, vocabulary, and culture.
This grammar reference book valuable resource for learners who want to improve their understanding of Korean grammar. It provides clear and concise explanations of grammatical structures, with plenty of examples.
Provides a collection of short stories in Korean, with accompanying exercises and vocabulary lists. It useful resource for learners who want to improve their reading comprehension and vocabulary.
Provides a practical guide to learning Korean. It covers the basics of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, and includes exercises and activities to help learners practice their skills.
Comprehensive guide to learning Korean. It covers the basics of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, and includes exercises and activities to help learners practice their skills.
Provides an overview of Korean culture, including history, traditions, and customs. It useful resource for learners who want to learn more about the culture of Korea.
Provides a comprehensive history of Korea. It useful resource for learners who want to learn more about the history of Korea.
Provides a collection of short stories by Korean authors. It useful resource for learners who want to improve their reading comprehension and vocabulary.
Provides an overview of Korean cinema. It useful resource for learners who want to learn more about Korean culture.
Provides an overview of the Korean language in culture and society. It useful resource for learners who want to learn more about the Korean language and culture.
Provides an overview of Korean art. It useful resource for learners who want to learn more about Korean culture.

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