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Jeremy Brinkerhoff

This Korean Foundations course is for you if you have always wanted to learn Korean but just never got around to getting started. It is also for you if you have tried to start learning Korean but found the materials to be either too boring and not relevant to you. If you are someone who doesn't like book studying and enjoys jumping right in to get the feel of things, then this course is perfect for you.

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This Korean Foundations course is for you if you have always wanted to learn Korean but just never got around to getting started. It is also for you if you have tried to start learning Korean but found the materials to be either too boring and not relevant to you. If you are someone who doesn't like book studying and enjoys jumping right in to get the feel of things, then this course is perfect for you.

The entire course leads you through the learning process step by step with sound and images to help strengthen your memory of the words and sentences you are going to learn. When we say without any studying, we mean it. There's no review or concentrated study needed to learn what you are going to learn in this course. It is designed specifically to make you learn, as opposed to making you do the learning on your own.

In this course you will find Clean crips images along with step by step instruction the whole way through, as you go along you may even forget that you're learning. If you're curious about how exactly the course works, check out the "How to Use This Course" video for more.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Actually speak basic korean sentences without any "studying"
  • Understand the basic sentence structure of korean, including the word order in which the verb comes at the end of the sentence
  • Understand the differences in pronunciation between english and korean
  • Continue learning korean with a massive head start over those who took the traditional path

Syllabus

In this section, students will leave with an understanding of how the course works and how to use the course
Welcome to Your Korean Foundations Course!
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If you already know how to read and write the Korean alphabet, then you can use this course to test your dictation ability! Try writing down what you hear! Other students have said that this helped them to practice. If you haven't learned the alphabet, don't even worry about it! You don't need to yet. First, just start speaking and have fun with it. ^^

In this section you will find the audio resources I mentioned in the conclusion video. For those of you who know how to read the Korean alphabet, 한글, we have included those sentences next to the meaning in English in a follow along PDF. There is a ZIP file including the PDF and all the audio files (male and female recordings) for each module. Download the file and double click it to unzip it. You should then find a folder on your computer with all the individual audio files and the follow along PDF. For example, there will be an audio file called "Module 1.8-male-#3." When you check the PDF file, you can look until 1.8, go down to number 3 and you will see the Korean and the translation. "male" means that it is the male version of that recording. 

You can use these to review anytime you want! And some of you may recognize the male voice in these recordings - Suntae from the popular and very helpful Youtube channel Conversational Korean helped us out! He makes very creative and relevant content for Korean learners of all levels. Check out his channel if you're looking for more ways to continue learning Korean the fun way!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Builds a strong foundation for complete beginners to Korean
Teaches basic sentence structure of Korean
Helps learners understand the pronunciation differences between English and Korean
Prepares learners to continue learning Korean independently

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Reviews summary

Beginner korean speaking foundations

According to learners, this course offers a unique and effective method (positive) for absolute beginners to start speaking Korean without traditional studying. Students found the approach of using sounds and images to be engaging (positive) and felt they could speak basic sentences quickly (positive). While many appreciated the step-by-step structure (positive) and the focus on practical phrases, some noted that it primarily provides a basic foundation (neutral) and doesn't cover reading/writing (neutral) or more complex grammar in depth. The course is considered highly successful for its stated goal (positive) of getting you speaking immediately, but requires supplementary learning for broader language proficiency (neutral).
Includes helpful PDF and audio files.
"The downloadable PDF with Korean text and translations is super helpful for review, even if you don't focus on reading initially."
"Having the separate audio files for practice was a great bonus."
"The provided resources mentioned in the conclusion video (audio/PDF) are very useful for continued practice."
"Appreciated the structured follow-along materials provided at the end."
High-quality media aids understanding.
"The audio is clear and easy to understand, which is crucial for a speaking-focused course."
"Clean, crisp images matched well with the audio and helped memory retention."
"Good quality sound and visuals throughout the lessons."
"The accompanying media made the foreign language much easier to grasp."
Ideal for those with no prior Korean knowledge.
"As someone who knew zero Korean before, this course was the perfect starting point."
"Explicitly designed for beginners and it shows – the pace and method are very accessible."
"Highly recommend for anyone curious about Korean but intimidated by traditional learning methods."
"If you're a complete novice and just want to speak, this course delivers."
Covers basic structure and practical vocabulary.
"Provides a solid foundation in basic Korean sentence structure and word order. It made sense quickly."
"I learned essential vocabulary and sentence patterns needed for simple daily conversations."
"Covers fundamental topics like eating, drinking, wanting, going, etc. - really practical for beginners."
"The initial modules clearly explain Korean sentence structure in an easy-to-grasp way."
Uses sounds and images for effortless learning.
"The use of sounds and images made learning feel like a game, not studying. It was fun and the words really stuck."
"I appreciated the visual and auditory approach. It bypassed the need for complex explanations and just built intuition."
"The 'no studying' method actually works for speaking! It relies on repetition and context through images/sound."
"Unlike traditional methods, this focuses purely on audio and visual input, which worked well for me."
Helps beginners start speaking Korean quickly.
"This course taught me how to speak basic sentences right away! It lives up to its promise of getting you speaking quickly."
"I was amazed at how fast I could start forming simple Korean sentences just by following along. No boring grammar drills!"
"If you want to jump straight into speaking Korean without getting bogged down by writing or complex rules, this is perfect."
"Learned practical phrases I can use daily. Felt like I was speaking Korean from day one."
Does not teach reading, writing, or grammar depth.
"Be aware this course doesn't teach Hangul (the Korean alphabet) or grammar rules in a traditional sense."
"If you want to read or write Korean, you will absolutely need another resource after this course."
"It's great for speaking, but doesn't give you the theoretical grammar knowledge needed for advanced study."
"Provides a head start in speaking, but you'll need to learn reading and writing elsewhere to progress further."

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 Learn Korean! Start Speaking Korean Now! with these activities:
Practice Korean Pronunciation
Follow guided tutorials to improve Korean pronunciation and overcome common challenges.
Browse courses on Korean Pronunciation
Show steps
  • Find online videos or resources on Korean pronunciation tips.
  • Practice repeating Korean syllables and words aloud.
  • Listen to native Korean speakers and imitate their pronunciation.
Korean Sentence Structure Drills
Engage in repetitive exercises to reinforce understanding of Korean sentence structure and grammar.
Show steps
  • Find online or offline resources for Korean sentence structure practice.
  • Practice constructing simple Korean sentences.
  • Analyze native Korean sentences and identify their structure.
  • Complete quizzes and exercises on Korean sentence structure.
Create Korean Dialogue Scenarios
Develop original Korean dialogue scenarios to practice speaking and comprehension skills.
Browse courses on Korean Conversation
Show steps
  • Identify common everyday situations or topics.
  • Brainstorm and write down key phrases and sentences.
  • Create a dialogue script with different characters and scenarios.
  • Practice speaking and rehearsing the dialogue.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Participate in Korean Cultural Events
Immerse yourself in Korean culture through events to enhance understanding and cultural context.
Browse courses on Korean Culture
Show steps
  • Find local Korean cultural events, such as festivals or workshops.
  • Attend events and participate in activities.
  • Interact with native Korean speakers and ask questions about culture.
Create a Korean Language Learning Portfolio
Document your Korean language learning journey and track your progress to stay motivated and focused.
Show steps
  • Gather resources and materials related to your Korean learning.
  • Create a dedicated notebook or digital portfolio to store notes.
  • Document your daily or weekly learning activities and progress.
  • Reflect on your learning experience and identify areas for improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn Korean! Start Speaking Korean Now! will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Translator
Translators are responsible for translating written or spoken language from one language to another. With the Korean language skills you will gain in this course, you will be able to explore the career path of a Korean translator. The course provides you with a strong foundation in Korean grammar and vocabulary, enabling you to accurately translate documents, interpret conversations, and bridge cultural gaps.
Interpreter
Interpreters facilitate communication between people who speak different languages. With the Korean language proficiency you will gain from this course, you will be able to pursue a career as a Korean interpreter. The course provides you with a comprehensive understanding of Korean sentence structure and pronunciation, enabling you to effectively convey messages in both Korean and English.
Language Teacher
Language teachers educate students in the Korean language and culture. The knowledge and skills you will gain in this course will prepare you for a career as a Korean language teacher. The course provides you with a structured approach to teaching Korean, helping you develop lesson plans and engage students effectively.
Diplomat
Diplomats represent their countries abroad and negotiate with foreign governments. With the Korean language skills you will gain in this course, you will be able to explore diplomatic roles related to Korea. The course provides you with insights into Korean culture and communication, enabling you to build strong relationships and effectively represent your country.
Travel Agent
Travel agents assist clients in planning and booking their travel arrangements. With the Korean language skills you will gain in this course, you will be able to specialize in Korean tourism. The course provides you with knowledge of Korean destinations, attractions, and cultural etiquette, enabling you to provide exceptional travel experiences for Korean-speaking clients.
Journalist
Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. With the Korean language skills you will gain in this course, you will be able to cover stories related to Korea or the Korean community. The course provides you with journalistic writing skills and an understanding of Korean media, enabling you to effectively inform and engage audiences.
Business Analyst
Business analysts identify and solve problems within organizations. With the Korean language skills you will gain in this course, you will be able to work with Korean-speaking clients or in Korean companies. The course provides you with an understanding of Korean business practices and communication styles, enabling you to effectively analyze and improve business processes.
Marketer
Marketers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products or services. With the Korean language skills you will gain in this course, you will be able to specialize in Korean marketing. The course provides you with an understanding of Korean consumer behavior and cultural influences, enabling you to effectively target and engage Korean-speaking audiences.
Consultant
Consultants provide expert advice to businesses and organizations. With the Korean language skills you will gain in this course, you will be able to work with Korean-speaking clients or in Korean companies. The course provides you with problem-solving skills and an understanding of Korean business culture, enabling you to effectively advise and support clients.
Software Engineer
Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. With the Korean language skills you will gain in this course, you will be able to work with Korean-speaking clients or in Korean companies. The course provides you with technical skills and an understanding of Korean software development practices, enabling you to effectively collaborate and contribute to software projects.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts evaluate and make recommendations on investments. With the Korean language skills you will gain in this course, you will be able to specialize in Korean financial markets. The course provides you with an understanding of Korean economic indicators and financial regulations, enabling you to effectively analyze and advise on Korean investments.
Project Manager
Project managers plan, execute, and control projects. With the Korean language skills you will gain in this course, you will be able to work with Korean-speaking clients or in Korean companies. The course provides you with project management skills and an understanding of Korean business culture, enabling you to effectively manage projects and deliver successful outcomes.
Sales Representative
Sales representatives sell products or services to businesses or consumers. With the Korean language skills you will gain in this course, you will be able to specialize in selling to Korean-speaking clients. The course provides you with sales techniques and an understanding of Korean consumer behavior, enabling you to effectively build relationships and close deals.
Customer Service Representative
Customer service representatives provide support and assistance to customers. With the Korean language skills you will gain in this course, you will be able to specialize in providing support to Korean-speaking customers. The course provides you with customer service skills and an understanding of Korean communication styles, enabling you to effectively resolve issues and build positive relationships with customers.
Administrative Assistant
Administrative assistants provide general administrative and clerical support within organizations. With the Korean language skills you will gain in this course, you will be able to work in Korean-speaking companies or organizations. The course provides you with administrative skills and an understanding of Korean office culture, enabling you to effectively support and assist colleagues.

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features Learn Korean! Start Speaking Korean Now!:

Reading list

We've selected nine 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 Learn Korean! Start Speaking Korean Now!.
This textbook is widely used in college Korean courses. It provides a structured approach to learning Korean, with a focus on grammar, vocabulary, and culture. It good resource for students who want to learn Korean in a more academic setting.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Korean art, from prehistory to the present. It good resource for learners who want to learn more about the history and culture of Korean art.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Korean grammar, with detailed explanations and example sentences. It good resource for learners who want to understand the structure of Korean and improve their accuracy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Korean cinema, from its early beginnings to the present day. It good resource for learners who want to learn more about the history and culture of Korean cinema.
Great resource for learning essential Korean phrases. It great way to prepare for a trip to Korea or to improve your conversational skills.
Provides a list of 1,500 essential Korean words, with English translations and example sentences. It good resource for learners who want to expand their vocabulary and improve their communication skills.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Korean dialects, with detailed descriptions and examples. It good resource for learners who want to learn more about the different dialects of Korean and how they are used.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Korean history, from ancient times to the present. It good resource for learners who want to learn more about the history and culture of Korea.
Provides a collection of short stories in Korean with parallel English translations. It good resource for learners who want to improve their reading comprehension and listening skills.

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