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A Bridge to the World

Korean Language for Beginners Ⅰ

Kyong Hwon Kim and Won-Sook Hyun

This course is an introductory course to Korean language that aims to cultivate basic communication skill for those that are interested in learning Korean language.

The course is composed of essential expressions that are often used in everyday life, and designed to teach grammars using basic dialogues which reflect colloquial characteristics of Korean language so by end of this course, a student will be able to express him/herself on ordinary topics.

This course is an introductory course to Korean language that aims to cultivate basic communication skill for those that are interested in learning Korean language.

Also, the course provides dialogues used in both formal and informal situations to help students to express in Korean language appropriately in particular situations, and provides various material to help students to understand unique culture of Korean language.

Chief Contents Developer: Won-Sook Hyun

Contents Developers: Eun-Sil Hong, Ha-ra Yu

Production Assistant: Sa-ra Yoo

Part of this course was developed with K-MOOC(Korean MOOC) funds.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

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Develops basic communication skills for those interested in learning Korean language

Provides essential expressions used in everyday life

Teaches grammar using basic dialogues reflecting colloquial characteristics of Korean language

Prepares learners to express themselves on ordinary topics

Offers dialogues used in both formal and informal situations

Helps learners understand the unique culture of Korean language

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Reviews summary

Foundational korean for absolute beginners

According to students, 'A Bridge to the World: Korean Language for Beginners Ⅰ' is a largely positive and highly recommended introduction for absolute beginners. Learners consistently praise the instructor's clear explanations and engaging teaching style, noting that complex grammar is made accessible. The course stands out for its well-structured lessons, focus on practical daily dialogues, and valuable cultural insights. While the quizzes are helpful for reinforcement, a few learners pointed out some uneven pacing or dated video quality. Despite minor critiques, many students feel confident in basic conversations after completion, solidifying its effectiveness as a strong foundational course.

Focuses on daily dialogues and rich cultural understanding.

"I especially liked the focus on practical daily dialogues and cultural notes."

"The cultural insights were a huge bonus. I'm excited to continue with Part II!"

"The cultural tidbits added so much value."

"The dialogues were very helpful for understanding natural speech patterns."

Perfect for those with no prior Korean knowledge.

"The pace was perfect for a complete beginner, and the quizzes helped reinforce what I learned."

"As someone with zero prior Korean knowledge, this course was a lifesaver."

"I started with no Korean experience and now feel confident in basic conversations."

"Overall, a very solid beginner Korean course."

Professor Hyun is highly praised for clarity and enthusiasm.

"The instructor, Professor Hyun, explains concepts clearly and makes learning engaging."

"Absolutely loved this course! ...the instructor's enthusiasm is contagious."

"Professor Hyun is a wonderful teacher – very clear, patient, and knowledgeable."

"Professor Hyun is incredibly engaging and explains complex grammar points in a simple way."

Some videos had slightly dated production and sound.

"Sometimes the audio quality varied a bit, but it wasn't a major issue."

"I also found the production quality of some videos a little dated compared to other language courses I've taken recently."

"It's a decent course for what it is. ...some older videos had slightly poorer sound."

"I struggled with this course. While it's for beginners, I felt some explanations jumped too quickly or assumed prior knowledge."

Learners desired more interactive and speaking practice.

"I wish there were more opportunities for speaking practice, but it's hard to do in an online format."

"Could use more interactive elements beyond quizzes."

"My main critique would be that the homework assignments felt a bit repetitive sometimes..."

"The exercises weren't always enough for me to grasp the concepts fully. I needed more support."

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 A Bridge to the World: Korean Language for Beginners Ⅰ with these activities:

Korean Pronunciation Practice

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Sharpen your Korean pronunciation by practicing common sounds and intonation.

Browse courses on Korean Pronunciation

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Listen to native Korean speakers pronounce words and phrases.
Repeat and imitate the sounds to improve your pronunciation.

Record Yourself Speaking Korean

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Identify areas for improvement by recording yourself speaking Korean and listening back.

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Prepare a short speech or dialogue in Korean.
Record yourself speaking using a smartphone or computer.
Listen to your recording and identify areas for improvement.

Join Korean Language Conversation Groups

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Practice speaking and listening to Korean with other learners in a supportive environment.

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Find online or offline conversation groups that meet regularly.
Participate actively in discussions and ask questions.

Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete A Bridge to the World: Korean Language for Beginners Ⅰ will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Interpreter

An interpreter conveys information between people who speak different languages. This may be spoken or written. A Korean Interpreter will work primarily with speakers of Korean and English, helping them to communicate effectively. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Korean language, which is essential for success as an Interpreter. You will learn essential expressions and grammar, as well as how to express yourself appropriately in both formal and informal situations.

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Translator

A translator converts written text from one language to another. A Korean Translator will work primarily with texts in Korean and English, ensuring that the meaning is accurately conveyed between the two languages. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Korean language, including essential expressions, grammar, and cultural context. By the end of the course, you will be able to translate simple Korean texts into English.

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Foreign Service Officer

A foreign service officer represents their country's interests abroad. They may work in embassies, consulates, or other diplomatic missions. A Korean Foreign Service Officer will need to be able to communicate effectively in Korean, both in formal and informal settings. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Korean language, as well as insights into Korean culture. By the end of the course, you will be able to communicate confidently in Korean, which will be essential for your success as a Foreign Service Officer.

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International Business Consultant

An international business consultant advises companies on how to do business in foreign countries. They may specialize in a particular region or industry. A Korean International Business Consultant will need to be able to communicate effectively in Korean, both in formal and informal settings. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Korean language, as well as insights into Korean business culture. By the end of the course, you will be able to communicate confidently in Korean, which will be essential for your success as an International Business Consultant.

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Teacher

A teacher educates students in a variety of subjects. They may work in public or private schools, or in other educational settings. A Korean Teacher will need to be able to communicate effectively in Korean, both in formal and informal settings. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Korean language, as well as insights into Korean culture. By the end of the course, you will be able to communicate confidently in Korean, which will be essential for your success as a Teacher.

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Journalist

A journalist gathers, analyzes, and reports news and current events. They may work for newspapers, magazines, television, or radio. A Korean Journalist will need to be able to communicate effectively in Korean, both in formal and informal settings. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Korean language, as well as insights into Korean culture. By the end of the course, you will be able to communicate confidently in Korean, which will be essential for your success as a Journalist.

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Librarian

A librarian helps people find and access information. They may work in public or private libraries, or in other information settings. A Korean Librarian will need to be able to communicate effectively in Korean, both in formal and informal settings. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Korean language, as well as insights into Korean culture. By the end of the course, you will be able to communicate confidently in Korean, which will be essential for your success as a Librarian.

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Museum curator

A museum curator manages and interprets museum collections. They may work in public or private museums, or in other cultural institutions. A Korean Museum Curator will need to be able to communicate effectively in Korean, both in formal and informal settings. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Korean language, as well as insights into Korean culture. By the end of the course, you will be able to communicate confidently in Korean, which will be essential for your success as a Museum Curator.

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Travel Agent

A travel agent helps people plan and book travel arrangements. They may work for travel agencies, airlines, or other travel companies. A Korean Travel Agent will need to be able to communicate effectively in Korean, both in formal and informal settings. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Korean language, as well as insights into Korean culture. By the end of the course, you will be able to communicate confidently in Korean, which will be essential for your success as a Travel Agent.

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Customer Service Representative

A customer service representative provides assistance to customers. They may work for a variety of companies and organizations. A Korean Customer Service Representative will need to be able to communicate effectively in Korean, both in formal and informal settings. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Korean language, as well as insights into Korean culture. By the end of the course, you will be able to communicate confidently in Korean, which will be essential for your success as a Customer Service Representative.

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Sales Representative

A sales representative sells products or services to customers. They may work for a variety of companies and organizations. A Korean Sales Representative will need to be able to communicate effectively in Korean, both in formal and informal settings. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Korean language, as well as insights into Korean culture. By the end of the course, you will be able to communicate confidently in Korean, which will be essential for your success as a Sales Representative.

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Marketing Manager

A marketing manager develops and executes marketing campaigns. They may work for a variety of companies and organizations. A Korean Marketing Manager will need to be able to communicate effectively in Korean, both in formal and informal settings. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Korean language, as well as insights into Korean culture. By the end of the course, you will be able to communicate confidently in Korean, which will be essential for your success as a Marketing Manager.

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Public relations manager

A public relations manager manages the public image of a company or organization. They may work for a variety of companies and organizations. A Korean Public Relations Manager will need to be able to communicate effectively in Korean, both in formal and informal settings. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Korean language, as well as insights into Korean culture. By the end of the course, you will be able to communicate confidently in Korean, which will be essential for your success as a Public Relations Manager.

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Event Planner

An event planner plans and coordinates events. They may work for a variety of companies and organizations. A Korean Event Planner will need to be able to communicate effectively in Korean, both in formal and informal settings. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Korean language, as well as insights into Korean culture. By the end of the course, you will be able to communicate confidently in Korean, which will be essential for your success as an Event Planner.

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Administrative Assistant

An administrative assistant provides administrative support to executives, managers, and other professionals. They may work for a variety of companies and organizations. A Korean Administrative Assistant will need to be able to communicate effectively in Korean, both in formal and informal settings. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in Korean language, as well as insights into Korean culture. By the end of the course, you will be able to communicate confidently in Korean, which will be essential for your success as an Administrative Assistant.

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Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features A Bridge to the World: Korean Language for Beginners Ⅰ:

A Guide to Learning Foreign Languages Using Online Courses

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Reading list

We've selected seven 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 A Bridge to the World: Korean Language for Beginners Ⅰ.

Basic Japanese

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Comprehensive reference grammar of Korean. It provides a detailed overview of all aspects of Korean grammar, from basic to advanced.

A Bridge to the World

Korean Language for Beginners Ⅰ

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Foundational korean for absolute beginners

Activities

Career center

Featured in The Course Notes

Reading list

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