🇰🇷 learn korean for free (BEGINNERS) // classes, textbooks, & apps

This guide compiles a master list of free resources designed to help learners progress from absolute beginner to intermediate levels in Korean, and potentially beyond. The author reflects on the nostalgic experience of revisiting tools they used as a beginner while discovering new ones available today.

Free Korean Classes on Coursera Coursera offers free structured Korean language classes for beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners from prestigious institutions like Yonsei University and Seongyun Guan University. These courses include recorded lectures, reading materials, homework assignments, and quizzes. While the paid version provides professor feedback and graded assessments, the free option still delivers a formal curriculum ideal for those who prefer guided learning.

Sejong Institute Resources & How to Study Korean Website The Sejong Institute website provides access to high-quality textbooks used in classrooms worldwide along with skill-specific apps covering grammar or speaking practice—all available online at no cost but not downloadable. Meanwhile,"HowToStudyKorean.com" excels by offering comprehensive explanations of complex grammatical concepts alongside vocabulary lists; however its pronunciation audio files may lack natural intonation when combining words into sentences

Effective Vocabulary Learning with Memrise Memrise is a powerful tool for learning vocabulary, especially through its use of spaced repetition—a scientific method to enhance long-term memory retention. The platform offers both free and paid versions; the free version provides access to user-created courses that often include audio files, making it ideal for beginners. Users can also create their own customized courses for better control over content accuracy. To fully utilize the app on mobile devices without paying, users must first add desired courses via the desktop or website interface.

Alternative Vocabulary Tools: Quizlet vs Memrise Quizlet serves as an alternative to Memrise by offering similar features like user-generated vocabulary sets and interactive games but lacks automated spaced repetition functionality. Instead, Quizlet relies on manual review options where learners decide what they want to revisit. Both platforms are effective resources depending on individual preferences in study methods.

Talk to Me in Korean is a popular free resource for beginners learning the language, offering downloadable PDF grammar lessons with visually appealing formatting. While these lessons are concise and user-friendly, they provide limited depth on grammar structures and lack vocabulary content. Users should supplement their studies with additional resources like Memrise or Quizlet for vocabulary building. The platform also includes podcast lessons that enhance understanding through native speaker pronunciation and auditory explanations, making it convenient for multitasking learners.

YouTube offers excellent resources for learning Korean, with channels like 'Talk to Me in Korean' providing free video lessons and answering common questions. Their content is easily searchable, making it a go-to resource for grammar and conjugation tips. Another standout channel is the 'Korean Culture Series & Quick Korean' by Korea Cyber University, affiliated with the prestigious Korea University. This channel features structured lectures covering vocabulary, grammar, expressions, dialogues, and skits across various proficiency levels from beginner to upper intermediate (TOPIK Levels 1-4). Lessons are available in multiple languages including English and Spanish.

'Learn Korean with Arirang,' though now inactive, offers a treasure trove of lessons for learners ranging from absolute beginners to upper intermediate levels. Originally broadcasted on Korean TV for non-Korean speakers, the content includes insights into accents like Kyongido and their distinctions. Despite its dated style and presentation, it remains an invaluable resource accessible through playlists on their channel.

Billy's channel offers exceptional grammar explanations from a non-native speaker perspective, making it relatable for learners. His content spans all levels, from learning Hangul to advanced Korean, unlike many resources that stop at intermediate. The beginner playlist alone includes around 100 videos forming a complete free curriculum. Additionally, his Discord server provides opportunities to connect with other language learners.

Korean Unni's YouTube channel is a treasure trove for learning Korean, offering extensive content ranging from beginner grammar to advanced slang and idioms. Beginners can search specific topics paired with her name on YouTube to find tailored lessons. Another invaluable resource is "Korean Class 101," which significantly enhances listening skills; it helped transform basic understanding into intermediate proficiency within two months through consistent study.

For beginners learning Korean, free resources like YouTube channels can be highly effective. Many lessons available on paid websites are also accessible for free on their YouTube platforms, covering topics from Hangul to grammar and conjugations with high-quality content posted frequently. While the website may feel restrictive without a subscription and the app is only useful for premium users to download materials, these alternatives provide substantial value at no cost.