How To Learn Korean for Traveling (With Limited Resources)

Are you trying to learn a little bit of Korean for your travels? It can be overwhelming, especially with few resources. However, mastering it without taking classes or hiring tutors is still possible. Determination, creativity, and the right tools can kickstart your Korean learning journey without draining your wallet.

If you’re studying Korean to travel like a local, this guide shows you how to learn the language effectively from beginner to advanced levels.

1. Start with the Korean Alphabet

Before digging into Korean grammar, you should learn Hangul or the Korean alphabet. With 10 vowels and 14 consonants, you only need to combine a few of them to form a word.

One of the best resources for learning Korean, especially the alphabet, is online resources. Go to YouTube and watch videos that provide step-by-step guides for writing Korean words. Some websites focused on the Korean language also offer tips for learning Hangul.

2. Build Your Korean Vocabulary

Vocabulary plays a huge role in your learning when you study Korean. You won’t understand or form solid sentences without it. Try these methods to build up your Korean vocabulary:

• Create DIY flashcards of numbers, words, and objects.
• Label everyday objects using sticky notes in Korean.
• Look up song lyrics you hear in Korean music to learn new words.
• Follow Korean social media accounts to learn commonly used phrases.

3. Learn Korean Grammar Without a Textbook

You may not need an expensive Korean course to learn Korean grammar. You can use online grammar guides from websites or learn from YouTube tutorials of users who teach Korean by breaking down complex grammar points into tiny bits. As you learn grammar, you can start writing Korean sentences and have them checked by native speakers.

4. Enhance Your Listening Skills for Free

Listening is an important part of any language-learning process. If you want to improve your listening skills, watch Korean dramas with and without subtitles. You can pick up a few phrases that actors use, which, in turn, are used in daily Korean conversations. Watching a drama with subtitles allows you to understand the context, while watching it without subtitles trains your ear to listen to how every word is pronounced.

You can also sing along to Korean music to practice your pronunciation. In addition to music, Korean news channels and podcasts train you to follow the natural speech patterns Koreans usually use.

5. Practice Speaking Without a Korean Tutor

While speaking practices are crucial to learning Korean, hiring a Korean tutor may be expensive. Try these alternatives:

• Language Exchange Programs: Teach your native language in return for getting free Korean practice.
• Language Partner: Find one on a language learning platform and agree with them about your setup.
• Video Recording: Talk to yourself in Korean on video to check if your Korean pronunciation is correct.
• Online Communities: Join these free Facebook groups or Discord servers where Korean learners practice conversations and learn from each other. It would be great if you have Korean friends online or in real life who can help you out.

6. Read in Korean to Strengthen Your Skills

Reading reinforces the Korean skills you learned and puts them into a new context. To sharpen your reading skills, read Korean children’s books or webtoons that use simple vocabulary.

You can level up by reading Korean subtitles while watching your favorite Korean dramas. You should also follow Korean news sites with English translations to learn how the words are used in different ways.

7. Engage with Native Korean Speakers

One way to become fluent is to talk with native Korean speakers. You can attend local Korean cultural events or language meetups to connect with new people and practice speaking in the language. You should also connect with Koreans in a language exchange platform of your choice to hone your skills.

8. Get into Korean Culture

Learn more about South Korea by getting into their culture to make your learning process more effective. You can start learning how to cook Korean dishes and their ingredients in Korean. You should also follow Korean influencers or vloggers who show what everyday life is like in Korea.

9. Stay Consistent and Enjoy the Ride

Learning a language takes time, but you’ll be fluent when you’re consistent with your everyday habits. Keep yourself motivated by:

• Setting Goals: They don’t have to be big—small ones are easier to achieve. You can learn a few Korean words a week before moving on to sentences.
• Rewarding Yourself: When you reach a milestone, get yourself something nice. Buy a cone of ice cream. Watch your favorite movie. Go for a short walk around your neighborhood.
• Build a Routine: Polish your Korean skills by making the language a part of your daily life. Set aside half an hour a day to learn anything Korean-related to reinforce your learning.

Final Words

All these strategies can help you become proficient and fluent in the Korean language without spending thousands. The best thing you can do is to enjoy the process of learning Korean, from the basics to its most complicated rules. 

Give your fullest effort every single time you’re learning the language using all the Korean resources you have! Happy travels!