Unlocking Korean: The Secrets to Learning the Language

Learning a new language can feel overwhelming, especially when the language has its own alphabet and when the sentence structure is so different from English. What if I told you that learning Korean is not only manageable but can also be incredibly fun? Today is your lucky day because I’m going to share a couple of secrets to mastering Korean. It all boils down to two things: finding your motivation and a solid learning platform.

Finding Your “Why”

Before diving into grammar rules or vocabulary lists, take a moment to ask yourself…Why do you want to learn Korean? Maybe you want to connect more deeply with Korean culture, communicate better with locals during your time in Korea, or enjoy your favorite K-dramas and K-pop without relying on subtitles. Whatever your reason, that motivation will be the driving force that keeps you going when the learning process feels slow or challenging.

Living in South Korea gives you a unique advantage. You’re surrounded by the language every day, so why not use that to your benefit? Greet your local convenience store clerk in Korean, read street signs aloud, or practice ordering your meals in Korean. These small efforts may not seem like much at first, but each exposure builds your confidence and strengthens your connection to the community around you.

Choosing the Right Platform

Once you’ve tapped into your motivation, the next step is finding a learning platform that works for you. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources to help you on your Korean learning journey. If you like longer-form content, YouTube channels offer great content on everything from basic phrases to advanced grammar. YouTube is great when you’re on the go, and you just pop in your headphones and multitask while learning Korean! 

If you’re seeking some interaction while learning Korean, social media platforms like Facebook have groups dedicated to language learners. If you are looking for a more personalized approach, it is my pleasure to invite you into our supportive Korean learning Facebook community! To help support Korean learners, I run a Facebook group called, “Korean Language Support,” which focuses on helping the military community master Korean basics! Additionally, if you prefer short-form content, you’ll find countless social media accounts like mine, dedicated to teaching Korean in fun and memorable ways.

Looking for something even more tailored? Check out my free Korean 101 course at the Boram Language Institute, which provides a solid foundation for understanding the basics of the language. What is Boram? The word Boram (보람) in Korean means a sense of reward, fulfillment, or satisfaction that comes from achieving something meaningful and is often used to describe the feeling of accomplishment after hard work. Whether you’re just starting or need a refresher, the classes at the Boram Language Institute are designed to help you feel confident and motivated as you learn. We want you to feel self-confident with the new skills you are learning. 

The Magic of Hangul

One of the most fascinating aspects of learning Korean is discovering just how accessible the language can be if you take the time to practice. Unlike some other Asian languages, Korean uses an alphabet called Hangul. It’s phonetic, logical, and designed to be easy to learn. With just a few days of focused practice, you can learn to read and write in Hangul. Understanding what you’re reading takes a bit more time, but mastering the alphabet is already half the battle.

2025 Is Your Year!

This year, I encourage you to focus on mastering the basics: starting with the 14 consonants and 10 vowels of Hangul. Once you’ve got those down, you can start forming syllables and building words. Think of it like solving a puzzle—it’s challenging yet satisfying, and your progress will feel like a huge success.

Once you’re able to read Hangul, you’ll also start to recognize Konglish words—terms borrowed from English but pronounced with a Korean twist. These words can be your best friends when building vocabulary and getting used to Korean pronunciation.

A Little Effort Goes A Long Way 

At first glance, this might seem like a lot to unpack, but once you get used to seeing Korean on a more regular basis, you begin to see how easy and fun it is for foreigners living in Korea. 

As we kick off this new year, it’s the perfect time to stay consistent with your learning goals. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and feel tempted to give up, but remember, slow and steady wins the race. Break your goals into small, achievable steps. Learning just a few key phrases can significantly improve your experience in Korea.

And don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Language learning is all about trial and error. The next time you’re out and about, challenge yourself to use a new phrase, even if you’re unsure about it. Most Koreans appreciate the effort and will often help you improve. 

Learning Korean is one of the most rewarding things you can do during your time in South Korea. With the right motivation and tools, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can go from zero to speaking Korean! 

If you are looking for a personal and interactive way to learn a new language and to gain a sense of “Boram/보람”, contact Bianca and join the Boram Community. 

Website: www.boramlanguageinstitute.com

Blog: https://www.boramlanguageinstitute.com/blog

Facebook group: Korean Language Support (for the RoK Military Community & Friends)

IG: Boram_in_Korea

YouTube: Boram_in_Korea