Learning: Korean
5 things to practise while you are still learning Hangul
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① Give each new word a sound
When you meet a Korean word, listen to it as well as looking at the letters. A recording helps you connect the written syllable blocks with something you can actually say.
Start with familiar words such as 안녕하세요, ‘Hello,’ and 감사해요, ‘Thank you.’ Follow the Hangul while you listen, then repeat. A pronunciation guide can support you at first, but keep returning your attention to the Korean spelling.
② Learn a tiny introduction
You can practise 제 이름은 …예요 or …이에요, meaning ‘My name is …,’ while you build your reading skills. Which ending you need depends on the sound at the end of the name.
For example, 제 이름은 민수예요 means ‘My name is Minsu.’ Check the version that fits your own name with a teacher or reliable lesson, then use that complete phrase rather than guessing the ending each time.
③ Learn the question with the answer
이름이 뭐예요? means ‘What is your name?’ Practise recognising the question as well as giving your introduction.
Ask a partner to use a different name each time. Listen for the name and check whether you heard it correctly. Keep the exchange short enough that you can focus on the sound instead of trying to follow a long explanation.
④ Keep a polite help phrase ready
다시 말해 주세요 means ‘Please say it again.’ You can learn it before you know how to read every word that might appear in a reply.
Practise asking for a repeat during a real exchange. Listen again and try responding to one detail. Getting help in Korean is already a useful way to participate in the conversation.
⑤ Let reading and speaking grow together
Set aside a little time for Hangul and a little time for using a familiar phrase aloud. They can support each other without moving at exactly the same pace.
End your session by reading and saying one short exchange. Tomorrow, try remembering it before opening your notes. Add new letters and phrases gradually, with audio to check what you are learning.