5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting to Learn Korean | Tips for Language Learners
Learning Korean has been an exciting, challenging, and sometimes overwhelming journey. When I first started, I had high hopes of breezing through the language, imagining myself casually conversing with locals after a few months of class. Little did I know, the road to fluency is filled with twists, turns, and endless lessons that never quite end. But hey, that’s what makes the journey worthwhile, right?
If you’re starting on your own Korean learning adventure, or even if you’re a little further along, I want to share some of the things I wish I’d known before diving headfirst into this language. From the infinite amount of grammar rules to the precise words that make Korean such a unique and beautiful language, there’s a lot to take in. But trust me, once you understand a few key things, the path ahead will feel a little smoother, and I promise, it’ll be worth it.
So grab a cup of tea, get cozy, and let’s dive in!
1. An Infinite Amount of Grammar Rules
If you’ve ever sat down with a Korean grammar book, you’ve probably encountered the feeling of being buried under an avalanche of rules. Korean grammar, especially for beginners, can feel like a never-ending mountain to climb. And here’s the thing: I didn’t know this going in, but there’s no such thing as “mastering” all the grammar rules. Every time you think you’ve got a handle on it, there’s another rule or exception to add to your growing list.
Now, don’t get me wrong: grammar is important! It’s the backbone of the language, and learning it properly is essential for clear communication. But what I wish I knew at the start was that the rules seem endless. And that’s okay! It’s a lifelong process that requires constant practice and revision.
Some of the biggest differences between Korean and languages like English is
the sentence structure
The verb typically comes at the end of the sentence, and this shift takes some getting used to.
the honorifics
those formal and informal speech levels that dictate how you speak depending on the person you're addressing.
The key to handling this deluge of grammar is simple: don’t try to memorize it all at once. Focus on learning a little bit at a time and apply it as you go. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes. Eventually, you’ll start to notice patterns, and that’s when the magic happens.
Pro Tip: Start with the basics (like the present tense) and slowly add more complex rules as you grow more comfortable with the structure. Don’t stress about knowing every rule perfectly before moving on; the language will start to make sense as you immerse yourself.
Grammar Isn’t Everything—It’s All About Speaking and Listening
Here’s something I wish I had realized sooner: learning grammar is important, but speaking and listening are the true keys to fluency. When I first started learning Korean, I was so focused on perfecting my grammar that I neglected speaking and listening practice. Big mistake!
It wasn’t until I started watching more Korean variety shows and talking with native speakers that I realized how much you can learn just by listening and speaking.
Language is meant to be used in conversation, not just learned in textbooks. And the more you engage with the language, the more natural it becomes.
Variety shows, in particular, are a goldmine for language learners. The following are available on Viki.
Pro Tip: Start incorporating more speaking and listening practice into your routine. Try language exchange apps or find Korean-speaking friends to practice with. Make variety shows a regular part of your Korean study routine—they’re a fun and informative way to improve your skills!
2. Very Specific Words (And Why They Matter)
Korean is a language rich in nuance, and certain words simply don’t translate well into English. These words have layers of meaning and context that give them special significance, and understanding them can transform the way you understand the culture and the language.
For example, the word “정” (Jeong) is a term that describes a
deep feeling of affection, attachment, and empathy toward someone
It’s the kind of word that embodies connection beyond just friendship—it’s like the emotional glue that holds people together in Korean culture. There’s no direct English equivalent, but once you grasp the concept, it changes the way you view relationships and communication in Korea.
Then there’s “눈치” (nunchi), which refers to
the ability to read the room and pick up on unspoken social cues.
It’s an essential skill in Korean society, where understanding the underlying feelings of others is highly valued. While “nunchi” can sometimes be translated as “tact” or “intuition,” it’s much more specific than those terms, and knowing how to use it can help you understand everyday conversations.
When I first learned about these types of words, I was blown away by how much they shaped my understanding of Korean culture. They’re not just words; they’re insights into how people interact, think, and feel. And if you’re aiming to be fluent in Korean, you’ll quickly realize that knowing these words can give you a deeper connection to the language.
I won’t even get into the meltdown I had in class after finding out there are two words for circle.
Pro Tip: Make a list of these cultural words, write down their meanings, and try to incorporate them into your daily conversations. Even if you’re not fluent yet, using them will help you sound more natural and connected to the culture.
Related Article: Best Textbooks and Tools for Learning Korean: Beginner-Friendly Resources
3. It’s a Lifelong Journey (And That’s Okay)
When I first started learning Korean, I had big dreams. I imagined myself speaking fluently within a few months, watching K-dramas without subtitles, and having deep conversations with my Korean friends. But what I didn’t anticipate was how much time it takes to truly master a language.
Korean isn’t a language you just “finish” learning. Even once you’ve reached a comfortable level of fluency, there’s always something new to learn, whether it’s slang, regional dialects, or advanced grammar. And that’s okay! It’s a lifelong journey, and every step forward is a victory.
Embracing the idea that you’ll never really “finish” learning Korean can be incredibly freeing. Rather than focusing on an endpoint, you can:
enjoy the process,
celebrate small wins
recognize that every day is an opportunity to grow. The beauty of language learning lies in the ongoing discovery and progress, and once you shift your mindset, you’ll start to appreciate the experience even more.
Pro Tip: Break down your goals into smaller, achievable milestones (like learning a new set of vocabulary every week or mastering a particular grammar point). Celebrate these wins to stay motivated and enjoy the process!
4. Variety Shows Are Better Than Dramas for Learning Korean
Ah, K-dramas. They’re entertaining, romantic, and full of drama (literally). But when it comes to learning Korean, variety shows are often the better choice. Why, you ask? Well, let me tell you!
Variety shows, in particular, are a goldmine for language learners. They’re filled with real, everyday conversations—including humor, slang, and cultural references—that you won’t find in textbooks. Watching variety shows like “Running Man” or “Boys Planet” allows you to hear a wide range of Korean accents, speech styles, and colloquial expressions.
If you’re stuck in your grammar books and not practicing speaking, you’re missing out on the fun and immersion that comes from listening and engaging with the language in its natural form.
Korean variety shows, like “SUCHWITA” or “Physical: 100,” are filled with spontaneous, unscripted conversations that are way more reflective of everyday language than the scripted dialogue you’d hear in a drama. Drama scripts tend to be more formal, and the dialogue is often exaggerated for dramatic effect. Variety shows, on the other hand, feature real-life interactions, and you get a much better sense of how people actually speak to each other in casual settings.
Not only are variety shows more entertaining, but they also help you pick up on common phrases, jokes, and cultural references that you won’t find in textbooks. Plus, watching variety shows gives you a better understanding of Korean humor and social dynamics, which is crucial for anyone wanting to integrate into Korean culture.
Pro Tip: Choose a variety show that matches your current level of comprehension. If you’re a beginner, start with shows that have English subtitles. Gradually challenge yourself by watching without subtitles as you improve!
5. Learning Chinese to Learn Korean (With Hanja and Sino-Korean)
If you’re a beginner in Korean, you may not realize this yet, but learning some Chinese can give you a huge advantage in understanding Korean. This is because a significant portion of the Korean vocabulary comes from Chinese characters, known as Hanja. These characters were historically used in Korean writing and are still an important part of the language, especially in formal contexts, academic writing, and historical texts.
Here’s the twist: Many of the words you encounter in Korean with Chinese origins, known as Sino-Korean words, are shared with Chinese, and their meanings are often quite similar. So, if you’re familiar with Chinese characters and their meanings, you’ll start noticing a lot of familiar patterns when learning Korean. For example, the Korean word 학교 (hak-gyo), meaning “school,” comes from the Chinese character 學校 (xuéxiào). Knowing the Chinese characters can give you an immediate understanding of the word’s meaning and structure in Korean.
While not all Korean words come from Hanja or Sino-Korean roots, a substantial chunk of the language is influenced by Chinese. This is particularly true for more formal or technical terms. So, if you have a foundation in Chinese or are studying it alongside Korean, you’ll have an easier time picking up new vocabulary.
Pro Tip: Even if you don’t plan to learn Chinese extensively, getting a basic understanding of Hanja can speed up your learning process. Learning the most common Hanja characters and their meanings will help you unlock many words in Korean that you might otherwise find confusing. You’ll start to see patterns and connections, and your vocabulary will grow exponentially!
This crossover between Chinese and Korean might feel like a bonus lesson on top of your Korean studies, but trust me, it’s a powerful tool that makes both languages much more approachable. Plus, it adds a layer of cultural understanding, as many of these Sino-Korean words reflect the long history of interaction between China and Korea.
Related Article: Unlocking Language Skills with ChatGPT Prompts
In A Nutshell
Learning Korean has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. From the infinite grammar rules to the lifelong journey of mastering the language, there’s a lot to take in. However, by embracing the process, making use of variety shows for immersion, and understanding the unique cultural words that make Korean so special, you’ll find yourself making steady progress.
Language learning is a marathon, not a sprint. So, if you’re just starting or feeling frustrated, don’t worry. We’re all in this together, and every step you take brings you closer to your goal.
What about you? What’s something you wish you had known before starting to learn Korean? Let’s share our experiences in the comments and keep supporting each other on this language-learning adventure!
Revisiting Spanish after my experience with Korean, things started clicking. Korean not only improved my overall language-learning skills but also gave me the tools and mindset to tackle Spanish in a new way.