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Tips for improving Korean essay writing

After more than a year of attending advanced Korean classes and regularly writing and reviewing 500-800 character essays with my teacher, I’ve accumulated a few useful tips for improving long-form writing that I thought I’d share here.

I’ll preface this by saying few people write well in any language, even among native speakers. I’m a writer and storyteller in both my professional and personal life and I know just how hard it is to build compelling rhetoric using effective, engaging language on any topic. So, following these “quick tips” won’t make you a good writer in Korean — that will take years of practice reading and writing, just as it would in English. But it may help you get started on the road to sounding more natural.

Caveat : This is only one language learner’s experience (mine) and one language instructor (my teacher)’s advice, so take with a grain of salt.

Master written language

This means practicing and getting comfortable with plain speech. Plain-style Korean, or 해라체, is used in books, newspapers, blogs — basically any form of writing where you’re not directly addressing someone else. For example, you’d use plain style to write a blog post in Korean, but use proper politeness (i.e. -요 or -ㅂ니다) levels when responding to comments. Sentences in plain-style Korean end with -(ㄴ)다 (present/future) or -ㅆ다 (past).

There are a number of useful textbooks out there that cover Korean grammar; I’m personally a fan of 빈도별 토픽 for more advanced learners and the Integrated Korean series for beginners and intermediate learners. When going through these books, keep in mind that not all verb endings are appropriate for written Korean. Endings like -지요 and -잖아요, for example, only make sense when you’re talking to someone else.

Use inductive reasoning

Obviously not a hard and fast rule (depends on the discipline, writer’s style, etc.), but after reading a number of Korean op-eds and personal essays, the biggest difference between Korean and English essay writing that I’ve noticed is the underlying logic of the work.

Korean essays are mostly built on inductive reasoning: they start out with anecdotes, examples, and research to draw the reader step-by-step to the main point of the essay. If you’re reading a long opinion piece in Korean, you might make it through 50% or more before you realize what exactly the author’s trying to say.

This is counter to the typical “five paragraph essay” taught in American high schools, where you’re told to state a main point for each paragraph and then support it with evidence (more deductive than inductive reasoning).

Tip! I’ve found that because of this logic structure, skimming long chunks of Korean prose — especially during TOPIK — is challenging for me. If you’re pressed for time, read the last couple sentences of every paragraph to get a decent tl;dr.

Memorize transition words and phrases

These are words like 그런데, 그리고, 게다가, 반면에, etc., that link one sentence to the next or one paragraph to the next. When you’re reading essays, news articles, or even TOPIK passages, take a second to identify and write down these transition words/phrases. Memorize them and practice using them in your own writing, so you won’t default to the boring ones I listed as examples above.

Put the most important part of the sentence first

One of my favorite things about Korean writing is the flexibility of word order within a sentence. That said, I often get told by my teacher to not be so careless about it when writing essays. A writing tic of mine, for instance, is to include every relevant detail that I possibly can into a relative clause that modifies the topic or subject of my sentence; that means my sentences are “top heavy” with the most important part usually coming near the end. In longer compositions, though, it’s important to make sure your key point shows up at the beginning of the sentence for clarity.

For example, take a look at these two sentences. The first is what I wrote and the second is a revision.

(1) 마지막으로 직장 관련 이야기가 듣기 싫다는 대답을 선택한 여성들에 비해 2배 이상 많은 남성들이 있다는 결과가 나왔다.

(2) 마지막으로, 여성들에 비해 2배 이상 많은 남성들이 직장 관련 이야기가 듣기 싫다는 대답을 선택한 결과가 나왔다.

I was trying to describe that, according to the results of the given survey, more than twice the number of men versus women said they did not want to discuss work [with their extended families during the holiday]. In sentence (1), the key point ‘여성들에 비해 2배 이상 많은 남성’ shows up at the end of the sentence; in sentence (2), it shows up right after the transition word.

Use! The! Right! Particles!!

Believe me when I say that it is worth investing time into understanding the difference between topic particles (은/는) and subject particles (이/가). For a lot of beginners, this is one of the most difficult concepts to grasp, especially if English is your native language. If you’re only writing a couple short sentences at a time, to a limited (!) extent, you can get by mixing up the two without dire consequences.

For example:

(1) 그 남자 는 나를 좋아한다고 고백했다. (2) 그 남자 가 나를 좋아한다고 고백했다.

Both sentences have differences in nuance but more or less mean the same thing.

When sentences get long with different topics, subjects, and clauses, using the wrong particle can really mess up the meaning of your sentence. And when you’re introducing different points in an essay, mastering 은/는 and 이/가 will help direct the logical flow of your writing and lend it clarity. The best way to grasp particles? Write a lot, but don’t just write disparate sentences. Write a paragraph or two on one idea and then have your writing reviewed by a native speaker.

Synonyms are your friend

This is good writing advice no matter what language you’re writing in. No one wants to read the same adjective or verb over and over again, so it’s good to pay attention to different ways to say the same thing. This is particularly important, I think, for the analytical writing part of TOPIK, which asks you to describe the results of a survey or research study. You’ll be using a lot of phrases like “X increased by Y%” or “A decreased by B%” or things like “it was revealed that XX,” “the results showed ,” “the participants chose , ” etc.

Tip! Compared to the longer essay in TOPIK II, the analytical essays are actually where you can improve your score the fastest, in my opinion. One easy way to do that is by diversifying your sentences with different synonyms and phrases related to analysis and trends. On one of my early practice tests, I used the word 증가하다 three sentences in a row — don’t do that.

Last but not least: read actively

An obvious one, but worth mentioning. Now, when I read non-fiction in Korean, I don’t just read for comprehension. I read for writing style. And I mean, I really break down the structure of the composition. I start out by picking out where the main idea shows up in each paragraph and then jot it down. Then I try to pay attention to how the sentences are connected to one another, noting specifically how the author shifts topics and subjects from sentence to sentence and how transition phrases/words help build the logic of the narrative. And then I try putting in any new words and sentence structures/phrases I’ve learned into practice.

In order to build your vocabulary, it’s important to read widely. But in order to become a better writer, I think it’s important to read closely .

Closing thoughts

I think being able to write naturally, using standard grammar, is an important tenet of fluency. But I don’t think you have to be a “good” writer to consider yourself fluent — though, of course, it depends on what your ambitions and/or goals are.

In English, writing is like breathing for me. So it’s important to me that I can write something that would be considered generally good writing in Korean, not just comprehensible or “good for a foreigner.” That’s what I’m working toward, at least.

To that end, I do have a ((new)) blog in Korean, up on the interwebs somewhere. I’m waiting until I write a few more posts before I officially share it here, but if keep your eyes peeled if you’re interested!

The Only Guide You Need to Pass TOPIK Test

Best Self-Study Material to Prepare for TOPIK Test

TOPIK Essay Writing Guide – Evaluation and Marking Scheme

The readers of TOPIK GUIDE have frequently been writing to us for some guidance on the Essay part of TOPIK Writing (쓰기) section. So Here We are putting this detailed article about this.

Most of the questions in TOPIK are multiple choice and objective type where there is, clearly, only one correct answer. You don’t even need a human to check if the answers are right or wrong. Mostly OMR recognition softwares do the job. The problem is with the subjective type questions. In these questions there is no ‘one correct answer’. Different persons can give different answers and they all may be correct. Sometimes it is difficult to even say whether the answer is right or wrong because it may be partially right and partially wrong.

This type of questions generally appear in the Writing section of TOPIK. And believe me, you are not the only person who find them difficult. Evaluating this type of questions is the most difficult task for Examiners as well. As these questions are evaluated by real humanss and not the machines, there are high chances of variation in evaluation process depending upon the personality and psychological status of the examiner. And that”s why it confuses the test takers on what and how to write the answer of such questions so that it looks correct to the evaluator. Particularly, the TOPIK Essay writing part is the most difficult of these subjective questions.

Most of TOPIK test takers are confused at some point of time about what and how exactly they are expected to write in the essay. Do they want to check your grammar vocabulary, spelling etc? or Do they want to test your writing skills, like how beautifully and logically you put your thought, how great your thoughts are? or Do they want to see how beautiful your handwriting is? Will using difficult words and complex sentences get you more marks? There are many such questions that confuse the mind of test takes, specially when they appear for the first time. Many people find themselves in a very difficult situation when the topic of the essay is related to Korea. I know many people who thought writing anything wrong about Korea or Koreans will fetch them poor marks. 😉

In this series on TOPIK essay writing, we are going to clear all those doubts. We are going to tell you exactly how TOPIK essays are evaluated and marked. The series is based on ‘ model evaluation guideline ‘ from NIIED, the organization that conducts the TOPIK test.

We have divided the series in to 3 parts in which we will take 3 model essays each from beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of TOPIK and will analyse the evaluation system by giving detailed marking pattern of 3 model answer essays.

Below is the model guideline that all the evaluators have to follow, according to NIIED:-

We will start with the Beginner Level .

Here is the Essay Question that we will take as a model:-

I am leaving you with three example answer essay. read properly and think how you would mark them if you were the examiner. In the next post we will see how the TOPIK evaluators marked them.

TOPIK Beginner Model Essay 1

TOPIK Beginner Model Essay 2

Go to TOPIK Essay Writing Evaluation Analysis – Beginner Level

Dr. Satish Satyarthi

Satish is the Founder and CEO of TOPIK GUIDE. He is passionate about languages. He created TOPIK GUIDE website to help Korean language learners learn Korean effectively, succeed in TOPIK test and achieve their goals. He has a PhD in Korean language. His research area has been 'Teaching Korean as a Foreign Language (외국어로서의 한국어교육)'. He is a Seoul National University (GKS) alumni. He has been active in Korean language teaching and research for more than 10 years. We are a team of passionate researchers from Seoul National University specializing in Korean language and linguistics. We are committed to helping international students prepare for the TOPIK test. You can connect with us on Facebook , Twitter , Google+ or YouTube

Hello, thanks for this post.İ think first one is best, right Because second one has some mistakes and third one is not good How abkut this essay’s points. İ wonder bexause i will get this exam next year.그래서 열심히 공부 합니다. 정말 감서헙니다.

Thanks a lot for sharing this nice and informative post, This posts shows your efforts that how do you cover any topic research. I really like your blog because your blog has updated posts on different current issues. I would request you to keep sharing your thoughts. Essay Writing

이것은 너무 도와주신 글인데 감사합니다 선배님.

hello i hav a doubt.. see topik test are conducted 4times in evry 1year…and as for me i will be giving my test in the 40th topik…i have 3years…but i live in india and here the educational sessions end in june…so my point is that i wont be able to make it in the beginners level 1 test which is conducetd in january…should i wait for another year or shud i give level 1 topik in july???

This beginner essay writing will definitely be a great resource for the students who will write essay first time in their academic career. Essay writing is not so much tough, just need a little bit attention due to which students can write essays of excellent quality. Buy Essay

Thanks for this post, I speak spanish,and I dont found information about it. thanks

Great to know that it helped… Thank you.

Hello. Thank you for the great review and the whole site… it helps a lot 🙂 I am preparing for the intermediate level TOPIK, and I was just wondering if the 400-600 characters are counted with or without space?? Do you know anything about this? I was sure it’s without space (because that’s how usually it is at language tests), but then just to make sure, I put a sample essay from the official TOPIK paper and copied it to Word, to see how many characters it is. And it turned out that it’s 353 characters without space, and 456 with space… So I’m kind of confused now :/ Do they count it with space? It makes a huge difference actually….

Actually it’s with spaces…

Thank you so much for the quick reply ^^

Hi, I would like to know if you have to write the essay using the ㅂ니다 form. I have been learning Korean on my own and talking to my friends. We usually just use the polite speach ending in 요. But Since this is a test I guess I will have to use the other form right?

You can check this post:- https://www.topikguide.com/2012/07/which-form-of-language-to-use-in-topik-exam-formal-plain-or-informal.html

hi , i want to know if i can pass the level 2 of topik exam how can i use by this score, thank you for your answer

It can help you getting into a Korean university or getting a job in a Korean company… It also helps you get certain types of Visa…

Good morning teacher.nice to meet you in your team chart. am from Cambodian now i stay in Cambodian too . but i want to test Korea exam how can i do it because am so far from here. so u can advice me how to do? am looking for you reply me back .thank you so much. i want to study more in Korea but am so poor so i don’t have money to study at there. if you have a good advice for me please tell me …i can test from internet or anther test .thank you.good bye see u reply soon..from Sophea Cambodia..good luck for you.

많은 분들이 한국어를 공부하시군요. 다들 좋은 결과 얻으시길 희망합니다. !

my big problem in topik exam is the writing part , i had no clew about it . but this article made me feel more comfortable and bit ready for it 🙂 thanks a miliiooooooon 🙂

same problem

hello, thanks for this post i am preparing 31th intermadiate topik exam and i wondering about essays topik?

thanks for this information..now when you are told to write about a countries love or parent love what are the essential things to write???

It depends on the level..

여러분 열심히 공부 하세요

There’s a little bit of spelling errors in Example 2. Here’s some of the ones that I caught:

“카탸가 제 비밀들은 질 지켰습니다.” — 잘* “하지만 우리 지금 만나면 저는 너무 행벅해집니다.” — 행복* “우리가 맛있는 자를 마실겁니다.” — 차* “저는 제 친구 너무 보고 싶어서 발리 러시아에 가거싶습니다.” — 빨리* and 가고 싶습니다*

Also, any tips on how to get Level 6? What kind of essay structure are they looking for to get level 6? If I get all points or at least enough points to reach level, is that how I can get level 6?

Example 3 also has a bit of errors.

“체 취미 축구입니다.” — 제* and I think it sounds better to write 제 취미는* “이 사람이 세게에서 진짜 유명해요.” — 세계* “그리고 이 사람안테…” — 한테* “나중에 아마 저는도 유명 축구사람 됩니다.” — 저도* and 유명한* and 축구선수* “만나면 아추 좋아합니다.” — 아주* “우리 집에 조대할고예요, 우리 아버지게서도 정말 좋아요.” — 초대 할 거예요* and 아버지께서*

I could be wrong, but I think those are some errors.

Yes, those are errors. That’s why example essay 2 & 3 got less marks. Check this post: https://www.topikguide.com/2012/04/topik-essay-writing-guide-beginner.html

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Key to Korean Motivation & Resources for Learning Korean

Learn how to write TOPIK essays well using Wongoji writing guidelines

The following are Wongoji basic writing guidelines that I found in a Nonsul (essay) notebook by PAPIER co, LTD. I’ve translated them into English to help you better understand how to properly write essays using Wongoji papers ( which is what the TOPIK test uses as well ).

Download Wongoji essay writing instructions PDF

The directions are included on the PDF print-out above, but here they are again for clarity:

Wongoji Basic Cryptography

By default, there aren’t any implicit principles for using wongoji . But usually using wongoji , there are some general forms to follow.

Essay wongoji were created to easily identify the fundamental elements of spelling, spacing, and so on. More than that, by dividing paragraphs, you can easily identify contents and see how much you’re writing. Therefore , certain forms will equip you with the ability to write descriptive paragraphs, so that when the grader first sees your writing, they’ll be left with a positive first impression.

In one box , write one character . Only for the alphabet (lowercase) and Arabian numbers should 2 characters be used in one box, but every sentence mark should also have its own box. (Uppercase alphabet characters also need their own box.)
For paragraphs , the first box should be left blank and you should start writing from the second box. This means it’s a new paragraph. Only do this for a new paragraph. (If there’s no empty box to leave a space between words in a line, don’t leave the next line’s first space blank. Rather, put a (V) mark after the last character and begin the next line with a consonant .)
Spacing and spelling rules should be followed, but when there’s a sentence mark that should usually be followed by a space like a comma (,) or period (.), generally don’t leave a blank.
Exclamation marks (!) or question marks (?) should be written in the center of the box, but quotation marks ( “ ” ) commas (,) and periods (.) should be written in the corner of the box nearest the letters they affect.
In the case that a sentence mark should be stamped at the end of a line, it shouldn’t be carried down to the next line, but rather placed inside the last box on that line. Starting a line with ‘.’ or ‘,’ should be carefully avoided.
When writing a dialogue , change to the next line for each full quotation mark ( “ ” ). The first box should be left blank and quotation marks should come in the second box.

FREE Practice Papers

Also, if you want, I’ve also created our own FREE 원고지 Practice Papers that you can use to practice.

Download Practice Wongoji PDF

Do you practice your topik essays with wongoji do you find this resources helpful.

120 Days to TOPIK #1 – Gather Resources

Gather your resources! This is one of my favorite parts of any new Challenge because it can be fun to look over the kinds of materials you WANT to use and the kinds of things you WANT to learn (plus, Continue reading 120 Days to TOPIK #1 – Gather Resources

How I Will Study for the TOPIK II in 120 Days (and You Can Join Me)

Well, that was unexpected. I recently wrote a post outlining my plan to cram for the TOPIK II in 30 days. I had been planning to take the test on July 19, 2015. But, I guess plans change. As it turns Continue reading How I Will Study for the TOPIK II in 120 Days (and You Can Join Me)

Thanks! Initially I thought a space had to be left AFTER every form of punctuation “.” “,” etc… but that makes almost two full blocks oven between the sentences so this makes sense. I was also never sure what that “V” was for at the end of the sentence.

Right. But Sarah has also said that you probably don’t need to write the “V” at the end in TOPIK. She said nobody usually writes the “V” even though it’s “conventional.”

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What is counted as a 자 and what isn’t counted as a 자? I’m really confused by this because some sites said that spaces between words can be counted as a 자. How about the spacing before each paragraph/dialog/quotation? Is that counted as a 자 as well?

According to the TOPIK sample answers for essay, they said that if you exceed by 100 자 or do not meet the required amount of 자, they will minus 5 points. So if I exceed by 99 자, will I still get penalized for it?

Actually, EVERY box counts as a 자. “자” technically means “character” or “letter” and INCLUDES spaces.

For the most part on TOPIK, you WON’T be writing multiple paragraphs or quotations, so it isn’t something to really worry about during the test, but YES, the spacing before each should count as a 자 as well.

If you take a look at some sample TOPIK answer papers (in the back of the TOPIK Test Guide books, or located here on our website ), you can see that there are numbers going down the side of the page. This is to help with speedy counting of the number of 자 used. So long as you remain WITHIN the specified amount, you should be OK.

I’d also say, if you’re 99 in excess (and the penalty is 100), then you won’t be deducted. The numbers down the side of the paper make for simple counting and it will be easy to tell if you go “over” or not. They’ll just look down to see if you have 자 in the “forbidden area.”

But I say, Why even test it? For the most part, you’re not really going to be ABLE to write so long. It’s best to FOCUS your writing to your main points and work on cleaning up your essay WITHIN the guidelines. You won’t get bonus points for going long. But you WILL get better points for spending your extra time editing and fixing rather than over-writing.

Good luck in TOPIK!~

By the way, you know that from July, there is NO MORE Beginner Writing section , right? Only Intermediates and Advanced students need to worry about that.

Dear Aaron, thank you for your article. One question I have though is how we can edit the TOPIK writing essays. Is there an official way to insert corrections without being penalised?

You cannot edit TOPIK writing essays AFTER the test.

However, DURING the test, if you make an error, you need to use the white-out tape (available at the tests if you ask the test proctors – or just bring your own).

Last time, to try to avoid needing to use white-out tape, I tried to write the essay FIRST in pencil and then go back over it all in pen. However, this method took WAY too long and I didn’t have time to complete the full writing portion.

Therefore, I think it’s a much better idea to just do you best in pen and if you make a mistake, use the white-out tape.

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Why Learn Korean? 10 Reasons It’s the Best Decision You’ll Ever Make

There are plenty of reasons to want to learn Korean.

Maybe you want to binge on your favorite Korean media and not have to deal with the one-inch barrier of subtitles .

Maybe it’s something else entirely, like wanting to work in a Korean-speaking company.

No matter your reason (or lack thereof), this post will give you 10 compelling reasons why learning Korean is actually an excellent choice.

1. Korean’s writing system is easy to learn

2. korean is one of the most spoken languages in the world, 3. korean can help you learn other east asian languages, 4. “konglish” makes korean easier for english speakers, 5. learning korean gives you an edge in the job market, 6. koreans are among the friendliest in the world, 7. there’s plenty to love about korean travel and culture, 8. the ubiquity of k-pop practically forces you to learn korean, 9. you’ll better appreciate korean movies and tv, 10. knowing korean gives you bragging rights, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Hangul only has 24 letters, which is already less than the English 26. Also, the way the Korean letters are written is said to reflect how your mouth or tongue looks when you produce their sound .

For example, ㄴ (ni-eun) , which is roughly equivalent to the English letter N, looks like the shape your tongue makes to touch the back of your teeth to produce the N sound.

Korean has over 75 million speakers worldwide . That means you don’t have to be physically in the “land of the morning calm” to meet a native Korean speaker.

In fact, Korean is the 25th most commonly spoken language in the world . When you consider that there are roughly 7,000 languages all over the globe today, Korean is right up there with the most popular ones.

Although the Korean writing system is distinct, the language itself has features similar to those of its neighboring countries, China and Japan.

For example, like Mandarin and Nihongo, Korean also has a system of honorifics that clues you in to the age, sex or status of the person addressed. There’s formal language reserved for elders and bosses, and there are informal forms for family and friends. The former denotes deference and reverence, while the latter suggests welcome and warmth.

Because Korea has become a melting pot of various cultures around the world, it’s only natural that they’ve appropriated some English into Korean.

“Konglish” is a beautiful hybrid between Korean and English. For example, when Koreans say 디카 (dika) , it’s actually short for the English words “digital camera.” They also use 셀카 (selka) for “self camera.” (That’s a “selfie,” in case you’re wondering.)

South Korea is an important global player. For example, it’s an important partner to the US and plays host to technological giants like Samsung, which has been going head-to-head with Apple for years now.

The country has also gone from being one of the poorest after World War II to an economic powerhouse. To date, South Korea is the fourth largest economy in Asia, the 13th largest in the world and can potentially move further up to ninth place by 2027. Don’t take my word for it: Just check out the 2023 World Economic League Table .

Assuming these trends keep up (and they very likely will), learning Korean could be crucial for your business and career prospects.

Greet anyone in Korea 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) , and you may be amazed at how a single line can result in an outpouring of conversation.

You can also chat with Koreans about their nation’s obsession with skincare and karaoke , how to make kimchi and other staple Korean foods and a ton of other intriguing subjects.

If you’re able to carry on convos like these with native speakers, you’re going to win yourself some great friends.

South Korea is a beautiful spot on Earth, and it stays that way all through the four seasons. Trust me, you’ll definitely want to visit it in this lifetime .

For starters, it’s home to palaces, quaint villages, shrines and temples that take you to eras past. For those who prefer more modern sights, the N Seoul Tower bears witness to the sea of innovation and technological marvel that is the city of Seoul.

Also, South Korean culture is in a league of its own. Yes, it’s somewhat influenced by its neighbors (most prominently China), but you’ll still see things like the traditional hanbok and food that are uniquely Korean.

Learning to speak the language will add so much to your travel and cultural experience. It will infuse more meaning and insight into what you see. And who knows: Like so many, you might just fall in love with the country and want to stay there for good.

Who can forget the catchy and satirical “Gangnam Style,” which broke YouTube records by becoming the first online video to hit a billion views? It’s but a symptom of this Korean craze.

Sure, you can just bob your head along with K-pop’s famously earworm-y tunes and eat up all of the visual candy from their music videos. But why not take it a step further and actually try to understand what the singers are belting out?

You may just realize that the lyrics are far deeper than their bubblegum melodies may suggest. Or they could just be someone singing about their longing for a special someone over and over—but how would you know unless you study the language?

Remember “Parasite,” the first non-English film to win an Oscar? Or “A Tale of Two Sisters,” which regularly appears on my horror-loving friends’ lists of “most terrifying movies of all time?”

There’s a good chance you know someone (or are someone) who’s into K-dramas or movies . After all, they often have plotlines and characters that can rival anything that comes out of Hollywood.

And wouldn’t it be great to watch them without constantly flicking your eyes between the subtitles and the action on screen? That’s yet another problem learning Korean can solve!

One way to ease yourself into these shows and films is with an authentic language learning program like FluentU . FluentU features videos with interactive and clickable subtitles, which give you information on each word’s English translation, pronunciation, part of speech and more.

Did you know that Korean is rated as a Category 4 language by the U.S. government’s Foreign Service Institute (FSI)? In other words, it takes the average English speaker about 2,200 class hours to pick it up due to its relative level of difficulty.

That means if you’re fluent in it, you can impress people with the fact that you’ve picked up a language that couldn’t be any more different from the one you grew up with. And, as I’ve touched on earlier, you’ll gain an edge over other job applicants due to your English-Korean bilingualism.

Economically, politically, socially, culturally and entertainment-wise, Korean comes at you from all different angles. And each day, it’s coming at ever-increasing speeds.

Korean is an obvious pick for a language to learn, and the time to learn is today.

So take that plunge!

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Is Korean Easy to Learn? A Quick Guide

So, you want to learn the Korean language . That's great! With K-pop and K-dramas increasing in popularity, it makes more sense than ever to learn Korean and join in the hype.

Today, we'll look at how easy it can be to learn Korean as an English speaker. We will introduce the Korean language, then discuss the vocabulary, writing system, and grammar.

Finally, we'll provide advice for learning Korean at home. Follow these tips to learn Korean in a manageable way.

We'll demonstrate that the Korean language isn't as easy to learn as the Romance languages for English speakers, but that it is doable and fun with the right resources.

An Introduction to the Korean Language

The Korean language is an East Asian language, but it is quite different from the languages around it.

Korean belongs to the 'Koreanic' language family, so it is not directly related to other East Asian Languages, like Chinese and Japanese.

That being said, there are some cognates between Korean and Japanese. So, speakers of East Asian languages like the Japanese language may find it easier to learn Korean than speakers of Romance languages and English.

You can get high-quality exposure to the Korean language by watching anime and Korean dramas on Lingopie or Netflix. Both streaming platforms boast an array of entertaining shows and movies in Korean.

Lingopie is designed for language learners and the shows on this streaming site have been hand-picked for learning potential.

Moreover, there are interactive transcripts and digital flashcards for vocabulary available for learners.

These are invaluable tools for people learning Korean. TV and movies can inform your awareness of Korean culture and boost your foreign language learning.

You can use dual subtitles in your native language and your new language on Lingopie. This is a great way to learn languages as a beginner.

Korean Words and Phrases

Now, let's talk about learning Korean vocabulary.

There are over a million words in Korean and it would be very hard to learn this many Korean words. Luckily, you don't have to.

Once you know around 3000 Korean words, you will be able to get by in Korea and hold conversations.

So, if you aim to learn ten new Korean words and phrases every day, you will have a great basic Korean vocabulary within a year.

Note any new Korean words you come across in Korean TV, music, and koreav variety shows, and create a list of useful Korean vocabulary from which to work.

How long it will take to learn Korean depends on how much work you put in every day. If you find it hard to learn so many Korean words each day, try five. However, this will slow your language learning.

When you learn Korean words try to use them in a sentence to reinforce the learning and meaning.

Note that when you learn Korean words, you will encounter many loan words from other languages, such as English , Japanese, Chinese , and Russian .

So, native speakers of these other languages have a head start in learning the Korean language due to loan words.

Some English words that come up in Korean include "sandwich" ( saendeuwichi ), "camera" ( kamera ) and "vitamin" ( bitamin ).

The Korean Writing System

You will also want to learn the Korean writing system, Hangul.

This Korean alphabet was designed in 1443 CE by King Sejong the Great, who wanted to increase literacy rates and make the language more accessible to uneducated native Korean speakers of the time.

This is good news for language learners, as it means reading Korean is not as hard as the likes of Chinese and Japanese. Hangul is an alphabet, so each symbol represents a sound, while Chinese characters represent words or ideas.

The Japanese language is written using Chinese characters (kanji), as well as hiragana and katakana. But when you are studying Korean, you only need to learn one script.

Most Korean language courses online and language learning apps will teach the Korean alphabet as well as spoken Korean.

Some Chinese characters have been incorporated into Korean but with adapted pronunciation to accommodate the different sounds in the Korean language.

You will find written Korean to be very logical, ordered, and clear, once you learn the alphabet.

Korean Grammar

Often, language learners find grammar in a foreign language hard to learn as it differs so much from their own.

However, Korean grammar is not overly complex, so try to go into your Korean grammar studies with a can-do attitude.

Korean Word Order

Conjugating Korean verbs involves adding an ending to the verb.

Once you can conjugate a Korean verb, you can make a Korean sentence. This is because a basic Korean sentence structure is a single conjugated verb.

With English grammar, you need a subject and a verb to make a sentence, but in Korean, the subject is often understood based on conjugation.

More complex Korean sentences have the sentence structure subject-object-verb .

For instance, "I the ball kick", rather than "I kick the ball".

Language Building Blocks

The Korean language only has three tenses: past, present, and future. In this way, Korean grammar is pretty straightforward.

You use different particles and modify the endings of verbs and nouns to indicate the tense, formality, and whether a noun is the subject or object of a sentence.

Korean is a very simple agglutinative language. This means that whole words are made by combining parts of words (like Lego blocks).

Many compound Korean words are made up of single-syllable words that are easy to identify. If you recognize part of a compound word, you should be able to guess the meaning of the word, based on the context.

Finally, Korean is not a tonal language. Tonal languages are hard to learn for English speakers, as they involve hearing the nuance of different inflections.

The Spoken Word

Finally, a brief note on speaking Korean. When you are learning languages, developing your speaking skills is often the most thrilling part of the journey.

Learning to speak Korean at an intermediate level opens up doors for travel, work, and socializing in South Korea.

Moreover, if you can speak Korean in South Korea and make yourself understood, your confidence will soar.

Make sure you are focusing on learning to speak Korean, even if you are learning the Korean language independently.

Your reading and listening comprehension might be coming along nicely, but you also want to practice talking with native Korean speakers.

How to Learn Korean at Home

To work on your spoken Korean, it is advisable to find a Korean language exchange partner online or an interactive Korean class.

You can practice reading, writing, and listening independently, but learning to speak Korean requires a partner.

Talking with native speakers of Korean will improve your Korean pronunciation, speed up the learning process and allow you an insight into Korean culture.

Ask your Korean language exchange partner to correct your Korean pronunciation regularly and tell you stories relating to Korean culture.

As for writing and reading Korean, you will find helpful guides to the Korean writing system online and on language learning apps.

A great language-learning app for Korean reading and writing is Glossika. You can also begin to read manga or use Korean subtitles when you watch TV.

Watching TV will help you learn to pronounce Korean words and use tones, as well as boost your listening comprehension.

Check out the Korean drama Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area, the Korean version of the hit Spanish show La Casa de Papel .

All of these Korean resources will provide you with natural and quality exposure to the language. This will improve your language skills and allow you, in time, to speak with your Korean friends and work toward Korean fluency.

Join the 80 million Korean speakers in the world today and start learning this interesting language.

Like any other language, Korean poses its challenges. But it is not any more difficult than the average European language.

FAQs about learning Korean

Let's look at some frequently asked questions about learning Korean.

Is it easier to learn Korean or Japanese?

It is easier to learn Korean than the Japanese language because Korean grammar is more straightforward. What's more, writing Korean only requires one script, meanwhile Japanese has three scripts. The learning process for studying Korean is generally shorter than for Japanese.

Is Korean hard to learn for English speakers?

Korean can be challenging to learn for English speakers, but with practice, great Korean resources, and dedication, the language-learning process can be made accessible and fun. Use TV shows and movies to help you learn Korean.

What is the hardest part of learning Korean?

The hardest part of learning Korean for a native English speaker is learning Hangul, the Korean script. A native English speaker who does not speak other languages might find the prospect of the Korean alphabet intimidating. However, Hangul is easier to learn than most Asian scripts.

What is easier Chinese or Korean?

For English speakers, it's easier to learn Korean than the Chinese language. Mandarin Chinese is hard to learn for English language speakers as it is tonal and has a complex writing system. Moreover, the Chinese language has over 8,000 Chinese characters. Meanwhile, the Korean language is written using 24 letters.

Summing Up: Is Korean Easy to Learn?

As you can see, the Korean vocabulary, writing system, and grammar rules are quite different from English. But with the right resources, you can study Korean in a fun and accessible way.

It is a great idea to watch Korean-language TV shows and movies, listen to Korean music, and get a Korean language exchange partner for exposure and practice.

Now that you know how to learn the Korean language, you can make a start on your Korean language learning journey.

Kick off your Korean language learning with Lingopie. It will inform your Korean pronunciation, vocabulary, and understanding of Korean culture.

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How to Introduce Yourself in Korean

Last modified: Aug 09, 2023 | 7 min read | By Laura Toyryla

When you meet a new Korean person , knowing how to introduce yourself in Korean is very helpful ! In this way, you can easily introduce yourself and start communicating with the locals.

How you’ll introduce yourself in the Korean language will vary based on the situation, we can get you started on the basics. Add to these based on your situation. Let’s get started!

A girl waving her left hand while saying hello in Korean

1.1 1. Greet them by saying 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo).
1.2 2. Bow as you greet them.
1.3 3. If you shake hands, use your right hand or both hands.
1.4 4. Address them by their title or family name.
2.1 Basic Greetings in Korean
2.2 Introducing Your Age in Korean
2.3 Introducing Where You Are From in Korean
2.4 Introducing Your Occupation in Korean
3.1 List of Hobbies in Korean

Things to know when meeting new people in Korea

It’s good to go over a couple of points on the manners and culture in Korea first. This is extremely important if you’re in South Korea . After you’ve learned them, we’ll get started on how to introduce yourself in Korean ! These situations are also often portrayed on television, so you can see this in Korean drama .

1. Greet them by saying 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo).

Before anything else, greet them by saying 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo). It is important in Korean culture to be polite and show respect toward others. First impressions are everything.

2. Bow as you greet them.

a man bowing while shaking hands in the Korean fashion, this is a polite way to introduce yourself in korean

3. If you shake hands, use your right hand or both hands.

When you shake hands, use your right hand or both hands . You can show more respect by bowing and touching your left hand to your right or grabbing your stomach with your left hand.

4. Address them by their title or family name.

Koreans do not refer to each other by their first name unless they are close friends, and even then, they often go by “언니 (eonni),” “오빠 (oppa)” and so on .

When you are meeting a new person, use their title or family name unless they say otherwise .

How to introduce yourself in Korean

Now that we’ve gone through the important things to know when meeting a new friend in South Korea, let’s proceed with learning self-introduction in Korean. We will teach basic greetings, how to state your age and where you’re from your job , and the usual conversations people have when meeting for the first time .

You’ll also get to learn more about Korean grammar and more Korean words . When you greet people in Korean, they are likely to talk to you in Korean , and a Korean self-introduction script might come in handy!

You might know how to speak Korean, but if you don’t know how to read the Korean Alphabet, you can learn it here in about 1 hour.

Basic Greetings in Korean

As you learn Korean, how to greet someone is one of the first things that you’ll know, whether it’s from recognizing phrases in a Korean drama or as part of general language learning. The Korean phrases below are essential in introducing yourself in Korean and teaching the basics of what you can use, whether the standard or formal form or way to say them.

“Hello” in Korean

The most common way to greet someone you’ve met for the first time is by saying “hello.” Below is how you can say it in a standard way.

Our article on how to say “hello” in Korean shows different ways to say this greeting.

안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)

“Nice to meet you” in Korean

When meeting someone for the first time, you can say, “It’s nice to meet you.” You can say it in a standard or a formal way.

We also have a separate article that teaches you how to say “nice to meet you” in Korean in many other ways.

처음 뵙겠습니다 (cheoeum boepgetseumnida)

It’s nice to meet you!

만나서 반갑습니다 (mannaseo bangapseumnida)

Your self-introduction in Korean

When introducing yourself to someone, you can simply state your name following the sample sentence below. The example shown is can be used in formal situations.

제 이름은 존 입니다. (je ireumeun jonimnida)

My name is John.

Introducing Your Age in Korean

Age makes a big difference in your interactions in Korea . You want to use a more formal version and polite language in introductions for people in a higher social position (your boss, your elders, etc.). You can use standard versions of the Korean language when you introduce yourself in Korean to those who are the same age or younger than you.

저는 스물네 살입니다 (jeoneun seumulle sarimnida)

I’m 24 years old.

저는 스물네 살이에요 (jeoneun seumulle sarieyo)

As you tell others your age, it’s best if you’re familiar with Korean numbers, and you should use the native Korean Number System. We have a complete guide for Korean numbers here . Here’s a quick refresher if you need it.

Note that the Korean age is not the same as the international age. You can be up to two years older in Korean age.

Introducing Where You Are From in Korean

Something that will come up when you introduce yourself in Korean, your partner will probably want to know where you’re from .

저는 미국 에서 왔습니다 (jeoneun migugeseo watseumnida)

I am from the U.S .

저는 미국 에서 왔어요 (jeoneun migugeseo wasseoyo)

I am from the U.S.

Example Countries in Korean

You can fill in the blank with the country that applies to you . For more countries, you can check our post about how to say “country” in Korean .

Introducing Your Occupation in Korean

Work is important in Korean culture , and it’s likely to come up when you introduce yourself in Korean, either during your self-introduction or as a question after you finish.

저는 학생 입니다 (jeoneun haksaengimnida)

I am a student.

저는 모델 이에요 (jeoneun moderieyo)

I am a model.

저는 가수 예요 (jeoneun gasuyeyo)

I am a singer.

Example Occupations in Korean

Here are some examples of jobs and what they are called in Korean. You can use these with the sentences above to introduce yourself in Korean as well as to explain your occupation.

Conversation topics when introducing yourself in Korean

After you introduce yourself in Korean and finish with the basic questions South Koreans will ask, you might want to introduce some other topics to keep the conversation going. Here are some basic sentences you can use.

저는 학원에서 한국어를 배웠습니다 (jeoneun hagwoneseo hangugeoreul baewotseumnida)

I learned Korean at the academy.

저는 혼자서 한국어를 공부했어요 (jeoneun honjaseo hangugeoreul gongbuhaesseoyo)

I studied Korean by myself.

저는 친구에게서 한국어를 배웠어요 (jeoneun chinguegeseo hangugeoreul baewosseoyo)

I learned Korean from my friend.

저는 서울 에서 살고 있습니다 (jeoneun seoureseo salgo itseumnida)

I live in Seoul.

저는 필리핀 에서 살고 있어요 (jeoneun pillipineseo salgo isseoyo)

I live in the Philippines.

제 취미는 러닝 이에요 (je chwimineun reoningieyo)

My hobby is running.

제 취미는 요리 예요 (je chwimineun yoriyeyo)

My hobby is cooking.

독서 는 제 취미 중 하나예요 (dokseoneun je chwimi jung hanayeyo)

Reading is one of my hobbies.

If you’d like to know more about constructing sentences in Korean, we have a full article on Korean sentence structure .

List of Hobbies in Korean

For more lists of hobbies and activities, you can check our separate article focused on hobbies in Korean and sports in Korean .

Now you know how to introduce yourself to your new Korean friends or some native speakers in Korean! If you’re looking for more, check out our fantastic resources on learning Korean here . We also have a structured online Korean language web program that will teach you how to have a 3-minute conversation in the first 90 days.

Did you find today’s lesson on learning Korean useful? Practice introducing yourself in the comments, and we’ll reply with how you did!

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155 thoughts on “How to Introduce Yourself in Korean”

i am really thankful and gratufull for you guys now i can talk korean and write it thank you so much

Awesome! You’re welcome and thanks for sharing, Lee. ^^

Thanks for this! Sir, now I can have basic conversations and write in Korean! Could you please suggest more ways to sharpen my Korean?

You’re welcome, Jack! ^^ Glad to hear you’re learning Korean. To sharpen your Korean skills, you can check out our articles Korean conversation – Practice through dialogues and Korean Practice – How to effectively use your language skills .

Choose your skill level and start getting fast results with your Korean:

10 Easy And Short Korean Phrases For Beginners

, May 25, 2023

The Korean language may seem easy to master because of the Korean dramas you’ll find online. But did you know it takes 2200 hours to master it or 88 weeks to reach hundred percent fluency? This may come off as a shock for most, but you might get the hang of it by learning short Korean phrases!

In the bustling streets of Seoul, where tradition intertwines with modernity, lies a treasure trove of linguistic gems waiting to be discovered. Like delicate brushstrokes on a canvas, short Korean phrases paint vivid portraits of emotion, culture, and the essence of human connection. These concise expressions encapsulate a world of meaning in a mere breath, leaving a lasting impression.

If you’ll ask me, these short phrases are like fragments of poetry. They hold the power to capture the essence of moments and relationships. They are the threads that bind the Korean culture, inviting us to embark on a journey of understanding, connection, and appreciation.

So, are you planning to visit Korea anytime soon? It’s never too early or late to learn a few essential words in their language, so come on and start studying Korean phrases today!

Basic Honorifics In The Korean Culture

Before venturing into the sea of short Korean phrases, you have to learn these basic honorifics that can help during your stay in South Korea. These honorifics may not have a direct translation in the English language, but they’re easy to remember and understand as they’re pretty short and straightforward! You can add them at the end of the title o name of whom you’re speaking with so you’ll come off as respectful.

10 Short Korean Phrases To Learn Today

Unlocking the intricacies of the Korean language begins with mastering a handful of key short phrases. So in this section, we rounded up the top expressions that’ll help lay the foundation for comprehending the more complex aspects of the language.

1. 네 (Ne)/ 아니요 (Aniyo)

Upon learning short Korean phrases, you may have come across these two words. You may often hear them in dramas as the main character agree or disagree on certain things. Well, if you haven’t, then you better watch more Korean dramas! These short Korean phrases translate to “Yes” and “No.” They’re short, but they can shut down anyone you’re speaking with!

2. 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)

This word means “Hello” in English translation, but you may also use it as a greeting at any time of the day. It also makes a good substitute for “ Good morning ” in the English language. Additionally, you can use it to connect with native Korean speakers as they also utilize it in their everyday life. It comes in several forms; in which 안녕하세요 is one of the formal versions of greeting someone older in South Korea. You can also use 안녕 (Annyeong) in casual conversations with friends or people of the same age.

Short Korean Phrases (Mianhamnida) Ling App

3. 미안합니다 (Mianhamnida)

People who speak English may have used “Sorry” a dozen times a day. It is also frequently used in the Korean language. Saying simple words and phrases of apology comes with great weight and value in any foreign language. If you want to extend your apologies formally, then you should use 미안합니다 (Mianhamnida). There are plenty of ways to say it. Remember that the particles you add and eliminate may help determine how formal your expressions are.

4. 감사합니다 (Kamsahamnida)/고마워요 (Gomawoyo)

One of the most common Korean words includes “Thank you.” Upon studying their language with your favorite Korean drama, you’ve probably figured out that one of the ways to say is either 감사합니다 (Kamsahamnida) or 고마워요 (Gomowo). These two essential phrases are both used to show gratitude. The first one is best used in formal situations, while the other is suited when speaking with your Korean friends.

Short Korean Phrases (Jal Gayo) Ling App

5. 잘 가요 (Jal Gayo)

Native speakers find 잘 가요 (Jal Gayo) a meaningful phrase as it shows your sincerity and goodwill when bidding people farewell. This basic Korean phrase encompasses the emotions of both sadness and well-wishing as you part ways. When saying it, there is a sense of warmth and genuine care. Its English translation means goodbye— but unlike any other greetings, it’s packed with a heartfelt farewell for a positive journey ahead and the hope for a future reunion.

Short Korean Phrases (Saranghaeyo) Ling App

6. 사랑해요 (Saranghaeyo)

Do you want to express your love and care for someone through a simple Korean word? 사랑해요 is one of the most common relationship phrases that lovers use. It’s a universally cherished phrase that holds immense power and emotion. When spoken sincerely, it can ignite warmth in the heart, convey affection, and deepen connections. From expressing love for family and friends to romantic partners, “I love you,” or 사랑해요 encapsulates the beauty of love in its purest form.

7. 화이팅 (Hwaiting)

Cheering on your peers is one of the best things you can do for them. If you’re in search of a word that says, “You can do it!” then using 화이팅 is worth the shot. It’s derived from the English word “fighting.” Saying it often needs a good amount of energy to boost someone’s morale effectively. This is one of the essential Korean words that resonate with the Korean spirit of resilience and optimism, reminding individuals that they have the inner strength to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

8. 맛있어요 (Masisseoyo)

It’s hard not to say a word when devouring a great-tasting dish. You can’t just keep your mum and not give a compliment to the chef. If you want to say, “It’s delicious in Korean, then 맛있어요 conveys the joy and satisfaction experienced through food. It’s an expression that acknowledges the pleasure of good flavors.

9. 안녕히 계세요 (Annyeonghi Gyeseyo)

When bidding farewell to someone who will remain in a place, “안녕히 계세요” carries a sense of well-wishing and goodwill. It extends beyond a simple goodbye, encapsulating the wish for the person’s safety, peace, and happiness while they continue their journey. The phrase evokes a sense of heartfelt care and leaves a lasting impression of warmth and consideration.

10. 잠시만요 (Jamsimanyo)

Have you ever gotten stuck in a sea of people on the subway? It sure is annoying to get sandwiched by people, so one way to say “Excuse me” politely is by verbalizing 잠시만요 (Jamsimanyo). Simple Korean phrases like this are commonly used in public as it can get pretty hectic out there. But did you know it also means “just a moment” in their native language? It’s a good way to buy time while maintaining a well-mannered demeanor.

Want To Learn Basic Korean? Try Ling Now!

Embarking on a journey to learn short Korean phrases is an exhilarating adventure that unveils a treasure trove of culture, communication, and meaningful connections. However, what we covered above may still not be enough to help you navigate your way through tricky conversations with native speakers. Our advice? Try Ling!

With the Ling app, your path to speaking Korean becomes smoother. Step by step, you’ll learn the art of reading Hangeul and eventually find yourself confidently uttering everyday phrases. By using the app for 10 minutes a day, you’ll get to embrace a fresh and engaging approach to language learning through its interactive and enjoyable lessons across 60+ languages. The time for hesitation is over—ignite your journey of discovering new native languages today! Download the Ling app now on Play Store and App Store for FREE.

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Home / Essay Samples / Sociology / Race and Ethnicity / Korean

Korean Essay Examples

Behind the idol life: the dark side of music in south korea.

Korean idol group SHINee, debuted in 2008. When they debuted, in only a matter of months they already had 60 award wins and 86 nominations, plus 57 music show wins. They have managed to stay relevant for many years. Some of the members of the...

South Korea’s Culture Through Entertainment

Korea is more mountains than anything else, none over 10,000 feet. The Koreans have one of the oldest culture in the world. According to the legends and myths concerning the origin of Koreans, the oldest and most often cited is the Tangun/Dangun. The legend says...

The Stages of Korea's History & Its Relations with Other Countries

Since the history of Korea goes back through hundreds of years before the division, the facts and description are chosen selectively and briefly. The history of Korea goes through several stages that have constructed what we now call Korea, before the division the nation’s foundation...

Analysis and Review of the Documentary South Korea: the Silent Cultural Superpower

British Broadcast Company (BBC) is known for its string of documentaries on various phenomena, and its documentary on South Korea “South Korea: The Silent Cultural Superpower” quietly becoming a cultural superpower is one that has informed and enthralled its viewers as much as any other....

The Rising Idols: Analysis of Btc Album

The artifact I have chosen is the Korean pop album, The Most Beautiful Moment In Life, Part 2, by the South Korean group, BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan). This album was released in 2015 and received overwhelming support from domestic and international fans around the globe. This...

My International Engagement and Friendship

When I turned ten, I moved from South Korea, a predominantly monoracial country to Singapore, one of the most multiracial countries in the world. It was a struggle to adapt to an environment so different from my own but I was presented with an endless...

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