Learn Korean: 40+ Best Apps, Books, Podcasts & Online Courses

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The Korean language is often said to have the most logical writing system in the world. Unlike other alphabets, Hangeul was crafted by King Sejong The Great and the scholars under his command. Prior to this, Chinese characters were used. But Hangeul was a writing system so easy to understand that even the King’s lowly subjects could learn Korean.

While the English alphabet has 26 letters, Hangeul only has 24. The shape of Korean letters also reflects how your mouth or tongue looks when you make their sound. And with over 75 million speakers worldwide, it does seem practical to learn Korean.

Round-up of best resources to learn Korean

There’s no shortage of resources if you’re looking to learn Korean online. From apps to courses to books to podcasts, this list curates the best options for the Korean language learner in you. But first, some personal recommendations.

Download Rocket Languages and Pimsleur for high-quality audio lessons. Rocket Languages ups its game with comprehensive writing lessons for you to learn the Korean alphabet. For vocabulary and listening practice, Ling app and uTalk are great choices. For interactive lessons and conversation practice, Mondly is ideal.

Talk To Me In Korean and MosaLingua are outstanding options for multi-channel learners; they both have websites, books, apps, YouTube channels, and podcasts for you to learn Korean online. For the most thorough Korean language site, nothing beats How to Study Korean. Lastly, italki and Preply are your best options for finding Korean tutors online.

Now, let’s get down to business, shall we? 가자!

Best apps to learn Korean

For the most convenient way to learn Korean, mobile apps are the way to go. While popular app Babbel doesn’t offer Korean, beginners and advanced learners alike will enjoy learning how Korean works through these mobile apps and translator apps. Here are some of our favorites.

1. Rocket Languages

Part app, part Korean course, Rocket Languages teaches users to learn to speak Korean with its audio lessons. What I like about this app is that it places high value on literacy, as seen in its good quality Hangeul lessons. There are also lots of cultural and contextual lessons that help one not just study the language, but also learn about Korea.

2. Mondly

This highly interactive app is one of the best apps to learn Korean. Boasting well-rounded, structured lessons, it’s one of the best options for beginners who want to grow their Korean vocabulary and improve their pronunciation. While the alphabet is not explicitly taught, the conjugation tables are a nice touch.

3. Pimsleur

This audio-focused app helps you learn the Korean language online by building vocabulary and conversational skills. The Korean course consists of core 30-minute audio lessons that are supplemented by bonus learning materials. Don’t want to sit through lessons? You can listen to Pimsleur’s audio lessons even while doing chores.

Here’s an offer for you: Try Pimsleur Korean absolutely FREE today!

4. Lingopie

Choose from a collection of Korean TV shows and films, click on the dual subtitles to learn the word’s meaning and pronunciation, and save it into flashcards for later review! On Lingopie, you can hear authentic vocabulary and accents, and even practice it by recording yourself. You can immerse yourself in real Korean content by trying Lingopie for free!

5. Ling app

This cool app makes learning Korean feel like play, not homework! You’ll master essential vocabulary and practice your Hangeul writing through finger tracing. The best part? You learn authentic pronunciation with audio recorded by native Korean speakers.

6. Glossika

When you get tired of “lessons,” download Glossika, a language learning app that helps you to learn Korean by actually speaking it. Simulating the natural way of learning languages, it teaches full sentences instead of individual words. With the help of spaced repetition review, you’ll be able to grow your vocab and master Korean pronunciation.

7. Busuu

This engaging app pairs expert-made lessons with direct feedback from native speakers, turning practice into real interaction. Get bite-sized lessons, master Hangeul, and instantly see your progress with Busuu‘s smart review system.

8. uTalk

uTalk is all about getting you to speak Korean fast with real-world vocabulary. It uses fun, game-based learning to drill key phrases and features pitch-perfect audio from native speakers. You even get to record yourself to check your accent!

9. Talkpal

Talking to native speakers is the best kind of immersion, but if you do not have access to native speakers, Talkpal offers the next best thing. This AI Korean tutor offers immersive conversation practice through voice and chat! It focuses on real-life fluency, giving you instant AI-powered feedback on your pronunciation and grammar across various fun modes like role-playing and debates.

Also read:

• 15 Best Korean Speaking Apps to Get Fluent Quickly
• 18 Best Korean Vocabulary Apps to Build Your Word Bank

Best Korean language programs & online courses

If guided and structured lessons are your preferred way of learning, it’s best to sign up for Korean courses online. Our full list has online Korean classes, but here are a few of our favorites.

10. FluentU

One of the most fun, fastest, and effective ways to learn Korean, FluentU has hundreds of hours of Korean video lessons (from movies, TV shows, music videos, and more!) with matching transcripts. This makes it easy to read and listen to content that interests you at varying difficulty levels. Although not structured, using this app is one of the most personalized ways to learn Korean.

11. Udemy

Online learning platform Udemy has a number of bestselling and highly recommended Korean language learning courses, including Innovative Language’s Ultimate 100-Lesson Course. The course consists of 5.5 hours of video content, over 100 downloadable resources, full lifetime access, and a certificate of completion.

12. 90 Day Korean

If guided but self-paced studying is your style, 90 Day Korean’s handpicked lessons are for you. Focusing on the essentials, this Korean language online course comes as a 12-month program, which includes four 90-day modules. Since lessons are self-paced, you can take longer or shorter to complete the course.

13. How to Study Korean

When it comes to thorough Korean lessons online, it’s hard to beat How to Study Korean. The site is a treasure trove of the most detailed, accurate, and clear explanations of Hangeul, Korean vocabulary, and even advanced grammar. Ideal for learners who are patient enough to go through a plethora of information.

14. Coursera

Yonsei University and Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea’s oldest private universities, offers online Korean classes through Coursera. These courses range from beginner to advanced levels and are fit for those looking for formal and structured Korean lessons online.

15. Cudoo

Expand your Korean knowledge with Cudoo’s three-level curriculum. Here, you can learn common expressions like self-introduction, asking for directions, talking about food, and more. If you’re thinking of doing business in Korea, or working there, you’ll find the Business course useful. What’s more, each course comes with a certificate!

16. Alison

Whether you want to learn how to read or write Hangeul, master Korean grammar, or become more conversational, Alison’s video courses ranging from two to four hours are useful. You’ll find several Korean courses on Alison and you can learn at your own pace!

17. Mango Languages

For a conversation-based Korean course that gets you chatting in real-life situations fast, try Mango Languages. With lessons featuring native speaker audio, a voice comparison tool for pitch-perfect practice, and fascinating cultural notes, it’s a systematic and practical way to build fluency.

Best podcasts to learn Korean

The best way to improve your Korean speaking skills is through listening. And the best way to improve your Korean listening skills is through audio courses and podcasts. Here are some of our recommended Korean podcasts. You may also check out the full list of Korean podcasts here.

18. Talk To Me In Korean

As a learning hub that fosters Korean listening and speaking skills, it’s not surprising that TTMIK has not just one but four podcasts.

Talk To Me In Korean – Core Grammar mimics the free bite-sized lessons found on the TTMIK website and the grammar textbooks. Iyagi and Talk To Me In 100% Korean provide extensive exposure to natural conversations between native Korean speakers. Transcripts of the conversations are available on the TTMIK website.

Real-Life Korean Conversations for Beginners feature short conversations between native Korean speakers, which are broken down and explained in English in the latter part of the podcast. All four podcasts are available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

19. Sponge Mind

A bilingual podcast hosted by Jeremy, a fluent Korean-speaking American, and Jonson, a native Korean who speaks fluent English. Each episode is recorded in both English and Korean, allowing you to listen first in English to familiarize yourself with the subject matter and context. Then you can listen to it again in Korean as part of your practice.

20. Learn Korean: Korean Survival Phrases

Albeit discontinued, this podcast by KoreanClass101 comes in handy if you’re a beginner. Short episodes discuss simple, basic phrases like “Where is the bathroom?” and “Thank you” that are useful when traveling to Korea.

21. Essential Korean

Hosted by Kay, a veteran Korean teacher and author of several Korean language books, Essential Korean focuses on improving speaking skills and teaching how Korean works without overwhelming you with grammar rules. Later episodes do go into grammar but are often explained in context with real-life sample sentences.

Best websites to find Korean tutors

Take your Korean language learning journey to the next level by speaking with native Korean speakers or language experts. Getting lessons from online Korean tutors may cost more than the usual mobile app but improving your conversational skills makes it worth every cent.

Look into this list of websites to find Korean tutors or see our top pick below.

22. italki

One of our go-to sites for language tutors is Italki. And for good reason. This language learning app adds a human element to the experience through human-taught one-on-one lessons done via video call, usually Skype. Italki connects 5 million language learners with over 10,000 teachers who teach various languages, including Korean. Serious learners will benefit from the coaching that Italki tutors provide.

Want to know more? Read our review of Italki and sign up here!

23. Preply

Like Italki, Preply connects students to online tutors around the world. You can filter your choices based on your availability, budget, and goals.

24. Tandem

At one point while trying to learn Korean, you’ve probably wished you had someone, preferably a native speaker, who can check your work and strike up a conversation with you as practice. This is exactly what Tandem does and it’s one of the best apps to learn Korean if you want to talk to real people.

This language exchange app lets you master any language, including Korean, by actually chatting with real people. So you’re not only learning, you’re also making new friends.

Best books to learn Korean           

Books may be old-fashioned but they’re here to stay. A result of years of research and modification, most Korean language books go into great detail about the rules of grammar and style in a way that mobile apps don’t. Plus, books provide a structure and systematic way to learn Korean. We have a full list here but below are our favorites.

This article may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For full information, please see the disclaimer here.

25. Korean Made Simple

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A beginner’s guide to learning the Korean language: This bestseller packs over 1,000 vocabulary words and phrases, as well as Korean culture and history. In-depth, engaging, and beginner-friendly, this book is a must-have for any serious Korean language learner.

26. Talk To Me In Korean

Few Korean textbooks focus on speaking Korean as much as Talk To Me In Korean does. The site sells several books, both in stand-alone and bundles, but the Levels 1-9 Grammar textbooks come highly recommended.

27. Integrated Korean: Beginning 1

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Developed by leading teachers and linguists, this book uses effective teaching techniques that include contextualization and integration of speaking, listening, writing, and culture lessons. As the series has 10 volumes, it’s perfect for long-term Korean language learning.

28. Korean for Beginners: Mastering Conversational Korean

One of the most fun books to learn Korean, this book is written with a sense of humor. Although not as structured as others in this list, the lessons suit beginners who want to learn practical and natural Korean conversational language quickly.

29. Living Language Korean

This unique multimedia course includes four books with 46 extensive lessons on vocabulary, grammar, reading and writing Hangeul, and even culture notes. It also comes with audio CDs and a free online learning hub for learners who prefer interactive lessons. It can’t get more comprehensive than this.

Also read:

• 15 Best Korean Textbooks for All Levels
• 15 Best Korean Workbooks for Language Learners
• 13 Best Korean Vocabulary Books for Language Learners
• 12 Best Korean Grammar Books for Language Learners

Best websites to learn Korean

So you’ve downloaded the apps, read the books, and signed up for classes. Supplement your Korean language learning journey with these great and informative websites.

30. Live Lingua

Live Lingua is a treasure chest of free Korean resources, featuring the famous, comprehensive FSI courses! It gives you the original training material, combining downloadable ebooks with paired audio clips so you can tackle grammar and pronunciation like a seasoned diplomat.

31. Go! Billy Korean

Billy Go has been working as a Korean translator since 2008 with his B.A. in Korean, and currently teaches Korean online. The author of the book Korean Made Simple, Billy regularly posts Korean video lessons with short writeups. The accompanying audio files of his books are also available on this website.

32. StudiousBees

A treasure trove of grammar lessons, language learning tips and tricks, and reviews on apps and books, this site is not just informative but also encouraging for anyone struggling to learn Korean.

33. Dom & Hyo

Visual learners will have fun browsing Dom and Hyo’s collection of infographics and occasional audio and video clips. The site is very helpful in building one’s Korean vocabulary.

Best YouTube channels to learn Korean

Gone are the days when YouTube was just for entertainment purposes. Today, the video platform is home to the best tutorials and educational clips, including Korean lessons. Here are some channels you should check if you want to learn Korean.

34. Talk To Me In Korean

Yes, I can’t shut up about TTMIK. But that’s because the multi-platform learning hub is a gem!

As mentioned above, the TTMIK website houses all of its audio and video lessons, courses, and bookstore. But if you’re already holed up on YouTube, it’s just as easy to learn from TTMIK’s channel. All of the older, basic lessons are there, but the channel continues to churn out newer videos of varying lengths. The TTMIK team sometimes goes live for Q&A sessions, too.

35. KoreanClass101

Like TTMIK, KoreanClass101 has an abundance of video and audio lessons for you to learn Korean online. Their YouTube channel has a variety of vocabulary and grammar lessons, as well as extensive discussions and samples on Korean culture. But it stands out with its Korean listening comprehension lessons.

36. Conversational Korean

A good place to start if you’re a beginner. This YouTube channel is dedicated to beginner-friendly, bite-sized video lessons that help you learn conversational Korean phrases and basic Korean vocabulary. Pronunciation guides, listening tests, and quizzes are also available to test you on what you’ve learned.

37. Let’s Speak Korean

If your Korean lessons delivered through a television show is your idea of learning, Arirang’s Let’s Speak Korean is for you. The lessons come in 10-minute clips, with the hosts discussing Korean phrases and expressions.

38. Rock ‘N Learn

While technically geared for toddlers and kids, this channel has entertaining, educational videos that will benefit beginning Korean learners. Newer videos also include conversational language videos for teens and adults.

Best FREE resources to learn Korean

A limited budget should not deter you from learning Korean. There are plenty of free resources for you online!

Free apps to learn Korean

To learn Korean for free, download apps like Duolingo, Memrise, and Drops. These flashcard apps are great for beginners who want to casually learn the Korean alphabet and build vocabulary through fun, gamified, and bite-sized lessons.

KORLINK, Talk To Me In Korean’s unofficial mobile app, is a stripped-down and handier version of the TTMIK website. Seemile is also free, with in-app purchases.

Mondly, Rocket Languages, uTalk, and Ling app are all free to download but come with limited features.

Free forums/communities

While most language learners thrive in self-studying, learning with like-minded people makes the experience more fun and helps with motivation. From study tips to resource recommendations to lengthy discussions on grammar rules, /r/Korean on Reddit has it. As of writing, the community has about 95,000 members and most of them are helpful folks.

Language exchange apps like Tandem and HelloTalk are also great options if you want to chat with native speakers and fellow language learners around the world.

Free Korean podcasts

You’re in luck because all of the podcasts listed above are free to listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. This means more listening and speaking for you!

Free Korean classes

Beginner-friendly Korean classes from Yonsei University are available on Coursera for free. Hanyang University also offers introductory Korean courses through Future Learn.

Want to learn Korean for free from Korea’s first online university? The Cyber University of Korea (CUK) Future Education Center offers Quick Korean, a free and high-quality Korean language online course.

For reading and audio materials suited for all difficulty levels, the lessons on How to Study Korean are free and comprehensive.

Free Korean books

Investing in Korean books pays off for serious Korean learners. But there are also free resources at your disposal, most of which are available online.

Korean From Zero! comes in physical book and Kindle formats but the vocabulary, grammar, and Hangeul courses are also available on its website for free.

The audiobook Learn Korean – Word Power 101 by KoreanClass101 is a fast and free way to learn Korean and will get you speaking Korean in minutes.

You can also find free-to-download Korean language ebooks on Talking2Koreans.

Best Netflix TV shows & movies to learn Korean

Language learners will tell you that the key to learning any language fast is through immersion and exposure. The same surely applies to learning Korean.

But while not everyone can fly to Korea and speak to locals, all of us have access to Korean dramas and TV shows, thanks to Netflix and other streaming sites. It won’t be the same as taking Korean lessons, but you’ll get to train your ears and pick up new words and expressions. Here are some highly recommended K-dramas.

Coffee Prince: Popular both in and outside Korea, Coffee Prince was one of those K-dramas that fueled the spread of Hallyu (Korean wave). Following the unlikely romance between a clumsy tomboy (who gets mistaken for a boy) and a rich womanizer, Coffee Prince was one of the first gender-bender K-dramas. The two work together at a coffee shop and eventually develop a friendship. It’s easy to get sucked in as the story progresses and soon you’ll find yourself learning food and beverage-related words and phrases.

Because This is My First Life: This K-drama is about housemates who got married to save money. A personal favorite, I recommend this K-drama for fans of thought-provoking lines and relatable characters. The lead female is a writer and there are lots of references to books and poems so you’ll hear tons of words related to literature.

Romance is a Bonus Book: This K-drama is about a young, gifted editor-in-chief at a publishing company and a former copywriter who’s desperate for a job. A drama about second chances, it’s heartwarming and inspiring. You’ll also hear plenty of words related to books, publishing, and careers.

Misaeng: This award-winning K-drama follows a group of employees in a trading company and is heavily focused on the office environment. You’ll encounter words related to work, business, and employee relations. Plus, you’ll get a glimpse of the Korean office culture.

Be Melodramatic: Another K-drama that features a writer, this follows three best friends navigating different paths in the entertainment industry. The strength of this show lies in its well-developed, three-dimensional, imperfect, and relatable characters. The script is fresh and whether you’re watching this to learn Korean or purely for entertainment, you won’t be disappointed.

Signal: An award-winning Kdrama, and simply one of the best Korean shows ever, Signal is based on real unsolved murders that took place between 1986 and 1991. Superb writing, well-crafted characters, and edge-of-your-seat pacing make this a great watch.

Squid Game: Is there anyone who hasn’t heard of this show? A Netflix Originals series, this show revolves around a secret contest where 456 players, all down on their luck financially, risk their lives to play a series of deadly children’s games to win a KRW45.6 billion prize. This was Netflix’s most-watched show in 2021.

How to learn Korean

You won’t run out of resources if you’ve set your heart to learn Korean. In fact, compared to other Asian languages, Korean is easily accessible due to the sheer amount of free and paid resources available for learners. Thus, learning and improving your Korean skills ultimately falls on you.

Here are some study tips to further get you in the right direction.

Try everything

You can be a visual learner or an auditory learner. You might excel more if you start with writing Hangeul, or you can learn more if you start by speaking. But you won’t know for sure what kind of learner you are until you try all kinds of resources available to you. Give every method a go and give it time until you know which method works best for you.

Consume Korean culture

I’ve mentioned a couple of times how important immersion is when learning Korean. Exposure to Korean content and culture (i.e., entertainment, food, snacks, native speakers) greatly helps. Not only does it train your ears, it also gives you more cultural context.

Think in Korean, not in English

This one will take getting used to but it’ll be worth it. You can start by looking at items in front of you but instead of naming them in English or your native language, call them by their Korean names.

Best if you can say it out loud but even just saying it in your head is enough. Increase the number of items you’ll name day by day as part of your vocabulary training.

Practice, practice, practice

Speaking to a native speaker helps but if you can’t do this, you can just speak to yourself. Doing this daily helps you get used to the language and builds your speaking skills so you’ll be more confident when you’re given the chance to speak to a local.

Stay motivated

The key to learning anything is enjoying the process. And without motivation, you can’t have fun. Remember why you’re learning Korean in the first place. Set up achievable goals and celebrate when you reach milestones.

And that concludes our list of the best resources to learn Korean. Fellow Korean learners, don’t give up! Have fun learning and improving. And if you know of any resource that’s not on this list, let us know in the comments. 파이팅!