How to quickly pick up the language!
These days, more and more foreigners are coming to Korea, and even more of them are interested in learning the language to be able to study, travel and communicate with the locals or simply watch their favorite Korean TV shows and listen to some K-Pop.
Learning a new language from scratch can be hard and quite discouraging, but thanks to technology we have many valuable instruments to guide us through the process.
In this article we are going to show you 10 free language learning apps that can help anyone at any level to learn fast and effectively, hassle free!
1. Duolingo (Apple – Android – Web)
Duolingo is one of the most popular language learning applications at the moment! You can learn up to 30 languages and it provides a fun way to learn languages. The popular app also offers a Korean course, which is divided into units and has a dedicated alphabet learning section suitable for beginners.
2. Bravolol – Learn Korean Phrases (Apple – Android)
Its main focus is on teaching practical vocabulary and everyday expressions. It has both a free version and a paid premium version that you can also access by watching ads, and allows you to record your own pronunciation for training purposes.
3. LingoDeer (Apple – Android – Web)
This app integrates teaching vocabulary, sentences, and culture organically, while keeping the user engaged through fun quizzes and lessons. You can also collect trophies and keep track of your improvements.
4. Memrise (Apple – Android – Web)
This app is like a flashcard system that goes through vocabulary units using mix-and-match games, audio quizzes, spelling challenges, and definition prompts to help users effectively memorizing words.
5. Dongsa (Apple – Android)
“Dongsa” means “verb” in Korean, and that is exactly what this app focuses on. Just input the verb stem, and the app will show you every possible form.
6. Learn Korean – Grammar (Apple – Android)
This app concentrates mainly on grammar: splitting grammar structures into useful and accessible units based on different themes and context.
7. Teuida – Learn & Speak Korean (Apple – Android)
It is a great app to practice your speaking and confidence. It immerses you in different situations where you have to follow a script and speak right away.
8. How To Study Korean (Apple – Android – Web)
From learning how to read to upper-advanced Korean grammar, this free website is the most complete resource to learn the Korean language. It also has an app, but we suggest you stick to the website since it gives you access to more content. The material is divided into 7 units of 25 lessons each, and for every level of study you have vocabulary lists, grammar lessons and audio clips.
9. Drops (Apple – Android – Web)
This app’s learning strategy is extremely visual and based on vocabulary. In each unit you learn a series of words or phrases paired with representative images. As you learn, you get to perform small tasks like matching the images with the phrase (written or spoken) or tracing the letters of the Korean alphabet. The only downside is that, with the free version, you only get to do one lesson of 5 minutes every 10 hours.
10. Topik One (Android)
This app is dedicated to users who want to take the TOPIK exam, but anyone at any level can use it to practice their Korean. It is structured in four handy sections of Vocabulary and Grammar, Writing, Listening, and Reading.
As you can see, there are so many valid options to choose from. Of course, these apps are not meant to replace an actual language course held by a teacher in a classroom, but they’re a good alternative if you wish to learn for free!
Who said learning can’t be fun? 화이팅!
By Hinde KHELIFI & Cristina SEVERI