Korean from Scratch!
Over the past decades, South Korea has made a true cultural breakthrough: K-pop, K-dramas, ‘Squid Game’, Samsung, Hyundai, Korean cuisine, and cosmetics have all become a part of everyday life around the world. Over 80 million people speak Korean, and interest in the language grows every year. Lingust will help you take your first step in learning the Korean language – for free and at your own pace.
About Our Korean Language Course
The course is based on the popular self-study guide by , enriched with audio and commentary. By completing the course, you will be able to read Korean, form grammatically simple sentences, recognize hundreds of words by ear, and understand basic grammar. The lessons are free.
- Hangul alphabet – the unique Korean writing system that can be mastered in just a few days.
- Grammar and vocabulary – step-by-step learning from simple to complex.
- Audio for lessons – training for pronunciation and listening comprehension.
- Exercises with answer keys – testing your knowledge after each lesson.
- Additional resources – to continue learning after the main course.
Go to the → list of lessons ← (Click here)
Is the Korean Language Difficult?
One of the main advantages of Korean is its alphabet, Hangul. Unlike Chinese and Japanese, you don’t need to learn thousands of characters here – Hangul consists of only 24 basic symbols (14 consonants and 10 vowels) that combine into syllable blocks. Many learners master reading in just a few days.
Korean grammar differs from European languages (the verb goes at the end of the sentence, suffixes are used instead of prepositions), but it is highly consistent and logical – with almost no exceptions to the rules. There is no grammatical gender, no articles, and the suffix system allows you to "assemble" word forms like a construction set.
Why Learn Korean?
- K-pop and K-dramas. BTS, BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, ‘Squid Game’ – Korean pop culture has taken the world by storm. Understanding the original language elevates your experience of your favorite content to a whole new level.
- Travel. South Korea is a country of contrasts: high-tech Seoul, ancient palaces, mountain temples, and islands. Outside tourist areas, not many people speak English, so knowing Korean completely changes the quality of your trip.
- Career and business. Samsung, LG, Hyundai, Kia, SK Group – South Korean companies are among the largest in the world. Knowing Korean is a serious advantage when applying for jobs, including at their international branches.
- Studying in Korea. The South Korean government offers scholarships and grants for international students (the GKS/KGSP program). Knowing the language significantly increases your chances of receiving financial support.
- Korean cuisine and cosmetics. Kimchi, bibimbap, tteokbokki, Korean BBQ – Korean food has become a global trend. And Korean cosmetics (K-beauty) have conquered markets worldwide. Knowing the language gives you access to original recipes, reviews, and recommendations.
- A bridge to other Asian languages. Korean and Japanese share a very similar grammatical structure. Additionally, Korean vocabulary contains many words of Chinese origin, which will make learning Chinese easier.
Interesting Facts About the Korean Language
- The Korean alphabet, Hangul, was created in 1443 by King Sejong the Great specifically so that commoners could learn to read and write. Before that, Chinese characters were used, which were accessible only to the elite.
- Hangul is considered one of the most scientifically designed writing systems in the world. The shapes of the consonant letters mimic the position of the tongue and lips when pronouncing them.
- In South Korea, October 9th is celebrated as a national holiday – Hangul Day (한글날). It is the only country in the world that has a national holiday dedicated to its alphabet.
- Korean has a complex system of politeness levels – about 7 degrees in total. The exact same sentence can sound completely different depending on who you are talking to.
- Korean is one of the few languages whose genealogical classification is still undetermined. Linguists debate whether to classify it in the Altaic family, the Japonic-Ryukyuan family, or consider it a language isolate.
Start Learning Korean Right Now
Korean is a language with a unique alphabet, logical grammar, and a massive cultural heritage behind it. Our course will guide you from the first letters of Hangul to reading and basic communication. Everything is with audio, entirely free, and completely online.
Go to the → list of lessons ← (Click here)