Let's Study Hangul: Apps and Schools To Help You Learn The Korean Language
Being able to speak another language beside our native one is a skill many of us would love to have. It opens up a lot of career opportunities, and also allows us to communicate with more people.
For K-Pop and K-Drama fans, learning Hangul is the dream. Who wouldn’t want to watch a show without subtitles? It is certainly more fun to become a fan, if we could easily understand what our favourite K-celebrities say.
This October 9th, we’ve celebrated Hangul Day. And now that you know the history behind the Korean alphabet, it’s time to learn it! Here are some language apps and schools to help you study.
1. Duolingo
Image credit: Duolingo
Duolingo is one of the most well-known language learning provider that is available both on web and on mobile phone. It supports more than 160 different language courses available in 40 languages, including Korean.
Launched in 2011, duolingo can be accessed free of charge where users can choose from bite-sized lessons for beginners, mini-stories where you can practice your reading, proficiency assessment exams to test your progress, and more!
Additionally, students can also avail their premium service for a fee. To date, duolingo has over 500 million registered users.
Visit their website here or you can also download the app on App Store or Google Play.
2. AJA Korean Talk Language Center
Image credit: AJA Korean Talk
For our Filipino readers, you can check out this language school located in Pasig City, Metro Manila. It was established in 2017, with the aim to aid students in gaining Korean language skills and help them achieve their professional goals.
At the same time, AJA Korean Talk wants to promote and develop Filipino-Korean relationships. Their company's name is inspired by the word “aja” (아자), a Korean expression that shows support and encouragement.
They offer a range of Korean courses from basic to advanced level. If you don't know which one is the most suitable for you, they also have placement tests to check your skill. AJA Korean Talk also boasts a 100% passing rate in Korean language proficiency exam.
You can check out their courses here or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
3. SEJONG Korean Language School
Image credit: SEJONG Korean Language School
If you’re from Singapore, you can consider enrolling at SEJONG Korean Language School. They have been teaching students since 2012, at their headquarters located near Tanjong Pagar MRT. They also have branches in Jurong and Tampines, and is available online.
Founded by a native Korean principal who has lived in Singapore for over 20 years, the school is proud to teach using the “Sejong Standard”, a systematic and structured yet engaging way of teaching.
To make their lessons more suitable for locals, they often reference Singaporean examples for better understanding.
You can check out their online courses here, or contact them at +65 8688 8803.
4. TenguGo Hangul
Image credit: TenguGo
Beginners who want to focus on the correct pronunciations of the Korean alphabet will find this mobile app very useful. It makes use of audio and animated demonstrations of mouth and tongue position, to help you enunciate the words properly.
Aside from their auditory teaching styles, there are also flashcards, quizzes and other lessons to help users learn faster. The app also caters to those who want to study Japanese, Arabic, Russian and Hindi.
Follow them on Facebook to catch the latest updates or download the app on App Store or Google Play.
5. Asphodel Korean Language Center
Image credit: Asphodel Korean Language Center
Another option for those who are living in the Philippines is the Asphodel Korean Language Center located in Makati City. They specialise in teaching those who are aspiring to work in South Korea.
At Asphodel, classes from basic, intermediate and advance are available. Each course follows the standard teaching of the Korean language, combined with their curriculum that emphasises on learning through immersion.
Currently, only online classes are available. You can check their website for the schedule and contact details.
6. HelloTalk Language Exchange App
Image credit: HelloTalk
Want to learn how to speak Korean and make friends at the same time? HelloTalk is the answer! It is a mobile app that matches the user with another person who is fluent at a language they want to learn, and wants to learn the language they’re fluent in.
The concept is actually simple. You’d basically help each other learn the language you are skilled in. For instance, if you can speak English and want to study Korean, you will get matched with a Korean who wants to study English.
This app is perfect for those who prefer experiential learning, or those who learn faster by “doing”.
Download the app on App Store or Google Play.
7. ONLYOU Korean Language School
Image credit: ONLYOU
ONLYOU is one of the most trusted Korean language schools in Singapore offering high-quality Korean courses without hurting your wallet. Because their philosophy is learning should be fun, their instructors incorporate non-traditional teaching methods to make studying the language more engaging to students.
They also organize cultural events and class activities, so you definitely won’t get bored while learning! ONLYOU even uses K-Pop, K-Drama and K-Shows in their classes, to make every student’s experience unique and holistic.
Their school is located at Bukit Timah, but they’ve also recently launched online classes. Check out their website here.
Learning a new language can be difficult, but it's not impossible! Unlike the old days, there are many resources available be it a mobile app, online courses or face-to-face classes. So what are you waiting for? Let’s study Hangul together!
