How to Learn Korean in 7 Days - Your Complete Guide

Is learning Korean in 7 days possible? Yes, you can. If you follow our study plan in this guide, you will be able to learn the basics of Korean in 7 days.

We will cover things such as what results you can expect, an overview of the language, and a 7-day structured study plan you can use right away.

Quick Summary

Before we head on to the comprehensive guide below, here’s a summary of the important points that you will be learning:

✅ Hangul was created by King Sejong in the 15th century. It is the foundation of Korean language learning, covering grammar, pronunciation, and basic vocabulary.

✅ The 7-day study plan will help you quickly grasp the Korean alphabet, essential phrases, grammar, vocabulary, and numbers. This means you can have basic conversations and an understanding of K-pop and K-dramas.

✅ Incorporating Korean dramas, music, and variety shows into study routines enhances language skills and cultural understanding.

✅ Within 7 days, you can expect to start having basic conversations, read signs, enjoy K-pop, and follow K-dramas. This sets the groundwork for future fluency in Korean, which requires around 2400 hours of study.

Contents

1 Quick Summary
2 7-Day Study Plan Expectations
3 Structured Korean Learning Plan
4 Continuing Your Korean Language Journey Beyond 7 Days
5 Understanding the Basics of the Korean Language
6 Benefits of Learning Korean
7 Incorporating Multimedia Resources
8 Practical Language Use in Everyday Situations
9 Challenges and Tips for Rapid Learning
10 Conclusion

7-Day Study Plan Expectations

Here are some things you can expect to learn in 7 days.

Have basic conversations in Korean
Read signs and social media posts in Hangeul
Understand parts of K-pop lyrics
Connect with K-dramas on a deeper level

Becoming fluent in Korean takes about 2400 hours. It takes about 90 days to be able to have a 3-minute conversation in Korean.

Structured Korean Learning Plan

Here is a structured Korean learning plan for a week. Make sure to focus on the basic elements, integrate effective learning strategies, and emphasize learning Korean words and phrases that are most commonly used.

Here is your customized study plan to learn Korean in 7 days:

🗓️ Day 1: Introducing the Korean alphabet

Lesson: How to learn the Korean alphabet

What to do: Begin learning basic consonants and vowels. Use visual aids and pronunciation guides. Practice writing the characters you learned. Try to memorize their sounds.

🗓️ Day 2: Completing Hangul

Lessons: Korean consonants, Korean vowels

What to do: Learn the rest of the consonants and vowels, including double consonants and double consonants. Then, practice combining consonants and vowels into syllable blocks and make simple words. Test your reading skills with online resources or apps designed for Hangeul practice.

🗓️ Day 3: Basic Phrases and Greetings

Lessons: Korean Phrases

What to do: Learn essential greetings and phrases. Listen carefully to the pronunciation and intonation of phrases such as “안녕하세요” (Hello), “감사합니다” (Thank you), and “실례합니다” (Excuse me) and use recordings to mimic a native Korean speaker.

Related lessons: Hello in Korean, Thank you in Korean

🗓️ Day 4: Introduction to Basic Grammar

Lessons: Korean Grammar

What to do: Understand the sentence structure of Subject-Object-Verbs (SOV) and Korean particles. Try to write simple sentences using high-frequency verbs such as 가다 (to go), 먹다 (to eat), and 있다 (to have). Use the basic words and vocabulary you learned to write sentences in your journal to review.

🗓️ Day 5: High-frequency vocabulary

Lessons: Korean Nouns

What to do: It focuses on the acquisition of high-frequency nouns and adjectives related to daily life (family, food, places, emotions). Use a flashcard or a spaced repetition system (SRS) to memorize these words. Try to identify the Korean word you’ve learned while watching simple Korean videos or listening to songs.

Related Lessons: Korean Adjectives

🗓️ Day 6: Numbers and Times

Lessons: Korean Numbers

What to do: Learn the two Korean numbering systems (Native Korean and Sino-Korean number systems). Practice speaking and writing about the time, date, age, and number of things. Play interactive games or quizzes online to enhance your knowledge of numbers.

Related Lessons: Telling time in Korean, Months in Korean

🗓️ Day 7: Review and Practice

Lessons: Korean Practice

What to do: Review what you learned in the week, focusing on the more difficult parts. Participate in a comprehensive practice session that combines how to read, write, listen, and speak Korean. Reflect and plan future learning goals based on your experiences and areas of interest.

Continuing Your Korean Language Journey Beyond 7 Days

Continuing your Korean language journey beyond 7 days means setting realistic long-term goals and having a plan.

Use this guide: https://www.90daykorean.com/learn-korean/

Make sure you are enjoying the process of learning and discoveries along the way.

Remember, becoming fluent in a language doesn’t just come from studying. Instead, it comes from living a language by steady and regular engagement, being immersed in the culture, and relationships with others. Stay motivated, keep moving, and enjoy the journey of becoming more and more fluent in Korean!

Understanding the Basics of the Korean Language

Before you head on to the steps you need to take if you want to learn Korean fast, knowing the basics will always come first. The Korean language features a unique alphabet, simple grammar structure, unique pronunciation, and a practical vocabulary.

Here is a quick overview to start:

Hangul (The Korean Alphabet)

Lesson: Korean Alphabet

Hangeul, a scientific design and easy language to learn, was created by King Sejong in the 15th century. Hangeul consists of 24 letters in total, with 14 consonants and 10 vowels. These letters are grouped into syllable blocks.

Basic Korean Grammar

Lesson: Korean Grammar

Subject-Object-Verb (SOV): Korean sentences typically end with verbs. This is the first grammatical difference you notice when you first learn Korean because it is different from the SVO order in English.
Particles: One of the important things to understand in Korean sentence structure is particles. Particles attached to nouns represent their roles in sentences (topics, objects, locations, etc.).
Honorifics: The Korean words used vary depending on the relationship between speakers. Honorifics are used to show respect, and verb ends change accordingly.

Korean Pronunciation

Lesson: Korean Pronunciation

Some sounds are native to Korean and require some practice. For example, distinguishing between tense, aspirated, and plain sounds.

Accents can affect sentence meaning. Therefore, the practice of listening carefully and imitating native Korean speakers is necessary.

Essential Korean Vocabulary

Lesson: Korean Words

Greetings: Start with greetings like “안녕하세요” (annyeonghaseyo – Hello), “감사합니다” (gamsahamnida – Thank you), and “죄송합니다” (joesonghamnida – Sorry).
Numbers: Learn the two numbering systems in the Korean language (Native Korean and Sino-Korean) and their different usage.
Daily Expressions: Learn phrases about activities in daily life, directions, food orders, and expressing what you like and dislike.

Related lessons: Korean Greetings

Now, let’s head on to the benefits of learning Korean and how you can integrate fun methods like watching K-dramas into learning the language.

Benefits of Learning Korean

By following the learning plan above, you are giving yourself the chance to experience the Korean language on a different level. Here are some of the many benefits you’ll experience in learning Korean.

Learning Korean can make you connect with K-pop on another level! If you can understand the lyrics of BTS, BLACKPINK, or your favorite K-pop group, you will feel a stronger connection to the artist and their messages. Learning Korean can make you connect with K-pop on another level!
Knowing the Korean language will make your K-Drama viewing experience more immersive and enjoyable. It will allow for capturing the subtle humor or cultural references that subtitles can’t fully convey.
Language can be a bridge to making new friends. Participating in language exchange meetups, forums, and social media groups with the same interest as you will create more opportunities for cultural exchange and making new friends.
Have you ever dreamed of visiting Seoul? Imagine navigating the city and being able to order food or drinks that you wish to try in Korean confidently! Speaking in Korean will also be a sign of respect to locals, showing your effort to learn their language and culture.
Korean language proficiency can be a valuable asset. Considering the global influence of Korean companies and the entertainment industry, especially if you want a career related to international business, translation, tourism, and entertainment.

Incorporating Multimedia Resources

You can improve your listening, comprehension, and speaking abilities significantly by incorporating multimedia resources into your Korean learning journey. Here are ways to strengthen language learning by effectively using Korean media and interactive tools:

Korean Dramas and Films

Switch subtitles from English to Korean when your comprehension skills improve. This helps connect spoken languages with text. Practice listening and picking up new vocabulary by rewatching scenes. Mimic the actors’ pronunciation and intonation. Pause and repeat what you heard and compare your pronunciation to the actors.

Related articles: Korean Dramas, Korean Movies

K-Pop and Korean Music

Look up translations to understand the meaning and practice singing your favorite songs. This helps with memorization and pronunciation.

Related articles: What is K-pop?, K-Pop songs

Korean Variety Shows and YouTube Channels

Korean variety shows are great for learning casual language. It is a fun way to learn Korean humor, slang, and real-life dialogues.

There are educational channels created by Korean YouTubers who specialize in teaching Korean grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

Also, watching Korean vlogs could give you insight into everyday vocabulary, slang, and phrases. It helps make the learning experience more contextual and engaging.

Practical Language Use in Everyday Situations

You can learn language by using it in situations, not just studying. Here are some common scenarios that you can practice using Korean language:

Greetings and Basic Expressions:

When you meet someone, say 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo | Hello). If it’s your first time meeting the person, say 만나서 반갑습니다 (mannaseo bangapseumnida | Nice to meet you).

It can also be very useful to learn to introduce yourself, such as 제 이름은 ___입니다. (je ireumeun ___imnida | My name is [name]), 저는 ___ 사람입니다. ( jeoneun ___ saramimnida | I’m from [country]).

Use 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida | Thank you) to thank someone.

Use 건배! (geonbae | Cheers!) when you are having some drinks with your Korean friends or Korean learners.

For shopping, 얼마예요? (eolmayeyo | How much is it?), 영수증 주세요 (yeongsujeung juseyo | Please give me a receipt) are practical.

When your phone is ringing, answer your call by saying “여보세요” (yeoboseyo | Hello).

Use 네 (ne | yes) and 아니요 (aniyo | no) or 알겠어요 (algesseoyo | I understand) and 모르겠어요 (moreugesseoyo | I don’t know/I’m not sure) in your conversation.

Daily Activities and Navigation:

When you are lost, use 저기요 (jeogiyo | Excuse me) to get someone’s attention or 도와주세요 (dowajuseyo | Please help me) for emergencies.

Learning to ask for directions and the location of places, for example, 화장실은 어디에 있어요? (hwajangsireun eodie isseoyo | Where is the bathroom?) can be incredibly helpful.

Challenges and Tips for Rapid Learning

Fast learning comes with a series of challenges, especially regarding language acquisition. These obstacles can sometimes slow the progression or lead to frustration. However, understanding and navigating these challenges can make the learning process smoother and more effective.

Here are some common obstacles:

Information overload
When you try to learn too much in a short time, it can overwhelm your brain. This makes maintaining new information difficult.
Burnout
Learning without enough breaks can cause us to be mentally exhausted and have poor motivation and efficiency.
Plateau
After a certain time, there may be a time when progression slows down, causing frustration, which seems to lead to decreased motivation.
Language Specifics

Each language has its problems. For example, pronunciation, certain grammar rules, and cultural nuances can be difficult for some people when learning. How can you overcome the difficulties?

Here are some tips:

Break down learning goals into manageable chunks to maintain focus and motivation.
Build a strong Foundation. This makes it easier to understand more complex concepts later on.
Have regular breaks. To avoid burnout and improve retention, schedule many short, frequent breaks.
Accept plateaus. Plateaus are a normal part of the learning process. Take this time to review and stabilize what you’ve learned.
Engage with the language in real life. Practice speaking Korean, listening, reading, and writing to make your learning more relevant.
Get regular feedback from native speakers or language partners. This can correct mistakes early and improve your language skills quickly.
Use different resources. By doing this, you can keep the learning experience interesting while making it cover all aspects of the language.
Stay positive towards your learning, and be patient with yourself. Often, the progress of learning a language is non-linear.

Conclusion

Learning a foreign language is a journey with many ups and downs, but the rewards are immeasurable. Connecting with other cultures on a deeper level is a very special experience. So let your love for K-Pop, K-dramas, and Korean culture motivate you, and start this exciting adventure with an open mind and heart. 화이팅 (hwaiting)!

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