Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Miguel12]

Hi everyone,

I plan to come to SK to teach in early/mid December, and I have absolutely no knowledge of the language. What do you consider the best way to learn the language. I ordered a textbook off amazon to work on until I leave, but what about when I am in SK? Any suggestions or experiences you can share would be great, thanks!

[Milwaukiedave]

M,

You can do learn the language several different ways. One idea is to do a language exchange with a Korean. Another is just to sign up for a course at a local college or university. If you are going to be in one of the bigger cities, most likely you'll be able to find a class. Studying on your own is a good idea, but it doesn't work for everyone.

After being here for 3 1/2 years I'm able to speak a bit of Korean, but far from fluent.

[barneyy]

To learn Korean fluently, you need to do language exchanges and take language classes. As you mentioned that you don't speak any Korean, I would suggest starting with classes. It's difficult to do language exchanges if you can't speak. You'll probably default to speaking English.

When you do start language exchanges though, you could try asking people in your classes. It's a good environment I think because the people are all eager to learn English, so you'll have a lot of takers. One other thing, assuming you're serious about learning, pick people who don't speak English well. You'll learn more that way.

Best of luck.

[kingplaya4]

If you're just interested in learning a new language that's cool, but it sounds like you might be worried about getting around here without language skills. Unless you're going to a rural area or perhaps small city, don't. A lot of even the older Koreans know some English.

[postfundie]

since you are teaching English, use your free time to take some free classes on saturdays.....learn the alphabet and the pronunciation...in the mean time set up language exchanges to practice what you learn.....after a few months of this register for an everyday class....all depends on how far you want to progress but if you do these things you'll be around the level or ahead of some people who have been here for several years....

[ABC KID]

Miguel12, there is no definitive answer to your question (especially as people learn languages differently) but there are many possibilities. There have already been many very good ideas in the previous replies.

Being involved in a full time Korean language study program would probably do wonders for you but chances are you're coming to teach English, which may rule that out.

One book that comes highly recommended is by Stephen/Steven REVERE. I can't remember the title off the top of my head (possibly Survival Korean or a title with 100 or 101 in).

You need to be realistic - Chances are you are not going to communicate fantastically well in the first few months or even in the first couple of years unless you are a gifted linguist. Take it step by step.

You need to study very often - The foreigners that get good at Korean, usually study or converse with Korean friends and acquaintances for a considerable amount of time almost every day.

You need to get some Korean friends if possible and start talking a lot - It will probably help if they don't speak English well. Sometimes chatting to very old Korean people is useful. Some don't care for foreigners but others can be really friendly. Even if you can't understand what they're saying, keep trying.

You need to be determined - You will almost certainly get bogged down or disillusioned with Korean from time to time. Don't give up. If you have a study book that is doing your head in, don't force yourself to finish it. Find a different study source that interests you more.

Joining a club of some sort could be a good idea too.

There are also some interesting thoughts and links in the thread 'Attitudes To Studying Korean' which is on page 2 of the general discussion forum at my time of writing. You may find something to help you there.

Above all, you need to be patient. I've been learning Korean for the last few years and I am at a respectable level and still improving but there is still a long way to go.

Good luck.

[Pak Yu Man]

Start banging a Korean girl/guy.

[itaewonguy]

[Miguel12]

[caniff]

I married a Korean woman. She is great, but as far as Korean language learning goes, it has been a stunting experience.

When I first met her, she spoke very little English. My Korean language abilities were much better, and so we initially communicated in Korean. As time has passed, however, she has slowly but inexorably turned my house into an 'English-Only' zone. I have asked her to speak only Korean to me, but she always quickly reverts to speaking English.

She claims she just likes speaking in English. I'm pretty sure she's not after free lessons. If she was, they would be the most expensive lessons ever, having to put up with my daily antics and the associated drama.

What'reya'gonnado?

[Masta_Don]

Teach at a hakwon. I learned more Korean at my work than I ever had in classes. Course my grammar is horrible and all I know how to say are things class-related or what little kids say...