Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Beer Man]

I'm looking for a good Korean/English English/Korean dictionary. Something I can use in the classroom, and also on my own time if I'm studying the language.

The last one I used was the yellow Langenscheidt dictionary, which I bought in Canada. The English/Korean section is good, but the Korean/English section is by romanization first, which makes it a real pain for you (or your students) to look up a Korean word to find out its English meaning. I don't recommend it.

I'm thinking I'll wait until I get back to Korea at the end of the summer, and buy a dictionary in country. Anyone know of a good one. Something clean and easy to look through. This is what I'm looking for, if possible:

Korean/English Section (hangul first, then romanization of the hangul word, then the English translation)

English/Korean Section (english first, then the Korean translation, then a romanization of the Korean translation)

The romanization isn't crucial, but I like it 'cause it helps me with pronouncing some of the harder words. It would be a definite bonus. Thanks guys!

[PRagic]

yahoo.co.kr has a killer dictionary function. If you're looking for a paperback, any out there are fine for most beginner purposes.

[some waygug-in]

I think a good phrase book would be more beneficial to you than most dictionaries. The problem I have with dictionaries is that they give you these translated meanings devoid of all context, and you have to try and guess which meaning is the correct one. (many words have several meanings, dependant on the context)

Something like "Essential Korean" for everyday conversation - would help.

It has romanized pronunciations also.

I think it's published by Hollym, sorry but I can't remember the author.
It's a small, light blue colored book. I usually see it in the foreign books section or near the Korean language course books.

It has situational phrases for almost anything you'll need, plus there are short vocabulary sections at the end of each unit to help build up your vocabulary.

Hope this helps.

Anyway, just my thoughts.

[Chamchiman]

If you're serious enough to be buying a dictionary, you won't need the romanization.

I have this one:

http://www.kyobobook.co.kr/product/detailViewKor.laf?ejkGb=KOR&mallGb=KOR&barcode=9788917050905&orderClick=LAG

and it's fine.

Richard Harris recommended the Essence dictionary, but I think you'd have to be fairly advanced to notice a major difference between it and any of the others out there.

Also, you're going to get a mobile phone when you come back, so you could just get one with a dictionary (which I think is good for being out-and-about and looking up words, but not so good for studying).

Some waygug-in recommended a phrase book, and I found a fantastic one:

http://www.kyobobook.co.kr/product/detailViewKor.laf?ejkGb=KOR&mallGb=KOR&barcode=9788988026441&orderClick=LAH

You won't find this book in the 'foreign books' section. It's geared for Koreans.

[Beer Man]

Chamchiman: thanks, the Si-sa Elite dictionary looks like it would be a good buy. I'm sure I've seen in around. The phrase book looks good too.

some waygookin: "Essential Korean for everyday use" looks cool too. I'll probably pick it up too.

Appreciate the help guys. Thanks.

[icicle]

I had a couple of Korean dictionaries but the Si-sa one is the one which I found to be the best. It is also the one which my KT had a larger version of. I had one before I arrived which had the romanized korean and I found it next to useless for pronunciation once I knew the way to pronounce the hangul letters. Even now I find it easier to pronounce the hangul word rather than the romanised word.