Korean Job Discussion Forums

[chinook]

I'm thinking of buying a book to help me learn Korean before I leave Canada. Any suggestions?

[keithinkorea]

Most important step in my opinion is to learn 'Hangul' the Korean alphabet, it is pretty easy but does take a little application, it should only take a few days at most to be ok with writing the characters and have an approximate knowledge of how they should sound. Hangul is very, very important.

'Korean through English' #1 (Seoul national university book) is an OK starter but it is a bit dry. I'd suggest also getting hold of the 'Lonely Planet Korean phrasebook'. Though the lonely planet guide to Korea is crappy. The phrasebook is very small so can be carried around in a pocket, it is also nicely put into sections such as food, shopping, number systems etc.

There is a really good thread in the FAQ section of this board on learning Korean and references to a lot of online resources you can find it here:
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=20638
Lots of good stuff there.

[marista99]

There's a Pimsleur Korean program that's pretty good for learning basic phrases. It's audio only (I think) so doesn't teach writing, but for speaking/listening I found it very helpful. People sell it sometimes on ebay, and it can also be downloaded through, er, not so legal means

[Mashimaro]

rather than trying to learn too many phrases. I'd start with anything (most books or internet) that will teach you how to read korean (it's dead easy) and the sooner you learn it the easier your life will be (reading menus, signs etc.)

[kangnamdragon]

Thank you keithinkorea. Please check out that FAQ site.