Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bjlesm]

I am looking into language cds and such and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations. I am planning a hike of the Appalachian Trail before heading over to Korea and want to carry language cds to listen to as I hike. Also, would it be a good idea to take an intensive language course in Korea as I look for a job, maybe for a month or so. Thanks, Bill

[Smee]

How far along are you? Are you fairly familiar with the cadence and "accent" of Korean? If not, any old thing would do: even Moonies' tapes.

If you're unfamiliar with Korean, I'd say take a look at the Lonely Planet book about Korean. Good introduction to grammar.

[Son Deureo!]

Are you looking for something in a purely audio format? I don't really go for that sort of thing myself, but if that's what you're looking for the Pimsleur series (available on cassette and CD) is the only one I know of. A friend of mine used the cassettes and although they didn't teach any grammar, they did do a good job of beating a lot of important survival phrases and vocab into his head. You could do worse if you're just starting out, but you'd better make sure you learn how to read Korean script somehow. These tapes won't do that, obviously.

I recommend Elementary Korean and its sequel Continuing Korean by Ross King. They're textbooks, and appear a bit dry at first because they are thick black and white textbooks with no photos and a lot of written exercises. They are, however, very user friendly and the grammar explanations are logical and the course paces out the grammar so as not to overwhelm you. The written exercises are great practice, and each book also comes with a CD.

The Pimsleur series and the Ross King books are both available on Amazon if you can't find them anywhere else.

[bjlesm]

Was looking for mainly audio and a small text book. Has anyone used the Teach Yourself series, seems to have good reviews on Amazon. Also how about the book Your First 100 Words in Korean. The only problem with backpacking is you want to keep the weight down, so no large or hardcover books. Thanks for the replies

[Randall Flagg]

I have heard that the "Teach Yourself" books are pretty good. Although there is one HUGE reason I say you should avoid them. They don't use Korean characters. (so i've been told) Reading Korean script is easy and very necessary. When Korean is romanized it is often hard to pronounce correctly. Pronuciation is so important here. It seems like Koreans have a difficult time understanding their language when it is being butchered by foreigners. (I know this because I butcher it on a daily basis )

Good luck

[Pyongshin Sangja]

KLJH

[jinglejangle]

There is NO substitue for getting a Korean or [fluent] Korean American to teach you the basic pronunciation and correct your early mistakes. Some of the differences are subtle enough that it will be hard enough without picking up all kinds of bad habits.

If however, you have to go it alone, you should definately use a book to learn to read AND a tape to help you know what your reading and to get comfortable with the sound.

Remember, as with anything, and more so than with most things, the more of the 5 senses you can apply to it the faster you'll learn.

Good luck, it's a lot of work, but very rewarding. Some days.