Korean Job Discussion Forums

r. · Joined: 06 May 2006

I'll be in Korea in less than one month and I don't even know how to say "hello" yet. How much should I try to learn before going there? Any particular words that would help me? Kill self?

SPINOZA · Joined: 10 Jun 2005 Location: $eoul

Don't bust your balls.

If you really want to know a bit, however, it can't hurt.

Any more than the following is unnecessary IMO - learn it when you get here!

anyong ha se yo? Hi.
(x) joo se yo - gimme (x) please.
yoggi yo - over here please/excuse me
anyong hi ka se yo - bye (to someone who's leaving)
anyong hi kye se yo - bye (to someone who's staying)
ol ma ye yo? How much?

get some names for Korean food from internet or something.

Hater Depot · Joined: 29 Mar 2005

Learn to read the alphabet before you come, it won't take long and you'll be glad you did. This site got me reading plus has some basic vocab.

http://langintro.com/kintro/index.htm

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

Most come over here knowing zero Korean and get by just fine. Many people live here for several years knowing zero Korean, and still get by just fine, more or less.

However, the more Korean you learn the easier, and more interesting your life will be. It's a very empowering feeling, as well.

PM me your email address and I'll be happy to send you my simple guide to learning to read Korean script. Once you've got that down, go to http://korean.sogang.ac.kr for an easy to use virtual course in Korean that teaches you through games and cartoons.

If you're willing to put in some time over the next month, you can easily learn how to sound out Korean script plus some basic courtesies and survival expressions that will make your life a lot easier.

Good luck!

flotsam · Joined: 28 Mar 2006

flakfizer · Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 5:43 pm Post subject:

I think it is more valuable to be able to read Korean than speak it. Learning to read it is easy, too. Once you can read it, you'll have an easy time using the bus system, reading menus, store signs etc. Of course, knowing greetings and being able to thank people is good.

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

Yeah, definitely learn hangul. It's easy and it's fun. You'll at least be able to figure out place names and the proper pronunciation of Korean names.

Troll_Bait · Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 6:10 pm Post subject:

Honestly, I don't have much to add, and would just like to emphasize these points made by other posters:

- definitely try to learn the Korean alphabet, called "hangeul." If you don't, you will soon reach a very low "glass ceiling."

- http://korean.sogang.ac.kr/ is an awesome site for learning Korean!

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

OiGirl · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: Hoke-y-gun

None. It makes you easier to control. Rolling Eyes

Becka · Joined: 28 Sep 2005

We didn't know very much at first, but I found it handy to know these upon arrival:

"ko-hang" = airport
"shillye hamnida" = excuse me
"choesung hamnida" = I'm sorry
"ney" = yes
"aniyo" = no

(in addition to some of the words/phrases mentioned here already)

And learning the Korean alphabet is definitely important. It's sooo easy to learn, too. You can probably do it on the plane!

If you can make friends with one of your Korean co-teachers, that's a great way to learn more Korean once you arrive. Seems to be working well for us!

Good luck!

Hater Depot · Joined: 29 Mar 2005

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

zappadelta · Joined: 31 Aug 2004

Obviously, the less you know the better.

Junior · Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Location: the eye