How to Learn to Read & Write Korean
- 1). Choose whether you want to learn on your own, enroll in a Korean language class or hire a tutor or even a friend who can help you in learning the Korean language.
- 2). Purchase at least one textbook and dictionary that teaches basic Korean. Buying instructional DVDs and e-books can also help you in reading and writing in Hangeul and understanding the syntax when constructing sentences in Korean. Most of these materials are easily available for purchase online and in bookstores.
- 3). Learn how to read and write in Hangeul. Also, learn how to count in Korean from at least 1 to 20 so that you can incorporate numbers when you are already constructing phrases and sentences in Korean. Koreans actually use two sets of numbers. As a beginner, simply follow how they are used in your textbook and your other learning materials, especially which ones are used in measurements, dates, years, ages and prices. Take note that the use of each set actually varies and a deeper study of the language is crucial to fully understanding which one to use in particular situations.
- 4). Start reading basic vocabulary words, then try writing them on your own. When improving your vocabulary, focus on basic words meant for everyday use. Take note that writing and reading in Korean don't follow the same linear and horizontal structure like that of the English alphabet. As a basic guide, you write and read per syllable. You generally read and write from left to right, but there are times that the next syllable should be written below the preceding syllable. After that, start writing the next set of syllables from left to right. The rules on whether to place the next syllable below or to the right of the previous syllable doesn't follow exact parameters.
- 5). Start composing phrases and simple sentences with the help of your textbook and dictionary. Usually, people start with sentences introducing oneself, providing more information about oneself and saying basic expressions and greetings commonly used in everyday life. Practice writing the words, phrases and simple sentences you studied. Take note that the Korean language doesn't conjugate verbs based on subject-verb agreement like how it is in English. This is because Korean actually follows a subject-object-verb word order.
