Korean For Dummies E-Book

EunYoung Won

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Fremdsprachen
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 526

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Learn Korean with the engaging Dummies method

You love the culture, and you love the language. Korean For Dummies helps you get the basics of Korean so you can communicate successfully, even if you've never studied another language before. This fun guide will help you get the hang of spelling, vocabulary, and grammar, so you can travel, do business, or just enjoy learning something new. Online audio content gives you a well-rounded Korean language learning experience and helps you improve your pronunciation and listening skills. Plus, you'll learn key vocab for common situations you'll encounter while traveling in Korea.

• Learn Korean alphabets and sounds so you can communicate authentically
• Dip into the culture and history of North and South Korea
• Master numbers, verb tenses, travel expressions, and beyond
• Practice, practice, practice your Korean with included audio resources

Beginner students or those wanting to better their Korean reading, writing, and speaking skills will find what they need in Korean For Dummies

Leseprobe

Korean For Dummies®

To view this book's Cheat Sheet, simply go to www.dummies.com and search for “Korean For Dummies Cheat Sheet” in the Search box.

Table of Contents

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

Introduction

About This Book

Foolish Assumptions

Icons Used in This Book

Notes on the Korean Romanization

Beyond the Book

Where to Go from Here

Part 1: Getting Started with Korean

Chapter 1: Korean in a Nutshell

Unraveling the Depths of Korean

Using Korean in Social Scenarios

Tackling Tasks on the Move

Chapter 2: The Korean Alphabet and Pronunciation

Hangeul, the Alphabet for the People

Consonants and Vowels

Forming Syllables and Words

Sounding Fluent

Chapter 3: The Nitty-Gritty: Basic Korean Grammar

Using Appropriate Speech Styles

Getting into Nouns and Pronouns

Working with Verbs

Forming Sentences

Asking Questions: It’s a Cinch!

Making Proposals: Let’s Do It!

Commanding Politely

Chapter 4: Getting Started with Basic Expressions

Starting and Ending Conversations

Making Introductions

Breaking the Ice

Expressing Gratitude and Regret

Chapter 5: Getting Your Numbers, Times, and Measurements Straight

Two Sets of Korean Numbers: Native Versus Sino-Korean

Expressing quantity with counters

The Clock’s Ticking: Telling Time

Save the Date: Delving into Dates

Size Matters: Measuring in Korean

Chapter 6: Speaking Korean at Home

Visiting a Korean Home

Taking a Tour around the House

Cooking and Eating

Discussing Daily Activities

Staying Over

Part 2: Korean in Action

Chapter 7: Getting to Know You

Making Small Talk: Posing Simple Introductory Questions

Praising Your Language Skills

Making New Friends

Chatting About Family

Asking about Age

Five “Save Me!” Phrases

Sharing Your Contact information

Chapter 8: Money: Easy as Won, Two, Three

Knowing Korean Currency

Going to the Bank

Paying for Your Purchases

Chapter 9: Eating and Drinking

Dig In! Let’s Eat!

Getting to Know Korean Cuisine

Practicing Good Table Manners

Dining Out

Ordering Delivery Food

Drinking, Korean style

Chapter 10: Shopping Made Easy

Exploring Shopping Venues in Korea

Comparing Merchandise

Shopping for Outfits

Shopping for Groceries

Paying for Your Purchases

Chapter 11: Exploring the Town

Exploring Fun Places

Taking in the Korean Popular Culture

Hopping Around Cafés and Pubs

Experiencing Korean “Bahng” Culture

Chapter 12: Connecting Across the World: Phones, Mail, and the Internet

Phoning Made Easy

You’ve Got Mail!

Let’s Go Online!

Chapter 13: Korean at Work and School

Getting Down to Work

Interacting with Your Colleagues

Working from Home

Working at School

Part 3: Korean on the Go

Chapter 14: Planning a Trip

Picking a Good Time to Travel

Choosing Your Destination

Dealing with Passports and Visas

What to Pack?

Chapter 15: Finding a Place to Stay

Sorting Accommodation Options

Making Reservations

Checking In Made Easy

Checking Out and Paying Your Bill

Chapter 16: Making Your Way Around: Transportation

Essential Terms for Every Transit

Navigating Korean Airports

Conquering Local Public Transport

Driving Around

Between Cities: Trains, Express Buses, and Boats

Chapter 17: Asking for Directions

Finding Your Way

Reversing Roles: Giving Directions

Chapter 18: Handling an Emergency

Calling for Emergency Help

Getting Help for Less-Urgent Matters

Getting Medical Help

Getting Legal Help

Part 4: The Part of Tens

Chapter 19: Ten Ways to Get a Good Grip on Korean

Learn the Korean Alphabet, Hangeul

Listen to K-Pop Music

Watch Korean Movies, Dramas, and TV Shows

Read Korean Webtoons

Explore the Web and Apps

Discover Local Classes and Events

Cook or Eat Korean Foods

Make Friends with Korean Speakers

Travel to Korea

Stay Positive, Creative, and Curious

Chapter 20: Ten Things to Avoid Doing in Korea

Entering a House with Your Shoes On

Calling Bosses or Teachers by Their First Name

Using “ssee” or “neem” in Self-Reference

Visiting Someone Empty-Handed

One-Handed Exchanges

Getting Rattled by Personal Questions

Picking Up Your Rice Bowl

Overstating: Embracing Modesty

Eating Before Your Higher-Ups

Mixing it All Up in One Bin

Part 5: Appendixes

Appendix A: Verb Tables

The Three Types of Conjugation

아/어 Conjugation: Regular Consonant-Ending Verbs

아/어 Conjugation: Irregular Consonant-Ending Verbs

아/어 Conjugation: Vowel-Ending Verbs

어/아 Conjugation: 하- and 르-Ending Verbs

으 Conjugation: Regular Verbs

으 Conjugation: Irregular Verbs

Consonant-Initial Conjugation

Irregular Verb Conjugation Summary

Appendix B: Mini-Dictionaries

Korean-English Mini-Dictionary

English to Korean Mini-Dictionary

Appendix C: Answer Key

Index

About the Authors

Advertisement Page

Connect with Dummies

End User License Agreement

List of Tables

Chapter 2

TABLE 2-1 Korean Vowels and Consonants

TABLE 2-2 Eight Basic Vowels

TABLE 2-3 Six y-Diphthong Vowels

TABLE 2-4 Seven Other Diphthong Vowels

TABLE 2-5 The Five Basic Consonants

TABLE 2-6 Fourteen Simple Consonants

TABLE 2-7 Five Double Consonants

TABLE 2-8 Plain, Aspirated, and Tense Consonants

TABLE 2-9 The Seven Representative Consonants

Chapter 3

TABLE 3-1 Speech Styles: Informal Polite (아요/어요) vs. Intimate (아/어)

TABLE 3-2 Speech Styles: Whom to Use Them With

TABLE 3-3 Personal Pronouns

TABLE 3-4 Demonstrative Pronouns

TABLE 3-5 Consonant-ending Stem Conjugation for Informal Polite 아요/어요

TABLE 3-6 Vowel-Ending Stem Conjugation

TABLE 3-7 Irregular

TABLE 3-8 Conjugating into the Future Form –(으)ㄹ 거예요

TABLE 3-9 Examples of Korean Adverbs

TABLE 3-10 Special Negative Form

TABLE 3-11 Particles and Example Sentences

TABLE 3-12 Polite Commands/Requests with -(으)세요

Chapter 4

TABLE 4-1 Greetings for Catching Up

TABLE 4-2 Expressions for Goodbye

Chapter 5

TABLE 5-1 Native Korean Numbers

TABLE 5-2 Sino-Korean Numbers

TABLE 5-3 Large Sino-Korean Numbers

TABLE 5-4 Counters That Use Native Korean Numbers

TABLE 5-5 Counters That Use Sino-Korean Numbers

TABLE 5-6 Ordinal Numbers

TABLE 5-7 Stating the Hour and Minutes

TABLE 5-8 Months

TABLE 5-9 Dates

TABLE 5-10 Relative Time Expressions

TABLE 5-11 Conversion of Measurements: Metric to USCS

Chapter 6

TABLE 6-1 Housing Types

Chapter 7

TABLE 7-1 Verb Conjugation: -(으)러 가다/오다

TABLE 7-2 Occupations

TABLE 7-3 Areas of Study

TABLE 7-4 Verb of Possession and Existence

Chapter 8

TABLE 8-1 Korean Currency

TABLE 8-2 Honorific Request Conjugations

Chapter 9

TABLE 9-1 Common Endings for 먹다, 마시다, and 드시다

TABLE 9-2 Korean Essential Seasoning Ingredients

TABLE 9-3 Words and Phrases to Describe Liking Food … Or Not!

TABLE 9-4 Utensil Terms

TABLE 9-5 Delivery App Words

TABLE 9-6 Popular Beverages in Korea

Chapter 10

TABLE 10-1 Positive and Negative Comparisons

TABLE 10-2 Colors in Korean

TABLE 10-3 Softening Statements in Korean

Chapter 11

TABLE 11-1 고 싶다 Conjugations and Examples

TABLE 11-2 보다 Conjugations and Examples

TABLE 11-3 Activities Related to Exploring

Chapter 12

TABLE 12-1 How to Use To Call and To Text

Chapter 13

TABLE 13-1 Talking about Job Applications

TABLE 13-2 Schools in Korea

TABLE 13-3 Academic Calendar Vocabulary

Chapter 14

TABLE 14-1 Korean Seasons and Weather

TABLE 14-2 Korean Holidays

TABLE 14-3 Verbs of Packing

Chapter 16

TABLE 16-1 Common Verbs and Adjectives for Transit

Chapter 17

TABLE 17-1 Location Pronouns

TABLE 17-2 Terms for Position

TABLE 17-3 Verbs for Giving Directions

Chapter 18

TABLE 18-1 Medicine Fields/Specialties

TABLE 18-2 Medical Emergency Terms

TABLE 18-3 Basic Body Parts

TABLE 18-4 Medical Ailments

List of Illustrations

Chapter 16

FIGURE 16-1: Korean road signs.

Guide

Cover

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Begin Reading

Index

About the Author

Pages

iii

iv

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

71

72

73

74

75

77

78

79

80

81

82

83

84

85

86

87

88

89

90

91

92

93

94

95

96

97

98

99

100

101

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

117

118

119

120

121

122

123

124

125

126

127

128

129

130

131

132

133

134

135

136

137

138

139

140

141

142

143

144

145

146

147

148

149

150

151

152

153

154

155

156

157

158

159

160

161

162

163

164

165

166

167

169

170

171

172

173

174

175

176

177

178

179

180

181

182

183

184

185

186

187

188

189

190

191

192

193

194

195

196

197

198

199

200

201

202

203

204

205

206

207

208

209

210

211

212

213

214

215

216

217

218

219

220

221

222

223

224

225

226

227

228

229

230

231

232

233

234

235

236

237

238

239

240

241

242

243

244

245

246

247

248

249

250

251

252

253

254

255

256

257

258

259

260

261

262

263

264

265

266

267

268

269

270

271

272

273

274

275

276

277

278

279

280

281

282

283

284

285

287

288

289

290

291

292

293

294

295

296

297

298

299

300

301

302

303

304

305

307

308

309

310

311

312

313

314

315

316

317

318

319

320

321

322

323

324

325

326

327

328

329

330

331

332

333

334

335

336

337

338

339

341

342

343

344

345

347

348

349

350

351

352

353

354

355

356

357

358

359

360

361

362

363

364

365

366

367

368

369

370

371

373

374

375

377

378

379

380

381

382

383

384

385

386

387

388

389

390

391

393

394

395

396

Korean For Dummies®, 2nd Edition

Published by: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774, www.wiley.com

Copyright © 2025 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial technologies or similar technologies.

Media and software compilation copyright © 2025 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial technologies or similar technologies.

Published simultaneously in Canada

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without the prior written permission of the Publisher. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, [phone], fax [phone], or online at http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions.

Trademarks: Wiley, For Dummies, the Dummies Man logo, Dummies.com, Making Everything Easier, and related trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and may not be used without written permission. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.

LIMIT OF LIABILITY/DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY: THE PUBLISHER AND THE AUTHOR MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS WORK AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. NO WARRANTY MAY BE CREATED OR EXTENDED BY SALES OR PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS. THE ADVICE AND STRATEGIES CONTAINED HEREIN MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR EVERY SITUATION. THIS WORK IS SOLD WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE PUBLISHER IS NOT ENGAGED IN RENDERING LEGAL, ACCOUNTING, OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES. IF PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED, THE SERVICES OF A COMPETENT PROFESSIONAL PERSON SHOULD BE SOUGHT. NEITHER THE PUBLISHER NOR THE AUTHOR SHALL BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES ARISING HEREFROM. THE FACT THAT AN ORGANIZATION OR WEBSITE IS REFERRED TO IN THIS WORK AS A CITATION AND/OR A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF FURTHER INFORMATION DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE AUTHOR OR THE PUBLISHER ENDORSES THE INFORMATION THE ORGANIZATION OR WEBSITE MAY PROVIDE OR RECOMMENDATIONS IT MAY MAKE. FURTHER, READERS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT INTERNET WEBSITES LISTED IN THIS WORK MAY HAVE CHANGED OR DISAPPEARED BETWEEN WHEN THIS WORK WAS WRITTEN AND WHEN IT IS READ.

For general information on our other products and services, please contact our Customer Care Department within the U.S. at 877-762-2974, outside the U.S. at 317-572-3993, or fax [phone]. For technical support, please visit https://hub.wiley.com/community/support/dummies.

Wiley publishes in a variety of print and electronic formats and by print-on-demand. Some material included with standard print versions of this book may not be included in e-books or in print-on-demand. If this book refers to media that is not included in the version you purchased, you may download this material at http://booksupport.wiley.com. For more information about Wiley products, visit www.wiley.com.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2024946903

ISBN 978-1-119-93273-4 (pbk); ISBN 978-1-119-93274-1 (ebk); ISBN 978-1-119-93275-8 (ebk)

Introduction

Acquiring a new language is so much more than memorizing words and phrases. It’s like stepping into a whole new mindset and wrapping your arms around the wide, wonderful world of diversity. There’s this famous quote that nails it: “Learning a new language is like gaining a new soul.” This idea comes to life as you immerse yourself in the culture and daily life of a place.

Now imagine yourself wandering Korea’s vibrant streets, chatting with locals, ordering tasty dishes in Korean, and expressing your appreciation to the chefs. You’re swapping your map app for real-life interactions, asking for what you need with words instead of pointing. These little moments? They’re just some of the things that make you feel connected with the culture around you. And you don’t even have to travel to start your journey. Korean culture is as accessible as downloading a language exchange app or finding a local community. Every effort to speak in the language is golden for meaningful friendships that endure.

Guess what? You might already have a head start with Korean. Ever used a Korean smartphone, driven a Korean car, or binged on a Korean drama series? Maybe savored Korean cuisine, jammed to K-pop, or indulged in their skincare? If not, that’s perfectly okay! Whether you’re eyeing a trip, aiming to study, planning to clinch business deals in Korea, or simply snagged this book from sheer curiosity, Korean For Dummies is a crash course in the Korean language and culture.

This book is brimming with cultural gems and savvy tips to help you nail the basics of Korean. So, ready to jumpstart this adventure with us? As Koreans cheer, 화이팅! (hwah-ee-teeng!), which means “Go for it! You’ve got this! Good luck!” (Literally, “fighting.”) Let’s dive in and make it unforgettable!

About This Book

Good news! This isn’t an old-school language textbook loaded with mind-boggling grammar rules. It’s a reference guide designed to help you to converse in Korean with little effort. Packed with phrases for real-life situations like shopping, dining out, or making reservations, it also offers cultural insights to deepen your grasp of the language. You’re the captain of your learning ship! Pick any chapter that interests you, and off you go! You can even read the chapters backward — no judgment here!

Each chapter’s got the lowdown: background info, words and phrases, grammar tips, and dialogue that’s spot-on for the theme. Here’s what you’ll find in each chapter:

Talkin’ the Talk dialogue:

Engage in conversations that offers context with Korean phrases, pronunciation, and translations. Don’t forget to check out the audio versions on our website (

www.dummies.com/go/Korean

). Spot the Play icon? Tune in and join the fun!

Words to Know:

Mastering vocab is key when learning a new language. Keep an eye out for our vocab boxes where you find words and phrases from the Talkin’ the Talk dialogues.

Fun & Games:

Finished a chapter? Time for some brain teasers! Don’t worry; the exercises cover the essentials of the topic and are not overly challenging at all. The answers are in

Appendix C

, ready to give you a high-five for a job well done.

Foolish Assumptions

To write this book, we imagined what our potential readers are like. Here are a few foolish assumptions that we made about you. Do these descriptions sound like you?

You don’t know much Korean aside from a phrase or two you picked up from a movie or elsewhere.

You’re not planning to take a proficiency test any time soon, nor are you trying to start translating literature or interpreting. You just want to be able to communicate basic information in Korean and gain familiarity with Korean culture.

You don’t want to wake up in a cold sweat after memorizing tables upon tables of grammatical rules and conjugations.

You want to have fun while learning Korean at the same time.

Icons Used in This Book

Here are some icons that draw attention to important information:

This icon indicates a go-to spot for some tidbits that highlight linguistic aspects or cultural tips. These little tidbits can be super helpful, helping you save time and avoid frustration.

This icon appears when you come across important info that is repeated and should be remembered.

These snippets provide a sneak peek into a wide range of Korean culture and give you valuable insights.

This icon flags instances where we go a little more in-depth about grammar rules.

The online audio files give you a chance to listen to native speakers of Korean reading the Talkin’ the Talk dialogue. This icon marks the “Talkin’ the Talk” sections available online at www.dummies.com/go/Korean.

Notes on the Korean Romanization

Because Korean has its own script, romanization is provided for our readers who don’t know Korean. There’re different romanization systems used in Korea, and each has its own strengths and shortcomings. For this book, we crafted a new system that demonstrates as accurately as possible how Korean is pronounced, considering the needs of readers who are familiar with American English. Here’s our system of romanization for Korean: (Visit our website to listen to audio files for each vowel and consonant sound.)

Vowels

Vowels grouped together in a box have merged into the same sounds in modern Korean.

Consonants

ㄱ

ㄴ

ㄷ

ㄹ

ㅁ

ㅂ

ㅅ

ㅇ

ㅈ

ㅊ

At start of syllable

g

n

d

r

m

b

s/sh

silent

j

ch

At end of syllable

k

n

t

l

m

p

t

ng

t

t

ㅋ

ㅌ

ㅍ

ㅎ

ㄲ

ㄸ

ㅃ

ㅆ

ㅉ

At start of syllable

k

t

p

h

kk

tt

pp

ss

jj

At end of syllable

k

t

p

t

k

t

The consonants ㄸ, ㅃ, and ㅉ are not used as final consonants. The consonant chart shows sounds at syllable ends that are not released, meaning they are not followed by another syllable (for example, 국 [ gook], 밥 [bahp]).

Exploring this chart, you’ll notice some intriguing aspects of our romanization approach:

The letter “h” is added to some vowels to aid English speakers with pronunciation (for example, “ㅏ” is romanized as “ah” to resemble the sound in “f

a

ther”). Accordingly, 삼성 (

Samsung

), for instance, is romanized as “sahm-suhng,” to prevent confusion with the varying sounds of “a” in English, like in

S

a

m, s

a

me, n

a

rr

a

te,

and

m

a

ll

. Remember, the “h” is silent.

We don’t differentiate long or short vowels. The vowel “ㅣ” is romanized as “ee,” not “i,” to avoid the multiple sounds that “i” can represent in English, like in

s

i

t

versus

s

i

te

.

Although vowels like ㅐ (ae) and ㅔ (eh), as well as ㅒ (yae) and ㅖ (yeh) merge into the same sounds in contemporary Korean, they are still romanized differently to reflect their distinct spellings. For example, the Korean words for “dog” and “crab” are homophones, which means they sound alike but have different spellings; “dog” uses ㅐ, and “crab” uses ㅔ.

Our romanization focuses on the actual pronunciation of words or phrases, not a direct letter-by-letter transcription. For instance, 한국어 (Korean Language) is romanized as “hahn-goo-guh,” not “hahn-gook-uh,” illustrating Korean’s liaison where sounds blend smoothly, similar to the English phrase “an apple” where the “n” connects with the vowel sound at the start of “apple.”

For a deeper dive into pronunciation rules and tips, check out Chapter 2, and also explore our Cheat Sheet, detailed in the following section.

Beyond the Book

In addition to what you’re reading right now, this product also comes with a free, access-anywhere Cheat Sheet. To get this Cheat Sheet, simply go to www.dummies.com and type Korean For Dummies Cheat Sheet in the Search box. And as mentioned earlier, you can find the audio files for a selection of “Talkin’ the Talk” dialogues at www.dummies.com/go/Korean.

Where to Go from Here

Now that you’ve got a good grasp of the layout of Korean For Dummies, 2nd Edition, you’re ready to embark on your Korean learning journey from any chapter of the book. Simply glance at the Table of Contents, choose a topic that catches your eye, flip to that chapter, and start honing your Korean skills!

Not sure where to begin? You can start from Chapter 1 and work your way through sequentially. Or, jump right into Chapter 2 to uncover the magic of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet. It’s like unlocking the key to a hidden garden of language proficiency, and once unlocked, you’re on your way to mastering Korean!

Curious about Korean grammar intricacies? Chapter 3 is your sidekick, ready to unravel the mysteries. Think of us as your expert navigator, guiding you through the grammar maze with ease.

But if you’re itching to start conversing in Korean pronto, feel free to skip ahead to your favorite section and find a treasure trove of handy phrases. This book is designed to turn you into a Korean conversational wizard faster than you might expect.

Planning a trip to Korea? Consider this book your travel companion, your ticket to a linguistic adventure! With us by your side, you’ll be chatting up locals and ordering bibimbap like a pro, along with so many more, in no time. Bon voyage! Enjoy your journey into the Korean language and culture! 화이팅!

Part 1

Getting Started with Korean

IN THIS PART …

Familiarize yourself with Korean script and sounds.

Get a grip on basic grammar.

Get a conversation started with basic expressions.

Count numbers in Korean.

Speak Korean around the house.

Chapter 1

Korean in a Nutshell

IN THIS CHAPTER

Introducing the Korean alphabet

Looking at grammar in a new perspective

Getting started with useful words and expressions

Putting Korean to use in common social situations

Taking Korean on the road

Welcome to the exciting world of Korean For Dummies! Whether you’re a die-hard fan of K-pop and K-dramas or completely new to Korean culture, you’re now taking the first step towards acquiring a new 언어 (uh-nuh) (language). Learning a 외국어 (wae-goo-guh) (foreign language) is intellectually challenging, but the rewards it brings are boundless. It unlocks pathways to forging new connections with people, cultures, and communities in ways you’ve never imagined. As you delve deeper into the language, you’ll uncover the intricate relationship between language and culture, further enhancing your understanding and appreciation of both.

In this “nutshell” chapter, we offer you a sneak peek into what lies ahead in the rest of this book. Prepare to immerse yourself in the beauty of 한국어 (hahn-goo-guh) (Korean language) and 문화 (moon-hwah) (culture). So, ready to dive in and give it your all? Let’s go!

Unraveling the Depths of Korean

When first dipping your toes into the Korean language, it’s a good idea to start by familiarizing yourself with 한글 (hahn-geul) (Hangeul), the Korean alphabet, and its pronunciation. Understanding grammar is another crucial part when learning any 외국어 (wae-goo-guh) (foreign language). Along with these fundamentals, you’ll also enjoy learning a selection of simple yet engaging Korean phrases that you can begin using immediately.

Discovering Korean script and sounds

Ever wondered how 한국어 (hahn-goo-guh) (Korean language) and 영어 (yuhng-uh) (English) share a similarity in their script? Just like English, 한글 (hahn-geul) (Hangeul), the Korean alphabet, notates both vowels and consonants. With 40 letters in total, 21 represent 모음 (moh-eum) (vowels) and 19 stand for 자음 (jah-eum) (consonants), each with a direct 1:1 sound match. Learning 한글 is a wise first step if you want to learn 한국어 quickly. It will open doors to a wealth of information, accelerating your journey to fluency.

For those curious about the nitty-gritty details, Chapter 2 awaits. There, we meticulously introduce each letter and its sound, unveiling the art behind constructing the syllable blocks that form words.

Getting a grip on basic grammar

문법 (moon-ppuhp) (grammar) is often thought of as a “glue” that holds words together. The order in which you “glue” your words together can create sentences with totally different meanings.

A BRIEF JOURNEY TO HANGEUL HISTORY

한글 (hahn-geul) (Hangeul), the Korean alphabet, was developed in 1443 by King 세종 (seh-johng) (Sejong), who is revered as Korea’s most respected king, pretty much an icon in Korean history. His motivation behind creating 한글 was to devise a written system that the commoners could easily master.

한글 stands out globally as one of the rare languages with its creation story on record — who made it, for whom, why, and how. Pretty unique! Fast forward to today, 한글 is basically the backbone of all written communication in Korea, boosting the country to one of the top spots for literacy worldwide. Thanks to King 세종, 한글 has woven itself into the fabric of Korean culture and identity, becoming something people hold dear every single day. (For more on the story behind 한글, check out Chapter 2.)

Korean 문법 is different (not difficult, mind you) from English. Most distinctively, word order is different. The natural order of an English sentence is subject-verb-object, and, unlike Korean, English is much stricter in the word order. For example, in the popular TV drama “Friends,” Rachel and Ross argued about who was the “dump-er” and who was the “dump-ee” in their breakup. To them, the sentences “Ross dumped Rachel” and “Rachel dumped Ross” would each garner a very different response, even though all we did was switch two words. As another example, think about the sentence “The dog bit the thief” versus “The thief bit the dog.” The order of the words makes a big difference in the meaning of each sentence.

However, even if you switch places for Rachel and Ross, or the dog and the thief, in these sentences, the meaning can still remain the same in Korean. “Impossible!” you may think. But it is possible, thanks to a small tag-like element called a “particle” that marks the grammatical role of the words in the sentence. The concept of grammar particles may be new to you, but don’t let the new parts of Korean grammar intimidate you.

For more details and an introduction to simple Korean grammar, from the basic parts of speech to how to form sentences, read Chapter 3.

Starting a simple conversation

When meeting someone new, your conversation becomes much more engaging and welcoming if you can greet them in their language. Here are a few of the easiest and shortest phrases:

네

(neh) (

Yes

)

아니요

(ah-nee-yoh) (

No

)

안녕하세요

(ahn-nyuhng-hah-seh-yoh) (

Hello

)

고맙습니다

(goh-mahp-sseum-nee-dah) (

Thank you

)

저기요

(juh-gee-yoh) (

Excuse me; hey

) This is an attention getter. Use it when you need to catch someone’s eye, like in a restaurant to call over the waiter, when a passerby drops their wallet in front of you, or even when someone cuts in line.

Chapter 4 shows numerous basic Korean expressions that enable you to start speaking Korean immediately (and politely).

Counting in Korean

숫자 (soot-jjah) (numbers) are everywhere in life. Countless activities involve numbers — telling 시간 (shee-gahn) (time) and 나이 (nah-ee) (age), counting 돈 (dohn) (money), calculating 가격 (gah-gyuhk) (price), discussing 가족 (gah-johk) (family), and countless more.

Korean has two 숫자 sets of cardinal numbers: native-Korean and Sino-Korean. Native Korean numbers are used for counting “how many,” and Sino numbers are used for other purposes, like money, math, and labeling. Don’t be intimidated by 숫자! With the guidance in Chapter 5, you’ll get a handle on numbers in Korean and will be up to speed on all these tasks.

Speaking Korean around the house

집 (jeep) (house) is where most of your days begin and end, making it crucial to know the words used around your 집. As you move through your 집 or enter a 방 (bahng) (room), try to recall the Korean words for various areas, such as 거실 (guh-sheel) (living room), 부엌 (boo-uhk) (kitchen), or 화장실 (hwah-jahng-sheel) (restroom).

Chapter 6 acquaints you with homey words for common rooms, household items, and regular everyday activities you do at home such as eating, drinking, sleeping, and doing chores that are essential for daily life at home.

Using Korean in Social Scenarios

Learning a 외국어 (wae-goo-guh) (foreign language) is all about connecting with people and communities outside of your comfort zone. Part 2 comes in handy in a lot of life scenarios: making small talk with new acquaintances; handling banking and payment, eating out, acquainting yourself with the diverse array of 한국 음식 (hahn-gook eum-sheek) (Korean foods), mastering the art of shopping, and exploring the town, communicating effectively at 직장 (jeek-jjahng) (work) and 학교 (hahk-kkyoh) (school), and more.

When learning a 외국어, one thing that gets you speaking it early on is conversational phrases. Instead of focusing on grammar points and speculating about why the language works the way it does, we’ll jump right in to show you how it works firsthand. The following chapters highlight everyday words and phrases in Korean social settings.

Building connections

You’ll find it easier to connect with the world around you when you make an effort to speak the language of your new 친구 (cheen-goo) (friends) or 동료 (dohng-nyoh) (colleagues, business associates).

Chapter 7 guides you through initiating conversations with folks in Korean. You’ll learn key words and phrases that you can use during quick chats, impressing those around you as you discuss topics like 고향 (goh-hyahng) (hometown), 직업 (jee-guhp) (jobs), 가족 (gah-johk) (family), and more.

When meeting someone from Korea, don’t be surprised if they ask about your 나이 (nah-ee) (age). As you may know, 한국어 (hahn-goo-guh) (the Korean language) is an honorific language and 나이 is an important factor in determining how to address people. But, don’t worry! Chapter 7 has some alternative ways to respond to age-related questions without giving away your exact age.

Making cents of money

돈 (dohn) (money) is a must-have for various aspects of life, including 여행 (yuh-haeng) (traveling), 쇼핑 (shyoh-peeng) (shopping), 외식 (wae-sheek) (eating out), and countless other activities. This is particularly true when journeying through a 외국 (wae-gook) (foreign country), where familiarity with handling foreign currency is vital. Korean currency is called 원 (wuhn), and it’s denoted by the symbol ₩.

Chapter 8 highlights more about 한국 돈 (hahn-gook dohn) (Korean money) and how 환전 (hwahn-juhn) (exchanging money) works. You can also discover words and phrases to use at the bank and while making payments. It pays you to be prepared!

Going out for an eating adventure

Dining out at a 식당 (sheek-ttahng) (restaurant) can be a lot of fun (and satisfying!). Indeed, indulging in authentic cuisine and dining alongside locals is a great way to learn about a new language and culture. Here are some basic words and phrases for Korean dishes:

밥

(bahp) (

rice, meal

)

국

(gook) (

soup

)

김치

(geem-chee) (

kimchi

)

반찬

(bahn-chahn) (

side dishes

)

맛있어요!

(mah-shee-ssuh-yoh) (

delicious!

)

In Chapter 9, we take you on a culinary journey through Korean cuisine, introducing a delectable array of 음식 (eum-sheek) (foods) vocabulary and phrases.

Making shopping easy and fun

쇼핑 (shyoh-peeng) (shopping) is another fun way to put your language skills to good use. Korea is a shopper’s mecca and you’ll find great buys almost everywhere you go. One of Korea’s biggest attractions is 전통 시장 (juhn-tohng-shee-jahng) (traditional markets), and among them, 남대문 시장 (nahm-dae-moon shee-jahng) (South Gate Market) in Seoul is the largest. 백화점 (bae-kwah-juhm) (department stores) or 가게 (gah-geh) (small stores) are other places for 쇼핑.

If you don’t like the hustle and bustle, then don’t forget to check out 온라인 쇼핑 (ohn-nah-een shyoh-peeng) (online shopping). Some of the popular online shopping malls in Korea are Coupang and G-market. For second-hand As Korea is ranked as one of the largest e-commerce markets, you’ll be amazed how convenient 온라인 쇼핑 is there.

In Chapter 10, you can explore important words, phrases, and tips to help you shop ‘til you drop. Discover basic shopping lingo, where to go to buy what, when and how to negotiate prices, and more!

Going around the town

Korea is a vibrant country, and its major cities are bustling with exciting activities around the clock. Whether it’s day or night, get ready to explore the town with essential vocabulary to immerse yourself in fun places and cultural activities such as 민속촌 (mee-sohk-chohn) (folk village), 박물관 (bahng-mool-gwahn) (museums), 극장(geuk-jjahng) (theaters), pop-culture spots, and more! And don’t forget to check out Korea’s unique “방 문화” (bahng moon-hwah) (“room culture”) as well:

노래방

(noh-rae-bahng) (

Korean style karaoke room

)

찜질방

(jjeem-jeel-bahng) (

Korean bathhouses; sauna rooms

)

PC방

(pee-ssee-bahng) (

computer rooms

)

만화방

(mahn-hwah-bahng) (

cartoon room

)

For further guideline, consult Chapter 11 for help navigating all these places and activities in Korean.

Getting connected using technology

South Korea is known for having one of the fastest 인터넷 (een-tuh-neht) (Internet) speeds in the world. The country is blanketed in free Wi-Fi. Public areas like cafés and malls — as well as public transit like busses and subways — are well equipped with 와이파이 (wah-ee-pah-ee) (Wi-Fi). You’ll be well connected with your friends and family at home even while on the other side of the hemisphere.

Chapter 12 introduces you to the handy terms and phrases for using 전화 (juhn-hwah) (phones), 휴대전화 (hyoo-dae-juhn-hwah) (cellphones), 편지 (pyuhn-jee) (letters), 소포 (soh-poh) (packages), and 이메일 (ee-meh-eel) (emails).

Speaking Korean at work and school settings

Planning to work in Korea? Starting a new job in a foreign country can be a bit daunting, but no worries. We’ve got you covered. Knowing the right terms and phrases for your new workplace can make your work life much easier. Equipping yourself with the necessary terms and phrases for your new 직장 (jeek-jjahng) (workplace) will come in handy and make your 직장 생활 (jeek-jjahng saeng-hwahl) (work life) much easier.

If you envision a future working for a 회사 (company) or teaching at a 학교 (hahk-kkyoh) (school) in Korea, Chapter 13 is indispensable! It is packed with useful info on job searching and application, complemented by handy phrases and cultural notes to help you land the job as well as thrive in your new 직장.

Tackling Tasks on the Move

Now that you’ve honed your Korean skills in various social settings, it’s time to consider traveling to Korea if you haven’t yet! Rember the Korean saying, “아는 만큼 보인다” (ah-neun-mahn-keum boh-een-dah). (You can see as much as you know.) The more prepared you are, the more enjoyable your trip will be. The upcoming chapters in Part 3 give you plenty of 여행 안내 (yuh-haeng ahn-nae) (travel guidance) to help you with everything from making plans to finding accommodations to handling emergencies.

Preparing for a trip

A major milestone for any learner of 외국어 (wae-goo-guh) (foreign language) is being able to navigate 여행 (yuh-haeng) (travel) through a different country!

Chapter 14 helps you make the most of your 한국 여행 (hahn-gook yuh-haeng) (travel to Korea). We bring out essential words and phrases necessary for sorting out the logistics of your trip, such as 언제 (uhn-jeh) (when), 어디로 (uh-dee-roh) (to where), what to bring, and more.

Searching for a place to stay

If you’re a first-time visitor to Korea, it may be challenging to find the right 숙소 (sook-ssoh) (accommodation) for you. But no worries! Korea has an incredible variety of places to stay, including 한옥 게스트 하우스 (hah-nok geh-seu-teu hah-woo-sseu) (Hanok guest house) and 템플 스테이 (tehm-peul seu-teh-ee) (temple stay). 한옥 refers to a traditional Korean house, and staying at one during your trip can be an unforgettable experience.

Chapter 15 provides information about the types of 숙소, and how to make 예약 (yeh-yahk) (reservations), 체크인 (cheh-keu-een) (check in) and 체크아웃 (cheh-keu-ah-oot) (check out), and more.

Getting around with transportation

Navigating Korea is a breeze, thanks to its awesome 대중교통 (dae-joong-gyoh-tohng) (public transport) system. However, exploring the cities might initially seem daunting, especially if you don’t know your way around. Even with good 대중교통, dealing with transportation can be a bit of a hassle if you're not fluent in the local language. Don’t get panicky — just turn to Chapter 16. We help you make your way around using different modes of transportation: 비행기 (bee-haeng-gee) (plane), 지하철 (jee-hah-chuhl) (subway), 버스 (buh-sseu) (bus), 택시 (taek-ssee) (taxi), and 렌트카 (lehn-teu-kah) (rental car).

Asking for directions

While having 지도앱 (jee-doh-aep) (map apps) on your phone is undoubtedly convenient, mastering the art of asking for directions remains a vital skill when traveling a 외국 (weh-gook) (foreign country). Your phone battery might run out, or locals might offer inside shortcuts. Chapter 17 provides details on how to give directions, ensuring you navigate with confidence and ease wherever your travels take you.

Taking action in an emergency

Although the chances of something majorly bad happening during your trip to Korea are rather slim, you always run the chance of needing to call the 경찰서 (gyung-chahl-ssuh) (police) or ending up in a 병원 (byuhng-wuhn) (hospital). You can best manage emergencies when you are prepared. Chapter 18 helps you with words and phrases to know when dealing with life’s unexpected (not-so-fun) adventures.