Day 1: Learning Korean

Ok, I have been teaching myself Korean on an off for a couple years now.  I don't know nearly as much as i should because I'm so inconsistent.  I've decided to commit to studying Korean on a daily basis and I will be starting from the very beginning.  I will document my progress in this blog.  Aside from language I will also be posting thought on Korean culture, media and anything interesting that I come across.

So now I will share the tools that will be starting out with


This is the book I will be using:

This is a very good book for beginners.  If your interested in this book I cannot be of any help to you.  This book was purchased in Korea and given to me by a friend a couple years ago.  I can tell you that the book is published by "Kyung Hee University Press" and the "Institute of National Learning".

ISBN:
89-8222-047-X
89-8222-046-1

Google Translate:

http://translate.google.com/ 

Google translate is a valuable tool for looking up words.  If you want to get the most out of it then I suggest configuring your operating system so that you can use your keyboard to type in Korean.  If you are using Windows 7 like I am, then you can Google to look up a tutorial on installing the "East Asian Language Pack" and configuring your keyboard to switch between your native language and Korean.  I know it sounds like a lot of work, but it's a lot easier then you think and it is definitely worth it.

How to install the "East Asian Language Pack" for Windows 7:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/downloads/install-languages-with-windows-update 

Configuring your Keyboard for multiple language support for Windows XP/Vista/7:

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/12578/add-keyboard-languages-to-xp-vista-and-windows-7/

SharedTalk & KaokaoTalk:

This is my favorite resource because it allows you to interact with real people which is extremely helpful.

SharedTalk is a language exchange website created by Rosetta Stone.  It is a community of people sharing language and culture. 

Here's the link: http://www.sharedtalk.com/

So after you sign up and make some friends, you will need to figure out a way to talk to them.  Sharedtalk has its own messaging system but most people prefer to use E-mail or an IM client such as AIM.  A popular IM client that Koreans use is called KaokaoTalk and it can be downloaded for free on mobile devices.  I have not met any Koreans living in Korea on SharedTalk that do not  use KaokaoTalk, so it's your best and it FREE!

Here's a link for more information:  http://www.kakao.com/talk/en

Korean Language Websites:

If you don't have an actual book then don't worry because you really don't need one, especially if your just beginning.  GOOGLE IS YOUR FRIEND.  There are plenty of free lessons and tutorials all over the internet.  I suggest using Google and Youtube to find them but I also recommend the following websites.

Talk To Me In Korean:

http://www.talktomeinkorean.com/ 

KBS World: 

http://rki.kbs.co.kr/learn_korean/lessons/e_index.htm

Thanks for reading.  I hope this was somewhat helpful and interesting.  This is my first time blogging so hopefully in the future I will improve.