Whether you want to travel or work in South Korea, there are many reasons as to why learning Korean is important. More and more people are learning the Korean language to better understand K-Pop and Korean dramas—and if you’re a fan of a Korean celebrity, you don't want to miss out on subtle messages or cultural references while listening to them speak in Korean!  Another great reason to learn the Korean language? In addition to understanding the vocabulary and grammar, studying Korean will also familiarize you with Korean culture and all the benefits that come with that knowledge!  Interested? In this article, I’ll outline 10 reasons why learning Korean is important and discuss why it’s easy to study the language. Table... Show more

Learning Korean proverbs is not only a great way to study the language, but also a window to the unique Korean culture. To help you get the most out of your language studies, we’ve put together this useful Korean proverbs list for you to study. Who knows—you may find that you can start applying these words of wisdom to your own life! Table of Contents 꿩 먹고 알 먹는다 (kkwong meokgo al meongneunda) 보기 좋은 떡이 먹기도 좋다 (bogi joeun tteogi meokgido jota) 로마는 하루아침에 이루어진 것이 아니다 (romaneun haruachime irueojin geosi anida) 낮말은 새가 듣고 밤말은 쥐가 듣는다 (nanmareun saega deutgo bammareun jwiga deunneunda) 세 살 버릇 여든까지 간다 (se sal beoleus yeodeunkkaji ganda) 말 한마디에 천냥 빚도 갚는다 (mal hanmadie cheonnyang bijdo gapneunda) 궁하면 통한다 (gunghamyeon... Show more

Visiting Seoul can be an enchanting experience, but we all know how stressful planning a trip can be! If you have your heart set on exploring this unique South Korean city, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the best places to visit in Seoul, provide some practical information about the country, and cover a handful of useful phrases you can use to converse with locals. Table of Contents Before You Go… Must-See Places for a 1-3 Day Trip Highly Recommended Places for a 4-7 Day Trip (or Longer) Korean Survival Phrases for Travelers Want to Learn More Survival Phrases? No Problem! Before You Go… Here’s some basic information about South Korea you should know before you... Show more

There are three main word classes in the Korean language: pure Korean words, Sino-Korean words, and foreign words. The foreign words can be broken down further into loanwords and Konglish.  Konglish refers to words taken directly from the English language and used in Korean. These words are often used with a different meaning than that of the original word, or have a Koreanized pronunciation. Examples include:  바나나 (banana) - "banana"뉴욕 (nyeuyok) - "New York"  In this article, you’ll learn more about Konglish along with other commonly used English words in the Korean language. Let’s get started!  Table of Contents Introduction to Konglish A Brief List of Konglish Words List of Loanwords English Words Derived from... Show more

Every country has its own unique culture and South Korea is no exception. Understanding Korean culture and traditions is important if you’re planning to travel, study, or work in South Korea. This knowledge will also help you acquire the more advanced levels of the Korean language, since many idioms and old sayings are based on Korean culture. Finally, learning about South Korean culture will help you better understand the beliefs and customs of South Koreans, broaden your worldview, and make it possible to build closer relationships during your stay.  Before we dive in, here are four interesting Korean culture facts: 1. You must take off your shoes when you enter someone’s house. 2. Korean women have little problem showing off... Show more