A Collection of Apps and Resources to Help You Learn Korean on Your Own
Here is a list of recommended apps, YouTube channels, and textbooks for learners preparing to study Korean before coming to Korea or through self-study.
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Key Points
Three core university textbook series anchor structured study: Seoul National University Korean (6 graded volumes), Yonsei Korean (the conversation-focused official text of the Yonsei University Korean Language Institute, also suited to TOPIK prep), and Ewha Korean from Ewha Womans University (balanced grammar and conversation).
Past TOPIK exam papers can be downloaded for free from the official site topik.go.kr, alongside beginner apps like Duolingo and the level-based Talk To Me In Korean (TTMIK) app.
Free YouTube learning is available through TTMIK's level-organized lessons and KBS World for news and everyday Korean.
Naver Dictionary and Naver's Papago translator are recommended as Korean-optimized everyday tools, with Reddit's r/LearnKorean and HelloTalk/Tandem for community and native-speaker language exchange.
Guide to Self-Study Resources for Korean
Whether you’re just starting to learn Korean or preparing for the TOPIK, there are many learning resources available beyond language institutes.
Official Textbook Series
### Seoul National University Korean
- Consists of 6 volumes in total; can be studied step-by-step
### Yonsei Korean
- Official textbook of the Yonsei University Korean Language Institute
- Conversation-focused curriculum; also suitable for TOPIK preparation
### Ewha Korean
- Published by the Ewha Womans University Language Education Institute
- Balanced curriculum covering both grammar and conversation
Free Apps and Online Resources
TOPIK Past Exam Questions: topik.go.kr — Free downloads of past exam questions available
Duolingo — Beginner level, game-based learning
Talk To Me In Korean (TTMIK) app — Systematic curriculum organized by level
YouTube Channels
Talk To Me In Korean (TTMIK) — Free lessons organized by level
KBS World — News and everyday Korean
Dictionaries and Translation Tools
Naver Dictionary (Korean Dictionary) — Highest-quality Korean dictionary, available as an app
Papago — Naver’s translation service, optimized for Korean
Learning Communities
Reddit r/LearnKorean — Learner community
HelloTalk / Tandem — Language exchange with native speakers
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