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.
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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