Korean learning resources
Beginners
Indiana University - Korean Alphabet
An introduction to written Hangeul but with the bonus of clickable sound files to also aid listening comprehension. Vocabulary is also aided by clickable pictures which also have sound files.
The National Institute of the Korean Language
Very comprehensive website supported by the Korean government to promote the learning of Korean by non-nationals. Many interactive features.
KBS World Online Course
Korean broadcaster KBS World offers this online course. There are 30 chapters on offer, starting out from basic conversational practice to more extended speech. Romanisation is used alongside Hangeul (written Korean script) throughout the chapters. Flash captions are available if a visual aid to learning is required and sound files are also available at every level of the chapters to aid listening skills.
Sogang Korean Program
Hosted by Sogang University, this course is aimed primarily at US English speakers but others may find it useful as it starts out from an introductory level, then goes to 'novice' level and then concludes by taking the learner to intermediate level. Sound files and animation are used at all levels.
Korean Language Education Clearing House (KLEC)
Hosted by Monash University (Australia). An online textbook 'My Korean 1 & 2' (PDF file) is offered to enable one to work through the various levels of exercises. Audio files and visual aids are used throughout.
Introduction to Korean
A basic, but useful site with sound files for a range of beginners phrases and topics and with some assistance given for aspects of grammar.
Sejong Institute
A mixed site that covers Korean language learning (beginners level upwards) with an introduction to Korean culture. There are free online courses available, for which registration is required, although there are many sample files to experiment with beforehand. Another useful feature is the free downloadable resources.
BBC Korean
A mix of basic tools that beginners may find useful plus links to other sites (e.g. Korean TV drama)
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Culture
Korean Cultural Centre, London
Opened in 2008 and located near Trafalgar Square, the Korean Cultural Institute offers a wide variety of activities and resources for all levels of Korean language or those who simply want to investigate the culture further. Film shows, art exhibitions and a specialist Library of books, audio materials and DVDs make this an invaluable resource for anyone based in London.
Koreanfilm.org
A long-running site (from 1999) with an exceptionally comprehensive collection of information about Korean films from the 1940s, through the 'Korean wave', right up until releases in the past month. Full production details are available for each film listed plus in-depth reviews of many of the films listed. Essays from prominent film scholars are also hosted.
Koreanfilm.org.uk
Aimed at a UK audience and a 'fan site', nevertheless this website offers much for students and enthusiasts of Korean film. Links to trailers and UK theatrical and DVD release information will be very useful for those wishing to investigate a film much further.
Korea.net
A wide-ranging resource for those seeking a comprehensive introduction to life in the Republic of Korea (ROK) with updated news and reviews of all aspects of everyday life in Korea. Click on the 'Library' tab to view a wide choice of online videos and slides.
London Korean Links
The most comprehensive site around for those based in London (and beyond) to learn more about all aspects of Korean culture and language in the capital. Very topical and fresh (it is updated daily) it is easily navigated and has a really useful archive for previous articles and features.
Anglo Korean Society
The Society was founded in 1956 to foster friendship between the UK and the Republic of Korea, and its primary objective is to bring together all those in the UK who are interested in Korean matters. The Society provides opportunities for contacts between British nationals and Koreans living in Britain, and acts as a forum for social and cultural exchange in an environment of friendship and understanding.
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