What do you think?
Rate this book
Korean Grammar in Use #1
Korean Grammar in Use - Beginning
Korean Grammar in Use Beginning
This is a textbook for foreign language learners who want to study Korean grammar systematically and intensively.
Korean Language Teachers Three Korean language teachers who teach Korean language to foreign students are gathered in the educational field. It is a full-scale grammar book that will lead you to easy and fun learning of complicated and difficult grammar of Korean grammar by covering the grammar in the first and second grade of the textbooks taught at Korean university institutions and institutes.
This is a textbook for foreign language learners who want to study Korean grammar systematically and intensively.
Korean Language Teachers Three Korean language teachers who teach Korean language to foreign students are gathered in the educational field. It is a full-scale grammar book that will lead you to easy and fun learning of complicated and difficult grammar of Korean grammar by covering the grammar in the first and second grade of the textbooks taught at Korean university institutions and institutes.
376 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
150 people are currently reading
1324 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 17, 2014
To premise my review, I am a person who is living and working in Korea and studies Korean by myself in my free time. I don't take after work classes since I haven't found a school near me that teaches Korean in the communicative method.
That being said, the reason that I am giving this book 5 stars is the explanation of the different grammar points are extremely clear. I have found that most text books (even those from the major universities) are extremely lacking when it comes to explanations of grammatical points. This book, however, gives clear explanations in natural English (no poorly translated Konglish phrases). The people who wrote these explanations seem to have English speakers in mind. In addition to this, there are quite a few sections within the book that gives wonderful comparisons about different grammatical patterns that are very similar (such as 이/가 vs. 은/는 or 아/어서 vs. (으)니까). Even though I have studied Korean for quite a long time, there were a lot of 'Ah ha!' moments for me in this book.
I wouldn't use this book solely to learn Korean. Once you get a strong enough base in the language, I would keep this book around to supplement what you are learning in other textbooks. Any time you get to a new grammar point and the book or your teacher does a poor job explaining, this is the book for you.
The weakest aspect of this book is that the practice is mostly fill in the blank exercises. There aren't any activities to help you practice the language in real world situations. Despite this shortcoming, the clear explanations of Korean grammar is what really makes me love this book.
That being said, the reason that I am giving this book 5 stars is the explanation of the different grammar points are extremely clear. I have found that most text books (even those from the major universities) are extremely lacking when it comes to explanations of grammatical points. This book, however, gives clear explanations in natural English (no poorly translated Konglish phrases). The people who wrote these explanations seem to have English speakers in mind. In addition to this, there are quite a few sections within the book that gives wonderful comparisons about different grammatical patterns that are very similar (such as 이/가 vs. 은/는 or 아/어서 vs. (으)니까). Even though I have studied Korean for quite a long time, there were a lot of 'Ah ha!' moments for me in this book.
I wouldn't use this book solely to learn Korean. Once you get a strong enough base in the language, I would keep this book around to supplement what you are learning in other textbooks. Any time you get to a new grammar point and the book or your teacher does a poor job explaining, this is the book for you.
The weakest aspect of this book is that the practice is mostly fill in the blank exercises. There aren't any activities to help you practice the language in real world situations. Despite this shortcoming, the clear explanations of Korean grammar is what really makes me love this book.
September 9, 2011
This is a colourful and modern grammar-text & workbook on essential Korean grammar. If you order it properly it even comes with an audio-cd.
The book is supposed to be used AFTER you have done some basic course/textbook already, or alongside them. Personally I recommend using it afterwards.
It has no romanization, just Korean and English.
Explanations are in English, examples in Korean & English.
The book consists of many shorter sections, each section has audio-tracks and exercises. You don't get a huge set of exercises for each concept, but they are designed to challenge your skills, they are difficult enough to do just that.
There are no group exercises, it only has exercises for self-study, so it is favourably used by self-learners.
July 4, 2016
While Korean Grammar in Use: Beginning to Early Intermediate is far from perfect, but I really can recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with Korean grammar. The book’s clear explanations and easy to understand examples make learning Korean so much easier. I honestly believe this.
As a Korean textbook is covers a very wide range of grammatical topics that once you are done with this book you will be able to do well on any TOPIK exam you are planning to take. Furthermore the book comes with an audio CD that will even help you practice your listening and perhaps even your speaking skills.
In short Korean Grammar in Use: Beginning to Early Intermediate has my full recommendation that will help any beginner complete their Korean language journey successful.
A longer review can be read on my site Hanhan Jabji
As a Korean textbook is covers a very wide range of grammatical topics that once you are done with this book you will be able to do well on any TOPIK exam you are planning to take. Furthermore the book comes with an audio CD that will even help you practice your listening and perhaps even your speaking skills.
In short Korean Grammar in Use: Beginning to Early Intermediate has my full recommendation that will help any beginner complete their Korean language journey successful.
A longer review can be read on my site Hanhan Jabji
February 13, 2025
Lit Smithery | Instagram | YouTube
Based on personal experience (as well as the opinion of my first Korean language tutor), Korean Grammar in Use is the best all-around grammar book for beginners. It covers everything from days of the week and past-present-future tense to conditions and suppositions and irregular conjugations.
There are 24 Units, organized into helpful categories like "Changes in Parts of Speech" and "Making Requests and Assisting". Each unit consists of sample sentences followed by grammar grids with details on conjugation, including irregular forms. There is also an accompanying "In conversation" section that can be read or listened to with the CD included in the book (or downloaded from the company website).
The only thing a complete beginner will need beside this book to get started is a working knowledge on how to read Korean. There are other books out there that can teach you how to read and write Korean, as well as plenty of free websites and videos on YouTube (which is how I learned how to read Korean), but, aside from that, this is the perfect starter book.
___________________________________
[Subscribe to my free newsletter Lit Smithery and receive curated links to poems, books, and literary knicknacks, as well as short essays and writing process notes directly into your inbox.]
Based on personal experience (as well as the opinion of my first Korean language tutor), Korean Grammar in Use is the best all-around grammar book for beginners. It covers everything from days of the week and past-present-future tense to conditions and suppositions and irregular conjugations.
There are 24 Units, organized into helpful categories like "Changes in Parts of Speech" and "Making Requests and Assisting". Each unit consists of sample sentences followed by grammar grids with details on conjugation, including irregular forms. There is also an accompanying "In conversation" section that can be read or listened to with the CD included in the book (or downloaded from the company website).
The only thing a complete beginner will need beside this book to get started is a working knowledge on how to read Korean. There are other books out there that can teach you how to read and write Korean, as well as plenty of free websites and videos on YouTube (which is how I learned how to read Korean), but, aside from that, this is the perfect starter book.
___________________________________
[Subscribe to my free newsletter Lit Smithery and receive curated links to poems, books, and literary knicknacks, as well as short essays and writing process notes directly into your inbox.]
February 23, 2017
Finally got around to finishing this grammar book as a way to review fundamentals. I had been using it more as a reference, but it's nice to have on hand for studying along side other main textbooks.
It would be profitable to already have some knowledge of Korean before starting. And it is really good if you're going to take the TOPIK test because it does cover everything you need to know for levels 1+2.
Explanations of grammar and it's usage are solid. There are plenty of examples, even examples of mistakes--as in don't do this...do this. Exercises in each unit are minimal but make they for a useful self-test to see if you understood anything. Layout is really good, too.
It would be profitable to already have some knowledge of Korean before starting. And it is really good if you're going to take the TOPIK test because it does cover everything you need to know for levels 1+2.
Explanations of grammar and it's usage are solid. There are plenty of examples, even examples of mistakes--as in don't do this...do this. Exercises in each unit are minimal but make they for a useful self-test to see if you understood anything. Layout is really good, too.
May 3, 2021
Best book to learn Korean for English speakers.
Reviews the most important topics in grammar for probably A1 and A2 (topik 1 in korean levels).
I haven't found any other book that shows it as clear as this one does, with examples and brief explications, I will probably keep reading the two other books when I get the level.
Reviews the most important topics in grammar for probably A1 and A2 (topik 1 in korean levels).
I haven't found any other book that shows it as clear as this one does, with examples and brief explications, I will probably keep reading the two other books when I get the level.
February 20, 2016
This was easily the best of about six or seven different books that I used to try to teach myself Korean. Everything I learned that stuck came from this book's exercises and examples. Not only that, but I actually enjoyed digging into this book. The cartoon visual aids are amusingly bizarre.
April 25, 2013
This book helped me a lot in my preparation for the 30th TOPIK Beginner Exam.
July 2, 2024
It has taken me 2 years to finish this book. Since then, I have I actually took TOPIK I and passed without finishing this book. I get this is seen as the holy grail for learners but I don't love this book.
Pros:
+ Covers many grammar points grouped by usage.
+ Concise explanations.
+ Gives helpful tips.
Cons:
- I personally think this book is overrated. The Korean Made Easy series is better imho.
- The explanation language is concise but I don't think it's to be so complicated..formal?
- I personally didn't like the workbook sentences.
I think this book should only be used a grammar glossary which is how I use it. It's one of many resources I use to understand and review grammar points.
Pros:
+ Covers many grammar points grouped by usage.
+ Concise explanations.
+ Gives helpful tips.
Cons:
- I personally think this book is overrated. The Korean Made Easy series is better imho.
- The explanation language is concise but I don't think it's to be so complicated..formal?
- I personally didn't like the workbook sentences.
I think this book should only be used a grammar glossary which is how I use it. It's one of many resources I use to understand and review grammar points.
January 15, 2023
+ logical order of introducing grammar points
+ pretty good grammar explanations and translations for english speakers
+ nice grammar tips (comparisons of similar grammars etc)
+ cute pictures and overall pleasant design
- unexpectedly many outdated sexist examples (about women liking flowers and perfume)
- mostly dull non-challenging exercises that are all the same
- lack of explanations in some places…
the lesson about the indirect quotations doesn’t teach you any coherent rule about how to make sentences with them, and then the next lesson on contractions is trying to build on even more stuff that has been skipped entirely
+ pretty good grammar explanations and translations for english speakers
+ nice grammar tips (comparisons of similar grammars etc)
+ cute pictures and overall pleasant design
- unexpectedly many outdated sexist examples (about women liking flowers and perfume)
- mostly dull non-challenging exercises that are all the same
- lack of explanations in some places…
the lesson about the indirect quotations doesn’t teach you any coherent rule about how to make sentences with them, and then the next lesson on contractions is trying to build on even more stuff that has been skipped entirely
July 14, 2019
The most comprehensive textbook I've found to teach Korean.
It is literally so good, it was very clear and the examples were clear ad practical.
It was easy to supplement the lessons with extra stuff online from other websites and, having already learnt some Korean before using this book, I found that I still learnt a lot from this book. In addition to grammar forms I knew about, I learnt additional nuances about them and differences between similar grammar forms.
Genuinely recommend this - more than other Korean textbooks.
It is literally so good, it was very clear and the examples were clear ad practical.
It was easy to supplement the lessons with extra stuff online from other websites and, having already learnt some Korean before using this book, I found that I still learnt a lot from this book. In addition to grammar forms I knew about, I learnt additional nuances about them and differences between similar grammar forms.
Genuinely recommend this - more than other Korean textbooks.
October 16, 2017
Pretty neat! Easy to follow and understand. My Korean grammar have been increased two folds or might be even greater than that.
Recommended for those who are starting to learn Korean language or those who will take TOPIK exam. Keep in mind that you have already know how to compose proper or easy sentences because this might be overwhelm you initially.
Recommended for those who are starting to learn Korean language or those who will take TOPIK exam. Keep in mind that you have already know how to compose proper or easy sentences because this might be overwhelm you initially.
July 14, 2020
This textbook was a life saver. Before getting this book I couldn't put together a Korean sentence at all and Korean people would be very confused about what I was trying to say, and now I can make entire sentences with little to no spelling errors. Always come back to this book now and again to refresh my memory and help get better at the language.
Read
February 18, 2021I leafed through it to get familiar with the language and I like how colorful the book is. However, it is more catered to a teacher who makes lesson plans than students that are self-studying. You definitely more materials, a teacher or extra resources to make learning through this book fun.
May 3, 2021
This is such an excellent resource covering a wide range of grammatical forms for beginners. There are lots of example sentences, illustrations to go along with them and exercises. Everything is clearly explained, arranged and the appendix is helpful too.
July 10, 2017
더 문법 연습 문제 있으면 좋겠어요. 그래도 유익한 책이에요.
February 18, 2018
Good for self-studying. Explanations are easy to understand. However, I'd prefer if the book included more exercises. This book alone cannot teach you Korean, but it's a good complement.
September 21, 2018
3.5, I know a lot of the reviewers are singing it's praises but I just couldn't understand it very well. I've been using Basic Korean Grammar which is a little dry but a lot more effective for me.
October 18, 2018
very useful book. However, it s somewhat concise. It will help you if you are looking for a general overview of the Korean grammar.
March 15, 2021
Really this book is so good to get more knowledge about Korean language.
November 17, 2021
it's very interesting
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2021
Very good🙏
December 28, 2020
5.0*
The best grammar book I've come across. Everything is explained in a very detailed and clear manner and I had a lot of fun working through it.
The best grammar book I've come across. Everything is explained in a very detailed and clear manner and I had a lot of fun working through it.
Read
January 19, 2019Hi I want to read this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews