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Korean For Dummies (For Dummies
416 pages, Paperback
Published November 13, 2024
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6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 28, 2024
This book is amazing! It has everything you need to develop a solid base in speaking Korean for traveling and the basics of living there (or if you're like me: just to enjoy Korean media like dramas and K-pop). The instructions for pronunciations are not just romanization (which in this book is some of the best I've seen) but there are examples of other English words, how to shape your mouth to make sounds, AND additional audio resources online! I genuinely think that this book is underpriced for the value in it. There are also examples of common activities or scenarios you could end up in like giving your contact info or finding people on social media. And you really feel like you're learning because there are "Fun and Game" sections where you can do like mini quizzes and then check your answers. It's obvious that this book was written by a professor because it's not just well researched, it has almost everything you need to travel and LIVE in Korea so Professor Won definitely understands what initial language learners already know, what they need to know, and how to help you progress. I have had the privilege on taking Korean class with Professor Won at the University of Washington and I can affirm she is an amazing teacher - probably one of the best I've ever had - and I can see all the attributes I liked about her class in this book. She is very good at keeping in mind what level of understanding beginners have and progressing your learning along very naturally to match the language learning journey - the hardest thing for native speakers to do in my opinion. She doesn't really know much about Kpop but she tries to incorporate songs and dramas into her teaching so if you want to learn Korean to understand Korean entertainment then this book is the one for you!
If you are visiting Korea or you plan on working there then you should definitely get this book. I actually initially bought the Korean for Dummies book in 2012 (I loved BIGBANG and Super Junior but lived in the midwest USA) and that edition was nowhere CLOSE to as good as this edition because it had no real pronunciation guides. So if you've wanted to learn Korean for travel, work, or entertainment (dramas and kpop are always more fun when you can say: "I know what that means! Without the subtitles!" At least for me haha) then give this book a try!
(I don't know why there are two listings for this book but I put my review on both just in case).
If you are visiting Korea or you plan on working there then you should definitely get this book. I actually initially bought the Korean for Dummies book in 2012 (I loved BIGBANG and Super Junior but lived in the midwest USA) and that edition was nowhere CLOSE to as good as this edition because it had no real pronunciation guides. So if you've wanted to learn Korean for travel, work, or entertainment (dramas and kpop are always more fun when you can say: "I know what that means! Without the subtitles!" At least for me haha) then give this book a try!
(I don't know why there are two listings for this book but I put my review on both just in case).
December 7, 2024
Where to start!
Korean For Dummies is your perfect all-in-one introduction to Korean. The book itself is condensed into digestible, well-formatted parts, but the real magic is in the contents straightforwardness and simplicity. Each part highlights an important aspect of the language that is readily applicable to real-world use, rather than purely being based in "textbook" purpose. The content is additionally sorted by topic; If one only needs vocabulary and sample sentences for shopping, eating out, or planning a trip, this book has that nicely parcled off for your disposal. But the content is not simply limited to this. Part 1 purely focuses on the logistics of Korean, but without the redundancy that is hyper-present in most language-learning resources. Korean is a macro-to-micro language, and this concept is mirrored in the formatting of this book. If you only need the bigger picture, you can refer to the "Korean in a Nutshell" section, but, if you have a passion for learning the "nitty-gritty" like I do, more specific sections are readily available for you to peruse. The chapters on the do's and dont's of learning the language, while predictable, drive home the idea that learning any language requires repetitive exposure, a variety of opportunities to apply your knowledge, and most importantly, to put yourself out there and absorb as much as you can. This is put best on page 339, with the recommendation to "stay positive, creative, and curious." With an emphasis on"reflect[ing] on your personal learning style, experiment boldly, challenge yourself regularly, and continually explore new ways to dive deeper" into Korean, this book is a sure-fire way to embark on your Korean-speaking journey, or if you've already started, a wonderful reference and resource to strengthen your language-learning foundations.
Korean For Dummies is your perfect all-in-one introduction to Korean. The book itself is condensed into digestible, well-formatted parts, but the real magic is in the contents straightforwardness and simplicity. Each part highlights an important aspect of the language that is readily applicable to real-world use, rather than purely being based in "textbook" purpose. The content is additionally sorted by topic; If one only needs vocabulary and sample sentences for shopping, eating out, or planning a trip, this book has that nicely parcled off for your disposal. But the content is not simply limited to this. Part 1 purely focuses on the logistics of Korean, but without the redundancy that is hyper-present in most language-learning resources. Korean is a macro-to-micro language, and this concept is mirrored in the formatting of this book. If you only need the bigger picture, you can refer to the "Korean in a Nutshell" section, but, if you have a passion for learning the "nitty-gritty" like I do, more specific sections are readily available for you to peruse. The chapters on the do's and dont's of learning the language, while predictable, drive home the idea that learning any language requires repetitive exposure, a variety of opportunities to apply your knowledge, and most importantly, to put yourself out there and absorb as much as you can. This is put best on page 339, with the recommendation to "stay positive, creative, and curious." With an emphasis on"reflect[ing] on your personal learning style, experiment boldly, challenge yourself regularly, and continually explore new ways to dive deeper" into Korean, this book is a sure-fire way to embark on your Korean-speaking journey, or if you've already started, a wonderful reference and resource to strengthen your language-learning foundations.
December 9, 2024
Korean For Dummies is an incredibly accessible and practical guide for anyone looking to start learning the Korean language. Whether you're planning a trip to South Korea, want to improve your communication skills for work, or simply interested in the language and culture, this book is a great place to start.
One of the best features of this book is its structure. The language explanations are clear and straightforward, breaking down complex grammar and vocabulary in a way that’s easy for beginners to digest.
What truly sets this book apart from other language guides are the insightful cultural and practical tips woven throughout the chapters. The culture sections are a treasure trove of useful information. For instance, the book covers social etiquette, food culture, and the importance of hierarchy in Korean society, giving learners a deeper understanding of how language and culture are intertwined. These sections helped me realize how important it is to approach the language not just from a linguistic perspective, but also with an awareness of Korean customs and social norms. This is especially useful for travelers or those looking to engage more meaningfully with native speakers.
The transportation sections were also excellent. The book covers how to navigate the subway systems, use taxis, and understand transportation signs. As someone who has been to Korea, I found this all spot on. It’s one thing to learn vocabulary, but knowing how to get around in a foreign country is a whole different skill set—and this book gives you just that.
Overall, Korean For Dummies is a great resource for beginners and intermediate learners alike. It balances language lessons with essential cultural insights, and the practical tips make it an even more valuable tool for anyone planning to travel or live in Korea.
One of the best features of this book is its structure. The language explanations are clear and straightforward, breaking down complex grammar and vocabulary in a way that’s easy for beginners to digest.
What truly sets this book apart from other language guides are the insightful cultural and practical tips woven throughout the chapters. The culture sections are a treasure trove of useful information. For instance, the book covers social etiquette, food culture, and the importance of hierarchy in Korean society, giving learners a deeper understanding of how language and culture are intertwined. These sections helped me realize how important it is to approach the language not just from a linguistic perspective, but also with an awareness of Korean customs and social norms. This is especially useful for travelers or those looking to engage more meaningfully with native speakers.
The transportation sections were also excellent. The book covers how to navigate the subway systems, use taxis, and understand transportation signs. As someone who has been to Korea, I found this all spot on. It’s one thing to learn vocabulary, but knowing how to get around in a foreign country is a whole different skill set—and this book gives you just that.
Overall, Korean For Dummies is a great resource for beginners and intermediate learners alike. It balances language lessons with essential cultural insights, and the practical tips make it an even more valuable tool for anyone planning to travel or live in Korea.
February 20, 2025
I enjoyed this book; its a fantastic introduction to the Korean language, providing clear explanations and practical exercises to help learners build confidence. The chapter on Hangeul and pronunciation was especially useful, making it easy to grasp the Korean alphabet and start speaking right away. With must-know expressions, grammar basics, and real-world phrases, this book is perfect for travelers, students, and anyone eager to learn Korean. Whether you're ordering food, asking for directions, or having a simple conversation, you'll find it here!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews