Learning Korean with me

  🌙 What to Do at Korean Night Markets: Food, Fun & Culture Planning a night out in Korea? Korean night markets offer a unique experience filled with sizzling street food, fun local shopping, and vibrant culture. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you make the most of your night market adventure. 📚 Table of Contents 1. Why Visit Korean Night Markets? 2. Best Night Markets to Visit 3. Must-Try Street Foods 4. Tips for Visiting 5. 🤔 Did you know? 1. Why Visit Korean Night Markets? Korean night markets are a feast for the senses. You'll find rows of food stalls sizzling with spicy tteokbokki, skewers of grilled meat, and sweet treats like hotteok. These markets are more than just places to eat – they're social spaces where locals and tourists gather. 2. Best Night Markets to Visit Myeongdong Night Market: Central Seoul's busiest shopping street tran...

  🧠 Learning Korean: Self-Study vs. Tutoring – Which Works Best? Choosing between learning Korean on your own or with a tutor can be a tough decision. Both paths offer unique advantages and challenges. This guide helps you weigh your options and find what fits your learning style and goals best. 📚 Table of Contents 1. The Self-Study Method 2. The Benefits of Tutoring 3. Which Should You Choose? 4. 🤔 Did you know? 1. The Self-Study Method Self-studying is a popular choice for learners who enjoy flexibility and independence. Resources like textbooks, YouTube channels, podcasts, and apps such as Duolingo, Talk To Me In Korean, or Anki can help learners progress at their own pace. ✅ Cost-effective and accessible ✅ You set your own schedule ❌ No real-time feedback ❌ Can be hard to stay motivated 2. The Benefits of Tutoring Tutoring offers personalized guidance and structure. Platforms like italki allow yo...

  📚 Korean Student Life: Study Cafes and Private Academies South Korea is famous for its intense educational culture. With long school hours, extra tutoring, and fierce university competition, students often spend much of their time outside regular schools in places like study cafes and hagwons (private academies). 📚 Table of Contents 1. What Are Study Cafes? 2. The Role of Hagwons (Private Academies) 3. Cultural Impact and Comparison 4. 🤔 Did you know? 1. What Are Study Cafes? Study cafes are quiet, comfortable spaces where students pay by the hour or day to focus on their work. They are different from normal cafes in that conversation is discouraged, and tables are often equipped with dividers, outlets, and adjustable lighting. Open 24/7 in many cases Offer high-speed internet, silent zones, and even personal lockers Costs range from 2,000 to 4,000 KRW per hour (around $1.50 to $3 USD) 2. The Role of H...

🔄 Master Korean Causative Verbs: 시키다, 먹이다, 앉히다 & More Causative verbs allow you to express that someone causes another person to do something. In Korean, this is often done with specific causative verb forms. This guide breaks down how to use verbs like 시키다 , 먹이다 , and 앉히다 with clear explanations and examples. 📚 Table of Contents 1. What Are Causative Verbs? 2. Common Patterns 3. Example Sentences 4. Usage Tips 5. 🤔 Did you know? 1. What Are Causative Verbs? Causative verbs show that someone causes another to perform an action. For example, instead of "He sits," you say "I made him sit." In Korean, these verbs are either: Native causative forms (먹이다, 앉히다, etc.) Using 시키다 to express "make someone do something" 2. Common Patterns Here are a few common patterns for causative constructions in Korean: 먹다 → 먹이다 (to eat → to feed) 앉다 → 앉히다 (to sit → to seat someone) ...

  🏦 How to Open a Bank Account in Korea as a Foreigner Planning to stay in Korea for work, study, or long-term travel? One of the first things you'll need is a local bank account. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step so you can manage your finances smoothly while in Korea. 📃 Table of Contents 1. Requirements for Opening an Account 2. Best Banks for Foreigners 3. Tips for a Smooth Process 4. Useful Korean Phrases 5. 🤔 Did you know? 1. Requirements for Opening an Account Most Korean banks require the following documents: Valid passport Alien Registration Card (ARC) Korean phone number (for SMS verification) Local address (hotel or residence) Sometimes: Proof of employment or school enrollment 2. Best Banks for Foreigners Here are a few banks with good support for foreigners: KB Kookmin Bank : Offers English service and convenient mobile app Woori Bank : Known for f...

  📱 Must-Have Korean Apps: Naver Map, KakaoTalk, Papago & More Planning a trip to Korea or learning the Korean language? Your smartphone is your best friend! In this post, we’ll explore the top apps that travelers and learners alike should download to make the most of their time in Korea. 📚 Table of Contents 1. Naver Map 2. KakaoTalk 3. Papago 4. Other Useful Apps 5. 🤔 Did you know? 1. Naver Map (네이버지도) Naver Map is Korea’s go-to navigation app. Google Maps is often inaccurate in Korea due to local restrictions, so Naver Map is a must. Features: Real-time transit schedules, walking routes, accurate place names in English & Korean Download: Android | iOS 2. KakaoTalk (카카오톡) This is the most used messaging app in Korea. It’s essential for making local friends, booking restaurants, or communicating with tour guides. Features: Free messages and calls, group chat, Korean emoji (called ‘Kakao Fri...

🏯 Visiting Korean Palaces: Gyeongbokgung vs Changdeokgung Planning a trip to Seoul? Don’t miss the chance to walk through centuries of Korean history by visiting its royal palaces. Among them, Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung stand out for their grandeur, unique architecture, and cultural significance. In this guide, we’ll compare both palaces and help you decide which one to explore—or why you should visit both! 📚 Table of Contents 1. Gyeongbokgung Palace Overview 2. Changdeokgung Palace Overview 3. Key Differences and Which to Choose 4. Nearby Eats You Shouldn’t Miss 5. 🤔 Did you know? 6. Book a Korean Class with Me 7. Tags 1. Gyeongbokgung Palace Overview Gyeongbokgung (경복궁), built in 1395, was the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. It symbolizes national sovereignty and houses the National Folk Museum and National Palace Museum. 📍 Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 🕒 Hours: 9:00 AM – ...

  🎧 How to Learn Korean Through Lyrics and Music Do you love K-pop or Korean ballads? Good news—your favorite songs can be a powerful tool to learn Korean naturally! In this post, we’ll show you how to use music to improve your Korean listening, pronunciation, and vocabulary. It’s fun, effective, and you don’t even need a textbook. 📚 Table of Contents 1. Why Music Works for Language Learning 2. How to Study Korean with Lyrics 3. Useful Tools and Apps 4. Practical Examples from Popular Songs 5. 🤔 Did you know? 6. Related Posts & Resources 1. Why Music Works for Language Learning Music triggers emotional memory and repetition, making it easier to remember words and sentence structures. When you sing along, you’re practicing pronunciation and rhythm, just like native speakers. Plus, songs expose you to colloquial Korean you might not learn in textbooks. 2. How to Study Korean with Lyrics Pick a slow or...

  ☕ Why Koreans Are Obsessed with Cafés: Inside the Café Hopping Culture Are you planning to visit Korea and wondering why cafés seem to be everywhere? From themed dessert spots to tranquil study cafés, Korea’s café culture isn’t just about coffee—it’s a way of life. In this article, you’ll explore why Koreans love café hopping and how you can enjoy it too while learning Korean. 📚 Table of Contents 1. Why Café Culture is Huge in Korea 2. Types of Cafés You’ll Find 3. Where to Café Hop: Hot Spots 4. Learning Korean in Cafés 5. 🤔 Did you know? 6. Catchphrases You’ll Remember 1. Why Café Culture is Huge in Korea Cafés in Korea go beyond a quick caffeine fix. They’re social hubs, quiet study sanctuaries, aesthetic Instagram locations, and even date spots. Young Koreans especially enjoy spending hours at cafés doing homework, chatting, or simply relaxing. The café trend also aligns with Korea’s fast-paced, urban li...

🧠 Why Do Koreans Say ~거든요 So Often? Unlock the Secret to Sounding Natural > Planning a trip to Korea and want to sound like a local? Curious about how to express reasons or background information in a natural, conversational tone? Then you need to master the Korean expression ~거든요 . This tiny but powerful grammar point can instantly make your speech sound more fluent, especially in everyday situations. 📚 Table of Contents 1. What does ~거든요 mean? 2. How and When to Use It 3. Common Examples 4. Usage Tips 5. 🤔 Did you know? 6. Catchphrases You’ll Remember 1. What does ~거든요 mean? In Korean, ~거든요 is used to explain something by giving background information. It is often used to justify a statement or provide a reason in a soft, friendly tone. You’ll hear it a lot in everyday conversations among locals. It usually translates to phrases like “you see,” “because,” or “actually” in English depending on context. 2. ...

  🏯 Step Back in Time: Explore Korea's Most Beautiful Hanok Villages Looking for an unforgettable cultural experience in Korea? Walking through a Hanok village is like stepping into a living museum. Whether you’re in Seoul or heading to the charming city of Jeonju, these traditional neighborhoods offer a peaceful escape from city life, with tiled roofs, wooden beams, and alleyways full of history. 📚 Table of Contents 1. What is a Hanok? 2. Bukchon Hanok Village (Seoul) 3. Jeonju Hanok Village 4. Tips for Visiting 5. 🤔 Did you know? 1. What is a Hanok? A Hanok is a traditional Korean house built with natural materials like wood, clay, and stone. Designed with harmony and nature in mind, Hanok homes often feature ondol (underfloor heating) and beautiful courtyards. 2. Bukchon Hanok Village (Seoul) Located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village is one of Seoul’s most popu...

  📝 Transform Your Korean Skills with These Easy Daily Journal Prompts! Want to level up your Korean writing skills while building a daily habit? Creating a Korean journal is one of the most effective and personal ways to improve your grammar, vocabulary, and confidence. 📚 Table of Contents 1. Why Keep a Korean Journal? 2. How to Get Started 3. 15 Daily Journal Prompts (Beginner-Friendly) 4. Tips for Consistent Writing 5. 🤔 Did you know? 1. Why Keep a Korean Journal? Writing in Korean every day helps reinforce grammar patterns, boost vocabulary recall, and build fluency. Unlike passive reading or listening, journaling forces you to express your own thoughts, which is critical for true language acquisition. 2. How to Get Started You don’t need a fancy notebook or app. A simple pen and paper will do! Start with short entries—just 2 to 3 sentences. You can write: Morning reflections (e.g., how you feel) Wh...

💄 Discover Why Everyone Is Obsessed with Korean Beauty Standards! Curious about flawless skin, glass skin trends, and K-beauty glow? Let’s dive into Korea’s unique beauty standards, skincare routines, and where you can shop for the best cosmetics—especially if you're visiting Seoul! 📚 Table of Contents 1. What Are Korean Beauty Standards? 2. The Famous 10-Step Skincare Routine 3. Top 10 Must-Buy Korean Beauty Products 4. Where to Shop: Seongsu Olive Young 5. 🤔 Did you know? 1. What Are Korean Beauty Standards? Korean beauty standards emphasize clear, youthful, and radiant skin, often referred to as "glass skin." A small face, V-line jaw, straight eyebrows, and dewy complexion are also highly desired. Unlike Western trends that highlight bold features, K-beauty favors natural and hydrated looks. 2. The Famous 10-Step Skincare Routine Many Koreans follow a multi-step routine to maintain their skin...

  📘 2025 Korea Travel Guide That Will Blow Your Mind! Planning a trip to Korea this year? 🇰🇷 Whether you're coming for a week or a month, we’ve got you covered! Discover how to plan your journey with this downloadable English guidebook, complete itinerary tips, and helpful resources—all designed for English-speaking travelers. 🧭 Table of Contents 1. Why You Need This Guide 2. 📥 Download the Guidebook 3. Suggested Itineraries 4. Discover Seoul Pass App 5. Pro Travel Tips 6. 🤔 Did you know? 1. Why You Need This Guide Korea is vibrant, diverse, and incredibly efficient—but without Korean skills, navigating transport, attractions, and culture can be overwhelming. This English-language guidebook provides clear explanations, maps, top destinations, transportation details, and cultural etiquette. 2. 📥 Download the Guidebook Start your adventure by downloading...

  ⚖️ Using ~데 and ~지만 to Contrast Ideas in Korean Are you looking to express contrast like "but" or "although" in Korean? Two of the most commonly used grammar forms are ~데 and ~지만 . Let's explore how to use them naturally and correctly in conversations. 🧭 Table of Contents 1. Introduction to Contrast in Korean 2. How to Use ~지만 3. How to Use ~데 4. ~지만 vs ~데 5. Tips & Common Mistakes 6. 🤔 Did you know? 7. Practice on italki 1. Introduction to Contrast in Korean In English, we use words like "but," "although," or "however" to show contrast. In Korean, ~지만 and ~데 serve a similar function, but they’re not always interchangeable. 2. How to Use ~지만 ~지만 is the direct equivalent of "but" or "although." It is often used in formal writing and clear comparisons. Conjugation: Ver...

  📶 Pocket Wi‑Fi vs. SIM Card: Which to Choose in Korea? Visiting Korea and worried about staying connected? Between Pocket Wi‑Fi and SIM or eSIM, this guide breaks down cost, convenience, and where to access free Wi‑Fi—all with exact info for pickups at Incheon Airport. 📚 Table of Contents 1. Pocket Wi‑Fi vs SIM: The Basics 2. How Much Do They Cost? 3. Where to Get Pocket Wi‑Fi/SIM at Incheon Airport 4. Free Wi‑Fi Locations Around Korea 5. 🤔 Did you know? 6. Learn Travel Korean on italki 1. Pocket Wi‑Fi vs SIM: The Basics 📶 Pocket Wi‑Fi: Portable device, connects 3–5 gadgets, return required. 📱 SIM / eSIM: Insert into phone, single device, no return needed. 2. How Much Do They Cost? KT Roaming Pocket Wi‑Fi: 4,400 KRW/day (~USD 3.30); monthly 55,000 KRW (30 days) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} Other providers (e.g., WebReserv): from USD 3.95–3....

  🥾 Hiking in Korea: Beginner-Friendly Trails Did you know hiking is practically a national pastime in Korea? If you're new to hiking or just want to enjoy scenic walks without intense climbs, this guide is for you. From Seoul’s backyard mountains to peaceful coastal trails, Korea offers a range of beginner-friendly hikes — plus a few handy Korean phrases to help you along the way. 📚 Table of Contents 1. Why Koreans Love Hiking 2. Top Beginner-Friendly Trails 3. Useful Korean Hiking Expressions 4. 🤔 Did you know? 5. Practice Hiking Talk with a Korean Tutor 1. Why Koreans Love Hiking Hiking isn't just exercise in Korea — it’s a social and cultural activity. You'll see people from all ages, especially seniors, enjoying nature while wearing bright hiking gear. Most trails are clean, well-marked, and close to cities, making it easy to escape into nature. 2. Top Begin...

  🎧 The Role of Korean Podcasts and YouTube in Learning Looking for fun and natural ways to improve your Korean? Podcasts and YouTube channels have become powerful tools for language learners — and Korea has some of the best! Whether you’re into talk shows, dramas, news, or daily vlogs, there’s something for every learner. Let’s explore how to use these platforms effectively. 📚 Table of Contents 1. Why Use Podcasts and YouTube? 2. Top Recommendations 3. Study Tips with Audio/Video 4. Useful Expressions and Phrases 5. 🤔 Did you know? 6. Combine with italki Practice 1. Why Use Podcasts and YouTube? Language is living and dynamic — and watching or listening to native Korean speakers helps you hear it in action. These platforms offer: Real pronunciation and intonation Cultural context and slang Repetition and slow listening options Engaging content...

  🔮 Superstitions in Korea: Numbers, Dreams, and Symbols Ever wondered why some elevators in Korea skip the 4th floor? Or why Koreans avoid giving shoes as gifts? Korean superstitions are deeply rooted in history and language, and they still influence everyday life. Let’s explore the fascinating world of Korean beliefs about numbers, dreams, and symbols. 📚 Table of Contents 1. Unlucky Numbers: The Fear of 4 2. Dreams That Predict the Future 3. Symbolic Gifts and Taboos 4. Key Vocabulary and Example Sentences 5. 🤔 Did you know? 6. Discuss Superstitions with a Korean Tutor 1. Unlucky Numbers: The Fear of 4 In Korean, the number 4 (사, “sa”) sounds like the word for “death” (사, 死). As a result, many buildings skip the 4th floor, or label it “F” instead of “4.” Elevator buttons: 1, 2, 3, F, 5... Hospital rooms rarely use 4 Some people avoid phone numbers o...

  🔮 Expressing Hypotheticals in Korean: -(으)면, -았/었으면 What if you could speak Korean fluently? Or go back in time and change something? In Korean, expressing "if" and hypothetical thoughts is not just grammar — it’s emotion, imagination, and subtle nuance. Let’s break down the differences between -(으)면 and -았/었으면 and how to use them naturally. 📚 Table of Contents 1. Basic Meaning and Structure 2. Difference Between -(으)면 vs. -았/었으면 3. Real-Life Examples 4. Usage Tips & Common Mistakes 5. 🤔 Did you know? 6. Practice Hypotheticals with a Tutor 1. Basic Meaning and Structure -(으)면 is used for general conditions or future possibilities. It means “if” or “when.” -았/었으면 is used to express regret, wish, or hypothetical situations in the past. It can mean “I wish” or “If only.” Structure: Verb + -(으)면 → If [verb] Verb + -았/었으면 → If [had] / I wish [p...