About the Book

Master the basics of the Korean writing system with one single book!

Friendly tutors guide you in your study of the Korean language

• The vowels and consonants of Korean and a simple approach to introducing yourself in Korean are presented through a four-stage system.

• Scan the QR codes to access video lectures and audio guides by our friendly tutors.

• Check out handy tips about Korean culture and daily life.

If you’re just getting started with the Korean language, Oh! My Korean Tutors is the book for you. With its goal to make studying Korean easier and more fun, the book feels like having a friendly tutor sitting next to you providing useful pointers. The book progresses in stages from the basics of the Hangeul script to everyday vocabulary, while simultaneously teaching Korean culture.

The book is organized so that beginners in Korean can easily learn Hangeul and basic grammar and vocabulary useful in everyday life. Each unit includes a game to help review the lesson. By the end of the book, students will also learn how to briefly introduce themselves and their interests.

About the Authors

Yoonjun Kim, Hyunju Nam, Gail Yoon, Seonkyong Lee

The four coauthors set up a Korean language research group based on their shared experiences teaching Korean overseas. Their search for easier ways to teach Korean to beginners inspired them to publish a series of Korean textbooks. This is the first book in that series.

The authors received multiple prizes at the 2020 World Congress of Korean Language. Today they continue to promote understanding of the Korean language and Korean culture in various capacities: as a university lecturer in the Korean language, a teacher at an overseas King Sejong Institute, a content producer, and an oral examiner for the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP).

Book layout

Using this book

The Story of Hangeul

Learning Hangeul

1 Vowels and Consonants ①

2 Vowels and Consonants ②

3 Vowels and Consonants ③

Understanding Korea 1 _ Typing Hangeul on a Mobile Phone

4 Vowels and Consonants ④

5 Vowels and Consonants ⑤ 

Understanding Korea 2 _ Typing Hangeul on a Keyboard

6 Syllables

7 Final Consonants ①

8 Final Consonants ②

9 Final Consonants ③ 

Understanding Korea 3 _ How Koreans Greet Each Other

Introducing Yourself

1 Greetings

2 Name

Understanding Korea 4 _ Forms of Address Used in Korea

3 Nationality

4 Occupation

Understanding Korea 5 _ Metal Chopsticks Are Unique to Korea

5 Hobbies

6 Introducing Yourself

Understanding Korea 6 _ Korean's Use of Ondol (Floor Heating)

Answer

Index

Oh! My Korean Tutors, your first Korean language teacher

Ideal for beginning students of the Korean language

Oh! My Korean Tutors is designed as a student’s first encounter with the Korean language. The four coauthors formed a Korean language research group and, with their experience teaching Korean in France, developed various educational materials in pursuit of easier ways to teach the language. That experience paved the way for this textbook, which seeks to make the study of Korean both easier and more entertaining.

This is an ideal textbook for beginning students of the Korean language. It not only lays a solid foundation for studying Korean, but it also presents an easier and more effective way to learn. For example, the book maps out the cheonjiin (sky-earth-human) principle behind Hangeul. This helps beginners better understand how Hangeul syllables are divided into initial, middle, and final positions. There are also plenty of writing exercises to help students write Hangeul with greater accuracy and precision.

A complete guide to writing Korean through a four-stage system

QR codes link to tutors’ audio guides and video lectures

Oh! My Korean Tutors is divided into three main sections. “The Story of Hangeul” provides an overview of Hangeul, the Korean script. “Learning Hangeul” teaches Korean vowels and consonants, along with essential vocabulary. Based on information provided in the preceding two sections, “Introducing Yourself” teaches the simple grammar and vocabulary needed to introduce oneself in Korean.

The bulk of this book, the section on “Learning Hangeul,” is organized along a four-stage system for quickly and easily learning the Korean writing system and vocabulary essential for everyday life.

1. Listening: Audio guides linked by QR codes let you guess the material.

2. Today’s Lesson: Learning materials are arranged to be instantly understood.

3. Writing Practice: Reinforce what you have learned through writing.

4. Vocabulary: A variety of words are presented for listening, speaking, and writing.

Each unit includes a QR code that links to the tutors’ audio guides and video lectures. These resources are designed to facilitate self-directed learning.

A simple game is provided at the end of each unit to help review the material.

Simple grammar and vocabulary help prepare you to introduce yourself in Korean

The fun way to learn about Korean life and culture!

This book is set up so that once students have learned the Korean writing system through “Learning Hangeul,” they are ready to tackle introducing themselves in Korean. The “Introducing Yourself” section is composed of the basic grammar, vocabulary, and practice necessary to master that skill.

The book is also interspersed with brief sections titled “Understanding Korea” that cover fascinating aspects of everyday life in Korea, including how to type Hangeul on a mobile phone. These sections engage students’ interest and keep them entertained throughout the learning process.

For those just beginning their study of the Korean language, this book presents an effective and efficient way of learning the basics of Korean and then jumping into the elementary level of study.

This book is also a useful tool for teachers exploring various approaches to introductory Korean language classes.