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Best Apps To Learn Korean
Discover the best Korean language learning apps/programs for you in this detailed guide
Learning Korean offers an abundance of options, catering to various preferences and needs. Many learners opt for language apps initially due to their affordability, convenience, and effectiveness. Yet, with numerous online Korean programs available, selecting the most suitable one can be daunting. This article explores the top five Korean language apps, highlighting their unique features and the ideal user for each.
Comparing various Korean language apps, Rocket Korean stands out as a clear leader in the field. Their program is widely regarded as the most effective and comprehensive. To illustrate this, let’s discuss four key highlights.
Engaging Audio-Based Exercises
Rocket’s approach to learning is centered around interactive audio lessons, where an English-speaking moderator guides you through conversations between fluent Korean speakers.
Example audio lesson from Rocket Korean
This active, contextual learning method, in our view, is highly effective for enhancing both receptive and expressive language skills. Few Korean apps, apart from perhaps Pimsleur, come close to replicating real-world conversations.
These audio exercises form the core of each Rocket lesson, distinguishing it from competitors like Duolingo. While other Korean apps offer basic, repetitive drills without context, Rocket prioritizes contextual listening and active engagement, making it our top highlight.
Variety Of Practice Drills
Another key aspect is Rocket’s use of practice drills to solidify the content from the audio lessons. These drills cover essential language skills such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
However, the most remarkable and beneficial drills, in our opinion, are the mock conversations. After each audio lesson, Rocket allows you to replay the conversation and take the role of one of the speakers.
This exercise provides an opportunity to use the language in a more challenging scenario, which we believe is crucial for effective learning.
Accurate Speech Software
As you engage in the mock conversations and other speaking exercises described above, Rocket’s speech software listens and evaluates your pronunciation, providing a score from 1 to 100.
Overall, our team found this tool remarkably user-friendly and quite accurate. It’s powered by Google’s Web Speech API, known for being one of the most sophisticated speech tools available.
Rocket Takes Grammar Instruction Seriously
Lastly, I want to touch on Rocket Korean’s fourth highlight: dedicated grammar lessons. These lessons offer insights into the Korean language’s subject-object-verb order, verb endings, and the use of particles to indicate word functions in sentences.
Example grammar lesson from Rocket Korean
Bottom line, if you prefer straightforward explanations of grammar rules, you’ll appreciate these lessons.
Verdict
To be honest, our team struggled to find any significant negatives with the Rocket Korean program. They excel in nearly every category. If we had to nitpick, the lessons are somewhat lengthy, taking about an hour each to complete.
Additionally, the pricing structure might be a concern for some. Rocket only offers lifetime plans, which can be pricier than other options. However, it’s worth noting that Rocket frequently runs deals and special promotions, so the prices on their site can be a bit misleading.
In most cases, you can expect to purchase a lifetime plan for around $60 after discounts, which is actually quite reasonable.
Ranking second on the list is Pimsleur, a program that stands out for its unique learning approach. Designed for auditory learners, Pimsleur’s Korean curriculum is centered around engaging audio lessons, similar to Rocket’s methodology.
Pimsleur and Rocket excel, in our opinion, in enhancing listening comprehension and conversational skills within the Korean language sphere, rivaled only by direct tutoring.
The Pimsleur lessons are similar to those from Rocket
However, Pimsleur distinguishes itself from Rocket in several ways. Firstly, it offers a convenient “driving mode” in its audio lessons, allowing learners to progress while commuting or on long trips. This feature could be transformative for individuals who spend a lot of time behind the wheel.
Additionally, Pimsleur provides monthly subscription plans, making it a more accessible and economical choice for those preferring a gradual approach or constrained by budget limitations.
Furthermore, Pimsleur offers a risk-free 7-day trial, providing an opportunity to experience the course without financial commitment.
Overall, Pimsleur presents a more budget-friendly option compared to Rocket, offering comparable lessons but lacking the same comprehensive approach in their Korean course.
Why Rosetta Stone Korean Is A Great Choice For Visual Learners
Now, shifting gears to cater to visual learners, let’s explore two options tailored to this learning style. The first contender is Rosetta Stone, known for its immersive approach that heavily incorporates imagery.
In fact, nearly every exercise and drill in Rosetta Stone’s lessons feature some form of visual aid, making it the most visually intensive Korean course our team has reviewed. If you find that you comprehend and retain information best through visual cues, Rosetta Stone could be an excellent fit for your learning preferences.
Example practice drill from Rosetta Stone
Additionally, Rosetta Stone offers a wealth of supplementary resources, such as short stories and phrasebooks, which enhance and enrich their Korean course.
In terms of pricing, Rosetta Stone’s subscription plans are quite reasonable, ranging from $10 to $15 per month, making it an affordable choice for many learners.
Reasons To Choose Lingopie To Help You Learn Korean
If you’re more inclined towards video-based learning rather than static pictures, Lingopie comes highly recommended by our team. Unlike traditional language learning programs, Lingopie operates as a video-on-demand platform, using real TV shows and movies to facilitate Korean language learning. It’s akin to a streaming service, with the added benefit of offering content from Netflix itself.
A look inside the Lingopie Korean program
Here’s how it works: as you watch a show or movie, Lingopie provides subtitles and various tools to help you understand and learn the dialogue. The aim is to make the learning process enjoyable by integrating it into entertainment, potentially increasing your commitment compared to other language learning apps.
In addition to subtitles, Lingopie offers a grammar coach tool and interactive video-based flashcards to aid in material retention. The platform impressed me with its content library and tools, and its subscription plans are surprisingly affordable, starting as low as $6 per month.
In conclusion, if you’re seeking a departure from traditional language learning apps and crave something novel and engaging, Lingopie is an excellent choice.
Why Mondly Korean Is A Great Choice For Budget Shoppers
When it comes to budget-friendly Korean language apps, Mondly stands out as a great option. While some may prefer Duolingo in this category, our team found Mondly to be superior, by a significant margin.
While Mondly’s Korean course isn’t as comprehensive as Rocket’s, it surpasses Duolingo and others in the value segment, in our opinion.
One drawback is that Mondly lacks the same level of verbal practice as Rocket, with its speaking exercises being more basic. However, Mondly earns high marks from us for its diverse and engaging practice exercises and drills, quick and accurate speech recognition technology, and gamified learning experience.
Mondly makes the learning process fun
Their mobile app and digital interface are modern and intuitive, and what’s especially appealing is that Mondly’s lessons only take around 10 minutes to complete, making them ideal for busy individuals looking to learn during their lunch break or while waiting in line at the grocery store. Moreover, Mondly offers VR and AR apps to enhance the learning experience.
However, one of the biggest selling points of Mondly is its affordability, with subscription plans sometimes available for less than $5 per month.
In conclusion, if you’re seeking engaging, fast-paced Korean lessons at a reasonable price, Mondly is an excellent choice.
Verdict: Which Korean Language App Should You Choose?
The answer to the best Korean language app for your situation depends largely on your budget and learning style. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Mondly is a fantastic choice at less than $5 per month, especially for those on a budget.
However, if cost is not a concern and you prioritize a learning style that suits you, consider Pimsleur for auditory learners, or Rosetta Stone or LingoPie for visual learners.
However, if your primary goal is to achieve proficiency in Korean and you’re looking for the best overall app or course to achieve that, then Rocket Korean is the top recommendation.
Rocket Korean offers a comprehensive package that includes interactive audio lessons featuring fluent Korean speakers, clear grammar instruction, a variety of practice drills for retention purposes, practical speaking exercises, accurate speech recognition technology, and more.
It provides everything you need to reach an intermediate level of fluency, making it the complete package for serious Korean learners.
Korean language learning apps generally range in price from $5 to $20 per month. Additionally, some companies provide lifetime plans, which can cost anywhere from $100 to $500.
What is the best way to learn Korean?
In most cases, the most effective method for learning Korean involves utilizing a language learning app with a structured curriculum that advances from beginner to intermediate/advanced levels. Another option is to engage a Korean tutor to assist you in learning the language.
What is the best app to learn Korean?
Having evaluated close to a dozen different Korean language apps, our team has concluded that Rocket Korean is the top choice. Its comprehensive audio lessons, along with its effective learning framework and overall curriculum, make it the most effective option for learning Korean.
How long does it take to learn Korean?
To grasp the basics of Korean and begin engaging in basic conversations, you’ll likely need around 100 hours of study time. However, to achieve an intermediate to advanced level of fluency, you should anticipate dedicating more than 500 hours in total.
