Rocket Korean Review

Rocket Korean

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• Free Trial
• Money Back Guarantee

Our Score

9.7

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Pros

• Affordable lifetime subscription (less than $70 after discounts)
• Comprehensive and detailed Korean curriculum
• Amazing audio lessons that feature fluent Korean speakers
• Realistic practice exercises that develop your conversational abilities
• Quick and accurate speech recognition software (leverages Google's Web Speech API)
• Dedicated grammar lessons that are helpful and insightful

Cons

• Lesson format is lengthy (~1 hour each)
• Limited use of visual elements throughout course (not ideal for visual learners)
• No live class options

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Outline: Rocket Languages Korean Review

• How The Rocket Korean Program Works
• Rocket Korean Cost
• Strengths Of The Rocket Korean Course
• Weaknesses Of The Rocket Korean Course
• Verdict: Is Rocket Languages Good For Learning Korean?

To help you navigate this detailed review, we have included jump-to links above for your convenience.

Our Video Review of Rocket Korean

In the above video, TPI team member John breaks down our thoughts on the Rocket Korean language program in under 10 minutes. Please keep reading for more info.

How The Rocket Korean Program Works

Let’s start by discussing the organization of the Rocket Korean program, which differs from their other language courses like Spanish, Italian, and French, as it consists of a single level designed primarily for beginners, with 7 modules to complete.

Each module contains several lessons, and there are three main lesson types: audio, language and culture, and writing. The audio lessons focus on listening comprehension and speaking skills, writing lessons enhance your writing abilities, and the language and culture lessons provide detailed grammar instruction and cultural insights.

This structure offers a comprehensive approach to learning Korean, making it accessible and engaging for learners, especially beginners and newcomers.

Rocket Korean Cost

Now, turning to pricing, which is always a significant consideration, Rocket Korean differs from other apps such as Pimsleur and Rosetta Stone, which offer monthly subscription plans, as Rocket exclusively offers lifetime plans.

The Rocket Korean course is available for approximately $60, although it’s worth noting that this price reflects discounts since Rocket frequently runs sales and special promotions. Therefore, it’s advisable to disregard the full MSRP displayed on the company’s website. Be sure to look for coupon codes prior to purchasing to avoid paying full price.

Strengths Of The Rocket Korean Course

Now that we’ve discussed pricing, and how the Rocket Korean program is organized, let’s discuss the pros and cons, starting with the positives.

Dynamic Audio Lessons

The standout feature of the Rocket curriculum is undoubtedly its audio lessons, which I believe surpass those of other popular language learning apps like Duolingo or Memrise.

These lessons, lasting 20 to 30 minutes, immerse you in a conversation between fluent Korean speakers, with an English-speaking host guiding you through the dialogue (similar to the Pimsleur Korean program). The host introduces the scenario, provides context, and pauses the conversation to explain key points, discuss grammar, and importantly, engage you with questions to ensure understanding and participation.

This format provides practical exposure to real-world Korean conversations, unlike mere vocabulary drills, and offers an interactive experience akin to a tutoring session, making the audio lessons the highlight of the course and setting Rocket apart from other language programs.

Auditory Learning Style

Regarding auditory learning, among all the Korean language apps I’ve tried, Rocket stands out as one of, if not the best program for auditory learners, as its simulated audio exercises are fundamental to its learning approach.

If you absorb information best through listening rather than visual or kinesthetic methods, the Rocket Korean program is likely an ideal match for your learning style.

Flexibility In Learning

I want to highlight that since much of the Rocket curriculum is audio-based, it offers flexibility in when, where, and how you complete lessons. You’re not confined to sitting and staring at a screen; instead, you can pop in your headphones, play an audio lesson, tuck your phone away, and learn while sunbathing or doing laundry.

Rocket doesn’t restrict your progress to specific circumstances, unlike many other apps, which is a nice advantage.

Robust Speaking Practice

After completing each audio lesson, you’re directed to undertake “reinforcement drills” by Rocket, focusing on reading, writing, and pronunciation to enhance your language skills.

These drills offer valuable practice, especially in verbal skills, setting Rocket apart from other language companies. For example, Duolingo’s verbal practice involves listening and repeating words, phrases, and sentences in isolation, lacking context.

In contrast, Rocket allows you to replay the conversation from the audio lesson, stepping into the shoes of one of the speakers, providing a more immersive and realistic language experience within the context of a genuine conversation, which is far more effective than mere repetition without context.

Speech Recognition Software

I’d like to highlight Rocket’s speech recognition technology, which evaluates your pronunciation as you complete the simulated conversations and other verbal practice drills, assigning a score from 1 to 100.

I’ve tested numerous speech recognition tools, and Rocket’s is among the best, offering responsiveness, user-friendliness, and, in my experience, high accuracy. This is likely due to its use of Google’s Web Speech API, considered one of the most advanced speech tools globally.

Overall, Rocket receives two thumbs up for its effective pronunciation feedback.

Insightful Grammar Lessons

Finally, let’s discuss Rocket’s approach to grammar instruction, which sets it apart from other language learning companies. While many simply offer charts and tables for memorization without explanations, Rocket provides dedicated lessons with detailed and helpful commentary.

These lessons also include interactive drills to ensure understanding of the concepts. As someone who appreciates plain English explanations of grammar, I found these lessons to be incredibly useful.

Weaknesses Of The Rocket Korean Course

Now that we’ve touched on the positives, it’s only fair that we turn the tables and discuss the negatives as well.

Lengthy Lesson Format

One downside is that the Rocket lessons are quite lengthy, with the audio exercises taking 20 to 30 minutes and the reinforcement drills a similar amount of time.

This means each lesson can take around 40 to 60 minutes to complete, not including the dedicated writing or grammar lessons. Therefore, if you’re short on time and can only spare 5 to 10 minutes per day for learning Korean, programs like Rosetta Stone or Mondly, with their quick and engaging lesson formats, might be a better fit.

Not A Good Match For Visual Learners

Moving on, it’s evident that Rocket is not ideal for visual learners, as the course lacks a video component and minimally utilizes images and graphics.

If you prefer absorbing information through visuals, you might find the Korean programs from LingoPie or Rosetta Stone to be a better match.

Only One Level

Lastly, as previously mentioned, the Rocket Korean program does not offer levels 2 or 3, unlike Rocket’s other courses that guide learners from beginner to advanced fluency. Completing level 1 will likely only bring you to an intermediate level of fluency, around A2 to B1 according to the CEFR language proficiency chart.

Whether this meets your goals depends on your needs. At a B1 level, you can manage everyday situations, so if that’s sufficient, Rocket should be suitable.

However, if you aim to communicate proficiently at a managerial or professional level, you may need to start with Rocket for the basics and then transition to working with a tutor.

Verdict: Is Rocket Languages Good For Learning Korean?

Well, after testing this program, it’s clear this program isn’t a fun, game-like app like Duolingo; rather it’s a detailed, comprehensive course.

As such, if you’re simply looking to learn a few phrases to impress your girlfriend’s family, there may be better options.

However, if you’re serious about learning Korean and reaching an A2 or B1 level of fluency, then yes, I believe Rocket is worth it. It’s one of the most effective and well-rounded Korean programs available, offering thorough audio exercises with fluent Korean speakers, realistic speaking exercises, accurate speech technology, insightful grammar instruction, cultural insights, and more.

Overall, I was impressed by the program, plus let’s not forget its lifetime subscription packages are more affordable than most competitors, which is an added benefit.

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