Sometimes it seems that Korean learners are at a disadvantage compared to students of other languages. Most Korean learning platforms are in Korean, and many don’t know how to study Korean as there are not a lot of great resources out there. However, there are some innovative apps for learning Korean for those looking to travel to Korea and want to learn the language in 2024. Smartphones are almost a necessity in modern life these days. People carry them everywhere, which means it has the potential to carry a digital tutor anywhere you go. This is why using apps to learn Korean is the best approach.
Anyone who has tried to learn Korean will attest that the language is notoriously difficult. Its intricate grammar system can be challenging for native English speakers to master, and its many unfamiliar sounds also challenge pronunciation. In addition, the popularity of Korean pop culture means that new words and phrases are constantly being introduced into the language. Given all these obstacles, trying to learn Korean alone might seem daunting. However, one great way to boost your progress is by using learning apps.
Along with providing solid instruction in the basics of pronunciation and grammar, these apps also offer plenty of interactive activities that engage learners and help them stay motivated. Whether starting from scratch or simply looking to enhance your existing knowledge base, using a learning app can be an effective and enjoyable way to start or advance your Korean studies.
There are hundreds of language apps, and knowing which will help you the most in Korean will save you a lot of time and money. Here are the 10 best apps for learning Korean in 2024. Enjoy!
Memrise
Memrise is our choice as the best app for learning Korean. It was close between Memrise, Rosetta Stone, and Mango Languages, but Memrise took it. Those that like learning via flashcards will love this learning app. The mobile version is very easy to use. Best of all, it has a lot of free content generated from Memrise users. They offer a premium subscription that offers access to additional features, but honestly, you can learn the basics of Korean and Korean phrases just by using the free version. Now it will not take you to the advanced level. For that, you will need some of the other apps mentioned below. However, for those that can’t speak a single word of Korean, this is the app to take you to the next tier.
Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone is one of the most famous learning programs in the world. The good news is that it is available on an app! In about 3-4 months, you can speak, read, write, and understand basic words and phrases in Korean. It will help you build a solid foundation for basic conversations with native Korean speakers. The only main issue with Rosetta Stone is the price. For a 3-month subscription, it will cost you around $35. However, you can’t get access to all their programs without a 1-year subscription which will cost $170 per year.
Rosetta Stone offers different programs based on why you want to learn Korean. Is it for travel, work, or friendly conversation? Rosetta Stone has programs for all. It can sometimes get repetitive as you need to hear it, say it, write it, and finally choose it from a list of multiple-choice questions. This formula by Rosetta Stone has made them one of the top language learning platforms in the world.
Mango Languages
Mango Languages is best for improving your basic Korean conversational skills. The program is well broken down into sections that cover vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and even Korean culture. The app is free to use for 14 days. Then it will cost you around $8 a month, or you can get two months free by subscribing to the 1-year subscription, which will cost you around $80. Mango Languages constantly adds new content and will keep track of your progress as you develop your Korean language skills.
The app is designed as a type of school where you are the student. Therefore it has a built-in function that will keep track of your learning behaviors to create the best possible review sequence. Memory-building exercises and critical-thinking exercises are some of the more popular exercises on Mango Languages for learning Korean. While not as fun as other apps on this list, those serious about learning Korean should try this app.
Drops: Learn the Korean language and the Hangul alphabet
While Drops offers language apps for other languages, their Korean Drops app to learn Korean is one of their best. Those that are visual learners will love the Drops app. It is very vocabulary based, where an image of the word will accompany each vocabulary word. As you learn the word, you will need to do small tasks such as matching the image with the phrase which will be written or spoken. You can choose which module you want to do at any time. In addition, Drops lets the user draw out the Korean word, which helps you learn the Korean alphabet (Hangul).
This app is great for learning vocabulary, but that is pretty much it. You can keep a collection of all the Korean words you have learned, but it will be up to you to learn Korean independently. While the app is free to use, you can only know for 5 minutes of any module every 10 hours. With their monthly subscription, you can access all the learning modules and materials. Their monthly subscription costs around $10 a month.
LingoDeer
What LingoDeer does more than most other language-learning apps is its ability to explain grammar clearly. It has a massive collection of audio recordings and exercises. You will start by learning the Korean alphabet regarding pronunciation and clearly explaining how to create the sound. Most of the words can be clicked out to hear their proper pronunciation. This app is not for children but focuses on older language learners. They have exercises that progress in difficulty as you go. The exercises range from multiple-choice, listening, matching pictures to words, filling in the blank, and ordering sentences, to name a few. The app is not free, for the monthly subscription will cost $12 a month and $60 for the year.
Teuida: Learn Korean & Speak
What better way to learn Korean than through Kpop? The Teuida app simulates conversations and even has female Kpop star Nancy from Momoland as a part of the simulation. Nancy herself speaks to the users and teaches them basic Korean through a POV-style conversation simulation. There are many speaking exercises, and the app offers feedback on your pronunciation through its voice recognition technology.
Teuida is one of the most engaging Korean learning apps out there. The first lesson is free, but from then on, you must pay a monthly subscription fee of around $10. The app is designed to help you with pronunciation through listening and repeating exercises. The app will give feedback on your pronunciation as well as a grade. Therefore, users must speak on the phone and get their evaluation (grade). It is not higher on the list because the app has insufficient material. While the interactions are fun and engaging, those serious about learning Korean must look at other apps to reach that level. However, it is easily the most fun app for learning Korean.
Infinite Korean
One of the most underrated apps for learning Korean is Infinite Korean. The free app offers great strategies for memorization as it uses games to help you learn Korean vocabulary. You can redo games and lessons as many times as you want. It is a fun and helpful app for learning simple vocabulary words. They offer a premium membership (only $5), but the free version is still great and offers features such as saving the vocabulary words you’ve learned and an audio feature that says the words back to you.
Speechling: Learn Any Language
Speechling is one of the best language-learning apps for improving your accent. Therefore, those interested in learning Korean and speaking like a native Korean should download this app. It has many free features, but if you want full access, you must pay $20 monthly for their premium membership. You will be able to hear phrases spoken by real native Koreans. You can upload your recordings which will be listened to by a real Speechling coach who will then send back feedback on your pronunciation within 24 hours. While the app is not great for teaching grammar or structure, it is great for those who already know some Korean level but does not sound like native Koreans.
Duolingo
The Duolingo app is very easy to use. You set up a profile and set your target language to Korean. There are multiple modules for you to complete, and once you complete them, new modules will appear. You can take an entry test allowing the app to determine your Korean level. Vocabulary is taught with images, and grammar points are explained after each question. The best feature of Duolingo is that you will get a progress report at the end of each lesson, which offers great motivation to keep going. Setting goals is a big deal on the app. While it will not get you to a fluent Korean level, it is a great complimentary app you can use on the go.
HelloTalk – Language Exchange
Those who want to speak with a native Korean can do so on HelloTalk. It is not for shy learners and will require you to make a profile and video introduction. A search function will find matches for your target language, Korean. When you find a native Korean speaker, you can send them a message and even do a video call. The app counts the number of characters or time spent in one language, and once it hits the limit, it suggests you switch languages. Therefore, it works as a language exchange and is free! However, it offers translation options from within the app, which you must pay for. It has a social search feature to find language partners who live near you. This is an excellent opportunity to have offline lessons.
