Recommended Korean Text Resources
This leaflet was written by Kyungnan Park, 1999, Version 1. If you copy from this leaflet, please acknowledge the source. Thanks.
Korean textbooks
All the materials are located in Asian Languages section under Korean in the Language Commons.
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Let’s learn Korean
A very good book for acquiring basic speaking skills with video tapes. As explanation of Hangul (Korean Alphabet) is not included, students may want to study Korean alphabet first through other books mentioned below (e.g. Korean Through English 1, Colloquial Korean, etc) before using this book. Interesting and effective learning video tapes in situational settings.
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Colloquial Korean
An introductory textbook with functions in different situations. Well-selected expressions, concise grammar notes, vocabulary and pronunciation guide, and exercises are provided. No prior knowledge of the language is required. Effective learning of Korean alphabet is included. Best learned with accompanying audio tapes.
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Korean Through English 1, 2, 3
Five chapters for complete learning of Korean alphabet are included in book 1. There are simple and well selected expressions, grammar explanations and exercises for writing and translation included. Best learned with accompanying audio tapes.
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Korean 1, 2, 3 (Yonsei University Press)
Very detailed explanations of grammar points with many examples for each pattern. Good for reference book as well. Many pattern drills. Workbooks (e.g. Korean 1 ?Workbook) can be used together as no exercises are included in this book. Best learned with accompanying audio tapes.
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Korean 1 Workbook
The workbook which accompanies Korean 1 (Yonsei University Press). Ample exercises for Korean alphabet, speaking and writing skills.
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Korean Elementary 1, 2
Revised version of Korean 1 & 2 (Yonsei University Press) with model dialogues, detailed explanations of structures, and exercises for speaking and writing. No pattern drills.
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Language 30: Korean
Handy reference for simple expressions for travelling in Korea. Best learned with accompanying audio tapes.
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Active Korean
An introductory textbook for both spoken and written Korean in situational settings. Could be used for both raw beginners and learners who already possess some basic knowledge of Korean but wish to advance, by reviewing some fundamentals, to more functional and culturally appropriate levels. Romanised pronunciation and English translation have been added to each Korean sentence. Thorough explanation of grammar, vocabulary and exercises are provided.
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Functional Korean
Useful cultural notes, communicative functions, grammar and exercises are included. Explanation of Korean Alphabet is not included, but other parts are very thorough. Romanised pronunciation and English translation have been added to each Korean sentence. Good for reference book as well.
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Linguaphone & Linguaphone Handbook
Well chosen dialogues in situational settings. Culture notes, grammar and exercises included. Romanised pronunciation of Korean added to all the Korean sentences. Best learned with accompanying audio tapes.
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Linguaphone Alphabet
Systematic way to master Korean alphabet.
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Speaking Korean Book 1
Very detailed explanation, plenty of examples, and varied types of exercises. Good as a reference book as well as a practice book. In addition to the useful expressions and explanations on structures, there are short stories and reading passages presenting the learned structures in context. There is a unique section named ‘briefing’ for practice to express concepts after reading English passages by using your own Korean words.
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Korean Pronunciation
A very thorough explanation of the pronunciation of Korean. Good as a reference book.
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Guide to Korean Characters
This book is designed as a guide for those who wish to learn written Korean. It presents in English the information necessary to read and write the Korean alphabet, and the 1,800 Chinese characters which are most commonly used together with Korean alphabet in Korea. Chinese characters used in Korea are slightly different from the ones used in Hong Kong or China, so it should be worth having a look to be able to read Korean newspapers and other publications where pure Korean alphabet and Chinese letters are usually used in mixture.
Dictionaries
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English Korean Practical Conversation Dictionary
Very useful guide book for Korean conversation. Includes all the essential information as to basic Korean vocabulary used in everyday Korean conversation.
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Standard English-Korean Korean-English dictionary for Foreigners
A quick reference to be a convenient tool for travelers as well as for any learners of Korean.
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English Korean Dictionary (Dong-A’s Prime)
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Korean-English Dictionary (Si-Sa Elite)
Books about Korean Culture
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Explore Korea
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Korea Scenic Beauty & Religious Landmarks
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Korean Cultural Heritage
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Korean Culture: Legacies and Lore
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The Korean Smile
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The Koreans
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Some booklets for travel information
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Welcome to Korea (leaflet)
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Kwangju Tour
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Delightful Tour Courses Kangwondo: Traveler’s Guide