This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
Sunday, June 18th, 2023, marked a significant milestone in my life—a full year since I embarked on my Korean learning journey.
Looking back, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of happiness and satisfaction for taking this leap into a new language and culture.
In the past year, I’ve not only delved into the intricacies of the Korean language but also explored the vibrant world of Korean culture. From captivating K-Dramas, inspiring K-pop songs, to language learning apps, my journey has been nothing short of fun.
Table of Contents
Embracing Korean Culture
One of the most delightful aspects of learning Korean has been the opportunity to immerse myself in the rich tapestry of Korean culture. As I dove into the language, I found myself naturally gravitating towards discovering more about the customs, traditions, and way of life in Korea.
The more I learned about Korean culture, the deeper my love for the language grew. It became a beautiful cycle of exploration and appreciation.
I’ve been enjoying this journey so much that I decided to start this blog to document it and share what I’ve learned.
The Magic of K-Dramas and My Love for Them
One of my favorite gateways into Korean culture has been through the captivating world of K-Dramas. I LOVE THEM!!! I never get tired of watching hours and hours of K-Dramas and movies.
EAT. SLEEP. WORK. WATCH K-DRAMAS. REPEAT! ^_^
Korean dramas and movies not only entertain but also provide a window into the lives of Korean people, their values, and their daily experiences.
As I started understanding more Korean, the dialogues in K-Dramas became more meaningful, and I felt a stronger connection to the characters and their stories.
Learning about the culture has truly enhanced my enjoyment of these shows, making them even more special.
K-Pop: A Melodic Addition to My Korean Learning Journey
As I listen to K-pop songs, decipher lyrics, and sing along, I find myself naturally absorbing vocabulary, phrases, and pronunciation. K-pop has become not only a soundtrack to my language learning but it has also been another gateway to Korean culture and a source of inspiration.
It has undoubtedly played a significant role in fueling my enthusiasm and pushing me to reach new heights in my Korean language skills. K-pop has truly added an energetic and dynamic touch to my journey, making it a fun experience.
Language Learning Apps
Maintaining discipline and staying on track in language learning can be challenging, but I discovered two incredible apps that have been my companions throughout this journey.
HelloTalk
HelloTalk, a language exchange platform, has connected me with native Korean speakers eager to help me improve my language skills. Through conversations with them, I not only learn the language but also gain insights into Korean culture straight from the source.
Duolingo
Another invaluable tool in my language learning arsenal has been Duolingo. Duolingo has undoubtedly been an indispensable part of my language learning routine. Its gamified approach to learning has made the process engaging and addictive.
Daily lessons, vocabulary drills, and interactive exercises have kept me motivated and ensured that I consistently invest time in my Korean studies.
I achieved my 365-day streak today, June 20th. I should’ve achieved it on Sunday but it was delayed because I missed two days of studies, one last year and the other this year. Nevertheless, I still achieved this milestone.
The Joy of Progress
Reflecting on the past year, I can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. From learning the basics of Hangul to gradually building my vocabulary and improving my grammar, every step forward has been a cause for celebration.
Along the way, I’ve had moments of frustration and challenges, but the joy of progress and the satisfaction of understanding and communicating in Korean have made it all worthwhile.
Embrace the Korean Language Learning Journey
If you’re currently learning the Korean language, let me assure you that your efforts are truly worthwhile. Remember, it’s not just about acquiring vocabulary and grammar rules; it’s about opening yourself up to a beautiful culture that will captivate your heart.
Learning Korean opens up a world of opportunities to connect with Korea’s rich and vibrant culture. Embrace the journey, stay disciplined, and savor every milestone along the way.
Remember that progress comes with time and practice, so be patient with yourself. The satisfaction of understanding and communicating in Korean will make it all worthwhile.
Keep going, and soon you’ll find yourself immersed in a language and culture that, hopefully, will bring you endless joy and fulfillment.
Cheers to Many More Years of Learning and Appreciating Korean Culture! 파이팅! (Paiting!)
Learning Korean has been an incredible journey, one that has enriched my life in countless ways. Beyond the language itself, it has provided me with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Korean culture.
From the magic of K-Dramas and K-pop to the support of language learning apps like HelloTalk and Duolingo, every resource has played a role in shaping my experience.
As I continue on this path of learning and growth, I am excited about the many more years to come, filled with the joy of language acquisition and the beauty of Korean culture.
Cheers to many more years of learning and appreciating Korean culture! 파이팅! (Fighting!)
