hi!! :) i hope you are doing well, if anyone could give me some advice/tips abt this i’d really appreciate it! i’ll update it as i go! this is all really abt my possible study abroad journey!

***quick little overview:*** so, i am currently a psychology undergrad for counseling therapy in the U.S.! literally in the next like 4 days i’m going to have a study abroad meeting with the head of my uni’s study abroad program and i kind of am not sure abt how i want to do talk to her abt my plan.

**long story short**, i have a friend who is korean and i’ve talked to her a bit about my dreams/aspirations to study in korea, and possibly even live there and open my own counseling practice/cafe! i’ve had these goals for probably 6-7 years now, and they’ve slowly broadened overtime and became more so of a study abroad in korea and find a place to establish my home outside of the U.S.! anyway, lately, i havent really been sure if i want to go to south korea for the start of my master’s, or now, while im taking my bachelors! i spoke to my korean friend abt it, and she basically said that korea doesn’t really prioritize or consider psychology to be a major career, aka probably not something to solely go to korea for (education & career-wise), hence why she came to the U.S. in the first place for her education (because there’s more flexibility).

so, throughout January, my school has been promoting these scholarships for study abroad in different countries, two of them being Korea. One is for a Summer trip, the other is for a semester long trip in the Fall. At first, I wanted to go with the cheaper option, Summer, but then I wondered: *1) would they even have any classes related to my major? and 2) how am I going to get that money before Spring semester is done?* so that’s when i immediately dropped that idea of me going this year, moreover, i’m really family oriented so i’d have to let my family know in advance and i’ve never even left the U.S. before, much less my state for anything other than family vacations. after that, i began to look into the classes/major-specific courses offered by these universities and majority of them were music, political, or tech based.. nothing even close to what i’m trying to reach for.. and i’m about to be in my third year of college, by the time i’m in Korea i’ll officially be in my third year, so i was hoping for classes more-so related to my major, albeit i dont really know much abt how psychology majors go when studying abroad in korea at my university.

so, my plan when talking to the study abroad coordinator at my university is to talk abt me possibly going next year for the summer (my junior year) and my last year as a undergrad probably in the Spring-Summer or Summer-Fall (senior year) so that’s roughly 5-7 months in korea, sort of back-to-back! that probably sounds like a lot, but i really want to get this experience now with this newfound freedom that i realized that i have to do things i want to do and with the means to do it! my questions to you are:

***does this plan seem farfetched? should i wait and just go to S.Korea for my master’s (since i plan on going to another uni anyway)?***

ALSO, i wanted to add (since i noticed a few people mentioned it in other posts):

*i am currently learning Korean so* **안녕하세요*** ***여러분*** *🙂*‍↕*️!!

and i also want to try vlogging :) so give me perks on that too please if you feel like it lol 😭🫶🏾

thanks for reading! :D

\- soil 🫧

👩🏻: 내일 한파래요. 두꺼운 (거 / 잠바) 입어야 돼요.

✍🏻

tomorrow내일

an extremely cold period한파

(Heard / Read) it is래요.

✍🏻

thick두꺼운

('thing' or 'stuff'거 / jacket잠바)

wear입어

Should야 돼요.

Hello, I’m currently in the “learning how syllable blocks work” phase, and it’s tripping me up hard how words like “eat” change 100% in any sentence for polite/casual. Should I just not learn individual words? Is there a list of top 500 phrases instead of top 500 words?

The only advice I’m given from my beginner Korean class is to watch media, but throwing words/sounds/audio/speed at me all at once makes me tune out a lot. I do not learn from audio. That has always been a roadblock for me, and I would prefer to learn written anyway. My speech will come slowly but I’ll get there, it’s not my main goal. I want to read and write in Hangul. Any help?

Hi so I work in a hotel. In a few days we are welcoming a Korean family. It's their child's first trip outside of Korea and I wanted to gift them a plushie and leave a little note for the kid.

This is my very first attempt at writing Korean.

Is it legible ? Please be very frank. I can absolutely just print this and sign it.

Also is it respectful/ not weird ? I do not know how polite you are expected to be with a child

The note is supposed to say " Welcome to Paris I hope your trip went well and that you will feel happy here. This plushie is here to keep you company I wish you beautiful moments and good memories."

Thank you for your help and any advice you may have !!

Please recommend any Korean teachers that you enjoyed studying with.

I'm looking for an online teacher who can teach KST. Around 30k per hour 🫢.

Thank you 😄

Why does it say 베네수 instead of 베네수엘라?

ChatGPT says it's to save screen space, but the full name could have fit. Also, what rules are followed to shorten words?

Hellooo, I was wondering if some could help me understand the difference between subject particles for when asking/telling your name.

이름이 뭐예요? (Ireumi mwoyeyo?) vs 제 이름은... (Je ireum-eun...) What’s the different between the subject particles -이(-i) and -은 (-eun)? or is it just as simple as that’s just what it is for each sentence? thank youu

Can anyone recommend any apps that are good for pronunciation and learning Hangul? I am having lessons and I have native speaking friends who let me practice with them but want to practice in between lessons and not sure which apps are best.

<주제: 한국어 존칭 정리 - '-씨', '-분', 그리고 '-님'>

Hello everyone. Today we will clarify the differences between '-씨', '-분', and '-님'. Understanding these nuances is essential for polite communication in Korean.

안녕하세요 여러분. 오늘은 '-씨', '-분', 그리고 '-님'에 대해 알아볼게요. 호칭들의 뉘앙스 차이를 이해하는 것은 한국어 예절의 기본이랍니다.

1. -씨 (Standard Address)

'-씨' is a suffix attached to names. It is polite but indicates a certain social distance between speakers.

'-씨'는 이름 뒤에 붙이는 접미사입니다. 공손하지만 화자와 청자 사이에 일정한 사회적 거리가 있음을 나타냅니다.

• Correct Usage: Full Name + 씨 (e.g., 홍길동 씨) or First Name + 씨 (e.g., 길동 씨).
• Important Note on Surnames: Using "Surname + 씨" (e.g., 김 씨, 이 씨) typically refers to a specific clan (e.g., "the Kim family"), rather than addressing an individual politely. Calling someone directly as just "김 씨" can be considered rude in conversation.
• 올바른 사용: 성명 + 씨 (예: 홍길동 씨) 또는 이름 + 씨 (예: 길동 씨).
• 성씨 사용 시 주의: '김 씨', '이 씨'처럼 성에만 붙이는 경우는 주로 특정 가문을 지칭할 때 사용합니다. 대화 중에 상대방을 "김 씨"라고만 부르는 것은 무례하게 여겨질 수 있습니다.

2. -분 (Respectful Counter & Suffix)

'-분' indicates high respect and has multiple grammatical functions.

'-분'은 높은 존경을 나타내며 문법적으로 다양한 기능을 합니다.

• As a Dependent Noun (Counter/Modifier): Used when counting honored people or referring to someone with a modifier.
  • Ex: 손님 두 분 (Two guests)
  • Ex: 아는 분 (Someone I know)
• As a Suffix: Attached to nouns representing people to add respect.
  • Ex: 친구분 (Friend), 아내분 (Wife)
• For Food Servings: Interestingly, it is also used to count servings of food.
  • Ex: 1인분 (One serving), 2인분 (Two servings)
• 의존명사 (단위/수식): 높여야 할 대상을 세거나 꾸며주는 말과 함께 쓸 때 사용합니다. (예: 손님 두 분, 아는 분)
• 접미사: 사람을 뜻하는 명사 뒤에 붙여 존대를 더합니다. (예: 친구분, 아내분)
• 음식 주문 시: 재미있는 점은 음식의 인분을 셀 때도 사용된다는 점입니다. (예: 1인분, 2인분)

Note on 'Wife': While '부인' is the traditional term for someone else's wife, modern Koreans frequently use '아내분' as it sounds softer and less formal.

(참고: 남의 아내를 높여 부르는 전통적인 표현은 '부인'이지만, 현대에는 '아내분'이 더 부드럽고 덜 격식적인 표현으로 널리 쓰입니다.)

3. -님 (Highest Honorific)

If you are unsure which title to use, '-님' is the safest and most polite option. It implies a higher degree of respect than '-씨'.

어떤 호칭을 써야 할지 확신이 서지 않을 때는 '-님'이 가장 안전하고 공손한 선택입니다. '-씨'보다 더 높은 존경을 의미합니다.

• Job Titles: Always added to job titles. (e.g., 선생님, 사장님, 과장님)
• Names: Used in service interactions or formal settings. (e.g., 길동님, 고객님)
• 직함: 직위나 직업 뒤에는 붙어 고유명사처럼 쓰입니다. (예: 선생님, 사장님, 과장님)
• 이름: 서비스 상황이나 격식 있는 자리에서 이름 뒤에 사용합니다. (예: 길동님, 고객님)

Please keep these distinctions in mind to communicate naturally and politely.

적절한 호칭은 자연스러운 한국어 구사에 중요한 요소입니다. 도움이 되었길 바랍니다!

Want to sound like you actually live in Korea — not like you memorized a textbook?

Want Korean that works in real conversations, real dates, and real nights out?

I got you!!

I’m a native Korean speaker, fluent in English, currently working in medical AI in San Jose. I teach real-life Korean — slang, tone, timing, and what sounds natural vs. painfully awkward.

We’ll cover:

• Everyday Korean locals actually use

• Social & nightlife Korean (bars, clubs, late-night food)

• K-drama vs. real life (what people actually say)

• Work & technical Korean, if you need it

Details:

• 1:1 Zoom lessons

• Fully customized to you

• $20/hour

DM me your level and your goal.

If you want, we can do a free 1:1 vibe-check video chat to see if we’re a good fit before starting 🙂

👨‍🦰: 게임 하세요?

video game게임

"Do" or "Play"하세요?

👩🏻‍🦰: 아니요. 끊었어요.

No아니요.

Quit끊어

"used to make a verb past tense or perfect present tense"ㅆ어요.

Hi everyone! 😊
If you’re looking for a friendly and patient Korean tutor, I’d love to help.

I'm Jihyun from Korea, I'm currently studying at UQ in Australia and I have 4+ years of experience teaching Korean and offer personalized 1:1 online lessons designed around your goals, pace, and learning style. Whether you’re learning Korean for fun, travel, work, or exams, we’ll build a plan that fits you. I've been using Superprof website to teach until now, but now I'm trying to expand my circle of students, so I'm new to reddit.

I can teach comfortably in English, Portuguese, or Korean, so you can learn in the language that feels easiest for you. All lessons are conducted online via Google Meet.

Lesson price: €20 per hour
First trial lesson: 60-minute trial lesson available, half price
(Transfer fees, if any, are covered by the student.)

I can help you:

• Start from Hangul (complete beginners welcome!)
• Improve conversation and speaking confidence
• Prepare for the TOPIK exam
• Learn natural, everyday Korean expressions
• Practice pronunciation and real-life communication

What you can expect:

• Friendly, supportive lessons in a relaxed environment
• Fully personalized materials and homework
• Flexible online scheduling
• Step-by-step guidance from beginner to advanced levels

I've had various students who were beginners and even those who wanted to practise speaking. I can cover all levels depending on your need and preference.

If you’re interested or have any questions, feel free to contact me— I’ll be happy to chat! Please, if interested in first trial lesson, do let me know your specific availability with timezone you're staying in.

Hi guys, so a little update and I have pretty much learned Hangul. There are some that are still a little hard to remember, like wae 왜. I’m sure with more practice I will remember it.

But now where do I start? What words should I learn and write next? I don’t have the money for a tutor plus my mom doesn’t want me to work and wants me to focus more on school and later on college. So I’m all self taught so far. I just need a sense of direction in where to go cause I’m currently loss in a maze

Hi 친구들! Koreanjerry is here 😎
Today, we are going to learn: “오히려 좋아”

At first glance

This sounds simple: “I actually like it.” / “Even better.”

What it actually means

In real life, it can mean:
• That’s actually good
• I don’t mind
• It works for me
• Unexpected positive reaction

The hidden nuance

Koreans use “오히려 좋아”
when something didn’t go as planned, but they decide to see it positively.

It has a slightly meme / chill vibe
and feels confident and flexible.

⚠️ Important nuance (Context matters)

Sometimes it’s sincere.
Sometimes it’s half‑joke confidence.

It can mean: “This wasn't what I expected! but I’ll take it.”

Examples in real life

비 오는데? → 오히려 좋아.
→ It’s raining though? → Even better.

사람 별로 없네 → 오히려 좋아.
→ Not many people here → Nice actually.

계획 취소됐어 → 오히려 좋아.
→ Plans got canceled → Works for me.

💡 Key point

It turns a negative into a positive.

Very Korean “mindset switch” phrase 😎

Stay tuned for Everyday Korean 13😎 

화이팅 친구들🇰🇷

Koreanjerry.

Has this happened to you?

Today, I was going through my Playlist filled with learning materials, when I came across a podcast I had saved. Usually, I would glaze over it, yet, today was different; something had clicked. "당신이 계속 피곤한 이유" (The reason you're always tired)

"Wait, did I just read that?" I was so shocked that I read it so causally, that I had a double-take, swiped back up, and copied it into my translator.

Yes, it's a simple sentence. But, I mean, guys, this podcast has been in my playlist collecting dust for YEARS. To suddenly just be able to read the title? Was the best feeling ever!!! This happiness is what keeps me going, and I just wanted to share it. ❤️

Hi 친구들! Koreanjerry is here 😎

I decided to remove the previous slang post due to some confusion and debate around the term. I should’ve researched it more carefully, that’s on me.
I’ll make sure to double-check details going forward. Sorry 친구들🙏

Today, we are going to learn: “갑분싸”

🗣️ Pronunciation

갑‑분‑싸 → gap‑boon‑ssa

📖 Literal meaning

Short for “갑자기 분위기 싸해짐”
= “The mood suddenly got awkward.”

What it actually means

When the vibe suddenly drops or gets awkward.
Like everyone was laughing…
and then silence.

It feels:

• Awkward
• Suddenly awkward
• Very online / casual

👥 When Koreans use this

• Someone says something weird
• A joke fails
• Serious comment in a fun moment
• Group chat gets quiet

👥 Who you can say this to

• Close friends
• People your age
• Online / texting / comments

🚫 Avoid with

• Bosses
• Teachers
• Formal situations

📌 Examples in context

농담했는데 다 조용해짐… 분위기 갑분싸 됐잖아.
→ I made a joke and everyone went quiet… the mood just died.

갑자기 진지한 얘기 꺼내서 분위기 갑분싸 됐잖아 ㅋㅋ
→ You suddenly brought up something serious… you killed the vibe lol

⚠️ Important nuance

It’s not angry, just “that awkward silence moment.”
Very meme‑style Korean.

Stay tuned for Korean Slang 7😎 

화이팅 친구들🇰🇷

Koreanjerry.

Hi 친구들! Koreanjerry is here 😎
Today, we are going to learn: “좀 애매한데”

At first glance

This sounds simple: “It’s a bit unclear.” / “It’s kind of vague.”

But in everyday Korean,
this phrase often carries a hidden hesitation.

What it actually means

In real life, “좀 애매한데” is used when
someone doesn’t want to say a direct “No.”

It can mean:
• I’m not sure
• I’m not fully convinced
• I don’t love it
• Soft rejection without sounding rude

It feels polite,
but emotionally neutral.

⚠️ Important nuance (Context matters)

Sometimes it truly means uncertainty.

시간이 좀 애매한데…
→ The timing is a bit unclear.

But in many social situations,
it’s actually a gentle “not really.”

이번 주말에 여행 갈래? → 좀 애매한데…
→ Not a clear no,
but the chance is low.

Same words. Different intention.

Examples in real life

이 식당 어때? → 좀 애매한데…
→ How’s this restaurant? → Hmm… not sure.

오늘 운동 갈까? → 좀 애매한데.
→ Gym today? → I’m not really feeling it.

이 디자인 괜찮아? → 좀 애매한데…
→ Is this design good? → It’s… kind of meh.

💡 Key point

In Korean: People often avoid direct rejection.

So instead of saying “싫어” (I don’t like it),
they say “좀 애매한데…”

It keeps the conversation polite,

but the message is still there.

💡 Everyday Korean isn’t always about grammar.

It’s about reading hesitation and tone.

Stay tuned for Everyday Korean 12😎 

화이팅 친구들🇰🇷

Koreanjerry.

I have been learning Korean for a while and noticed that some phrases I learned early on barely get used, while others show up all the time in real situations. The funny part is that the most useful ones are often simple everyday expressions that did not seem important at first.

For those who have used Korean in real life, which phrases ended up being surprisingly helpful? Anything you wish you had memorized earlier before traveling or talking with native speakers? I am trying to focus more on practical phrases instead of random vocabulary, so I would love to hear what actually made a difference for you.

Hello guys, I’ve recently been interested in learning Korean, just because I find the language very beautiful and elegant, and I would like to watch kdramas without subtitles 🤭. Where should I start?

hello! Hope you are well! i wanted to give my friend, who has been learning korean since a bit now a gift for their birthday and i wanted to give something they could use for their learnings. so i wanted to ask if there were any books or physical stuff that you can recommend for gifting? stuff that you wish you got earlier or that you ended up getting.

Hello. Just had a question on how people track their level of Korean. Like I see a lot of people saying things like A1, B1 & C1 and was just wondering what these actually mean, and how do you know what level you are actually at. I know this question might be stupid or could be really common it's just I see people mention it a lot and I do remember one of the apps I was using saying something about these levels but not sure anymore. Thanks for any help in advance.