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English native speakers can often be intimidated by the idea of learning Korean, as it is a different language. As a “language isolate,” Korean has no linguistic relationship to any other language in the world. This can make the task of learning new language seem insurmountable, especially without access to Korean teachers or native speakers.
Fortunately, you don’t need access to native Korean speakers to learn Korean. You can use language applications. The best apps to learn Korean provide a structured and interactive way to practice grammar rules, vocabulary, and pronunciation to develop your language skills holistically.
TOP 3 Best Korean Learning Apps
Overall Best App to Learn Korean
The most comprehensive audio-based Korean language learning platform
- Material: 300+ hours
- Price: $15 - $260
- Refund policy: 60-day
- Free Trial: ✔️
Best Korean App for Beginners
An effortless Korean language learning with cutting-edge technology
- Material: 575+ hours
- Price: $9.90 - $89.99
- Refund policy: individual refunds
- Free Trial: ✔️
Best Korean App with Lifetime Plan
A compelling app with audio lessons
- Material: 300+ hours
- Price: $14.95 - $575
- Refund policy: 30-day
- Free Trial: ✔️
How to Choose the Best App to Learn Korean?
The language learning market is saturated, so finding the best apps to learn Korean is time-consuming. It takes throughout research and testing to see what’s actually effective. Here at Lingomee, we’re all about making it easier for you. We benchmark all products through the same measures.
| ⭐ Rating | A sum of user experience, content quality, features, customer support, and value for money. |
| 🥇 Available languages | Most relevant for studying multiple languages. |
| 📈 Suits best for | Evaluations are based on ACTFL guidelines, but we also measure how fast you will move up a level. |
| 🛒 Payment options | Shows how flexible the pricing plans are and, in most cases, how much you can save. |
| 💵 Price range | A measure of much you should expect to spend on a language-learning application. |
| 📚 Hours of study time | An approximate measure of how much language learning material there is for one language. |
| 🕒 Time commitment | Optimal daily dedication for the best results, as spending more time isn’t always the best strategy. |
| 💻 Platforms | What platforms can you use. |
| 🔄 Refund policy | A money-back guarantee is a safeguard for your money. |
| 🎁 Free Trial | Credit card requirement to signup. |
- Rocket Languages – Overall Best App to Learn Korean
- Mondly – Best Korean App for Beginners
- Pimsleur – Best Korean App with Lifetime Plan
- KoreanClass101 – Best Korean App for Listening Practice
- Rosetta Stone – Best App to Learn Korean Before a Trip
- LingQ – Learn Korean with Authentic Content
- italki – Best App to Learn Korean With Native Speakers
- Drops App – Best Korean App for Vocabulary Improvement
- Duolingo – Great for Learning Korean for Free
| Rocket Languages | Mondly | Pimsleur | KoreanClass101 | Glossika | Preply | Rosetta Stone | LingQ | Italki | Drops App | FluentU | Duolingo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Review | Rocket Korean review | Mondly review | Pimsleur review | KoreanClass101 Review | Glossika Review | Preply Review | Rosetta Stone Korean review | LingQ review | Italki review | Drops App review | FluentU review | Duolingo review |
| Rating | 9.4 | 9.1 | 9 | 9 | 8.7 | 8.8 | 8.2 | 8.7 | 9.0 | 8.8 | 8.3 | 8.5 |
Winner
10 Best Apps to Learn The Korean
Rocket Korean
Overall Best App to Learn Korean
Why we like Rocket Languages
Rocket Languages app covers everything you need to learn a new language – from speaking and grammar to culture and immersion. The highly interactive application is also affordable, which makes it one of the best apps to learn Korean.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 40 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $15 – $260 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 60-day money-back guarantee |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Interactive Audio Lessons – talk the language of native speakers through real-life interactions.
- Play It! – take the role of a speaker in a dialogue and practice your pronunciation.
- Reinforcement Activities – use multiple exercises to memorize the language in every aspect.
- Progress-Tracking – stay on your learning path with a gamified motivational system.
The Good
- Value for money
- Voice recognition technology
- Prioritizes conversational fluency
- Offers American sign language
The Bad
- Not for visual-only learners
- Uneven level count
Why Rocket Languages is Our Favourite App
The comprehensive approach of Rocket Korean makes it great for learning Korean. Unlike many other Korean learning apps, it focuses on developing your reading, writing, and speaking skills simultaneously.
Rocket Languages is divided into three main sections: audio lessons, language, and Korean culture, and writing lessons. The audio clips help beginners immerse themselves in the Korean language by listening to dialogues spoken by native language speakers and learning essential Korean vocabulary and phrases.
The language and culture lessons focus on grammar and provide an in-depth look at Korean culture and traditions. The writing lessons teach the Korean alphabet, “Hangeul,” ensuring learners can express themselves accurately in writing.
With numerous exercises and activities designed to reinforce learning, Rocket Korean is an excellent choice for anyone looking to learn Korean holistically and effectively.
Pricing
Rocket Languages app starts from $99.95, which might seem expensive. But it’s not. Instead of paying a subscription fee, you get access to all the course contents for one price. Forever. Rocket languages also have an unlimited free trial with access to some introductory content. There really isn’t any reason not to try it.
Mondly
Best Korean App for Beginners
Why we like Mondly
Mondly might be the most innovative Korean language-learning app on the market. It appeals to language learners of various levels with gamified and even virtual reality lessons. Language learning is guaranteed to be fun with Mondly.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 30 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $9.90 – $89.99 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | Individual |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Speech Recognition Technology – gain confidence in speaking with advanced voice recognition.
- Interactive Chatbot – receive instant feedback on your conversational skills.
- AR and VR Modules – engage with digital characters and objects while learning Korean.
- Mondly Kids – immerse your kids into a foreign language through interactive games.
The Good
- Large selection of languages
- Affordable
- AR and VR Korean lessons
- Gamification
- Lessons for kids
The Bad
- Insufficient grammar coverage
- Lacks speaking practice
- Repetitive lessons
Mondly Overview
This one of the best app to learn Korean for beginners. Mondly integrates tested and proven language-acquisition principles with technology to make learning Korean a breeze. One of the reasons is Mondly’s customizable learning path which works great for Korean lessons.
Korean learners can focus on relevant topics, vocabulary, and Korean phrases, whether that’s for business, family, politics, or profession. The application uses AR, VR, and progress tracking to provide interactive lessons that keep you motivated on your Korean learning journey.
Mondly’s chatbot feature is also impressive in the Korean version, providing conversational opportunities to practice your language skills. Additionally, the app’s speech recognition technology helps learners practice Korean pronunciation for more effective communication.
Pricing
The payment options of Mondly are flexible – you can pay every month ($9.99), every three months ($29.97), or annually ($47.99). The lifetime subscription ($89.99) has great value for money, providing access to all languages and features. You can also try out Mondly app with the seven-day free trial.
Pimsleur Korean
Best Korean App with Lifetime Plan
Why we like Pimsleur
Pimsleur gets you conversational in a new language with interactive audio lessons and games. A Korean native speaker will walk you through basic vocabulary and the most important concepts for reading, grammar, and writing.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 30 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $14.95 – $575 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Driving and Offline Mode – download audio lessons for offline use and easily control the app while driving.
- Speak Easy challenge – build conversational Korean skills, expand vocabulary, and get conversational in real-life settings.
- Voice coach – advanced speech recognition technology for pronunciation practice.
- Speed Run Game – memorize and translate words quickly with an interactive game.
The Good
- Simple audio lessons
- Perfect for learning to speak
- Interactive lessons
- 50+ languages and ESL courses
The Bad
- Costlier than alternatives
- Largely overlooks reading and writing
Pimsleur Overview
Pimsleur app combines immersion learning and lifetime access to its content to ensure Korean fluency.
This Korean learning app uses audio lessons to enable the immersion approach to teaching Korean. You listen to a conversation between native speakers, followed by a tutor breaking down the Korean vocabulary and grammar used in the conversation. They might also add relevant insights into Korean culture to help you understand the context.
The great thing about these audio lessons is they are based on natural conversations, ensuring you learn how to speak Korean naturally.
Pricing
Pimsleur app offers affordable subscription options ranging from $14.95 monthly audio-only course to $150 for all-inclusive individual courses. Premium Pimsleur account provides access to all available languages and levels. The seven-day free trial is important to test Pimsleur before starting your Korean lessons.
KoreanClass101
Best Korean App for Listening Practice
Why we like KoreanClass101
KoreanClass101 app provides an extensive collection of podcast-like language courses with the same high-quality standard in each. Listen to native language speaker dialogues adjusted for your level and accessible at your own pace.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 40 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $4 – $552 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 60-day money-back guarantee |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Pathways – learn with personalized lesson plans suiting your interests.
- Dialogues – follow native speaker conversations while making notes and recording yourself.
- Vocabulary – study each word separately with its pronunciation and translation.
- Lesson Notes – read comprehensive yet concise notes on the most crucial concepts of Korean language.
The Good
- Plenty of audio content
- Teaches Dutch culture
- Affordable
The Bad
- Lacks grammar explanations
- Design feels outdated
KoreanClass101 Overview
Some argue that the most effective way to learn Korean is by listening until the words start making sense. That’s how toddlers learn how to speak, after all. KoreanClass101 teaches Korean with this technique.
This Korean learning app primarily consists of audio clips and video lessons featuring native Korean speakers conversing, followed by explanations from Korean tutors. It makes you familiar with the language, allowing you to start picking up on Korean vocabulary organically. Additionally, since the dialogues involve native speakers, you learn to speak Korean with the correct accent.
KoreanClass101 app offers a comprehensive course that even intermediate and advanced learners looking to improve their speaking and listening skills can benefit from. Moreover, the Korean lessons are short and engaging (under 10 minutes), allowing you to practice Korean at your convenience.
Rosetta Stone
Best App to Learn Korean Before a Trip
Why we like Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone app immerses you in the target language by associating pictures, audio, and the written word. You will pick up Korean grammar naturally while various bonus features, such us Korean phrasebook, complement and speed up your language learning process.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 30 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $11.99 – $179 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Core Lessons – associate images with words and native speaker audio recordings.
- The Phrasebook – practice real-life pronunciation with voice recognition software.
- Stories – improve reading and listening skills with native speaker-narrated material.
- Live tutoring – participate in twenty-five minutes long live lessons with experienced tutors.
The Good
- Plenty of audio content
- Teaches Dutch culture
- Affordable
The Bad
- Lacks grammar explanations
- Design feels outdated
Rosetta Stone Overview
If you are planning to visit South Korea and would like to learn to speak Korean as quickly as possible, Rosetta Stone might be your best bet yet.
This Korean learning app doesn’t bother to teach you Korean verbs and their conjugation, grammar rules like hangul, and all the other stuff you’d expect from a traditional class. Instead, Rosetta Stone immerses you in the Korean language right away using images, text, and audio clips by native speakers so that you can learn by association.
Most importantly, Rosetta Stone has a Korean Phrasebook feature customized specifically for Korean learners planning a trip to South Korea. It contains useful Korean words and phrases to use during your visit. The app also has live classes to practice Korean speaking skills.
LingQ
Best App to Learn Korean with Authentic Content
Why we like LingQ
LingQ app houses a wide selection of custom language learning content unique to the Korean language. Its simple and interactive design organizes various podcasts, books, news articles, and songs for a culturally rich language experience.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 30 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $7.99 – $34.99 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 90-day money-back guarantee |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- LingQ Reader – listen, read, and compile learning materials adjusted to your pace.
- Flashcards – rehearse words you learned with color-coded, spaced repetition-powered card decks.
- Upload – import videos, reading materials, songs, and more to learn foreign languages faster.
- LingQ Community – discuss pain points and participate in friendly competitions with other language learners.
The Good
- Allows access to multiple languages
- Interactive language programs
- Allows content importing
- User-friendly interface
- A vibrant community
The Bad
- Some languages lack content
- Overwhelming amount of features
LingQ Overview
Learning Korean can take many forms. If you prefer to immerse yourself in movies and songs or watch YouTube videos in your native language, LingQ might just be the perfect tool for you.
LingQ’s Korean lessons immerse you in authentic content, allowing you to learn Korean phrases in context. Unlike many apps using material specifically for teaching Korean to foreigners, LingQ sources its material from everyday content such as YouTube videos, songs, Korean dramas, podcasts, and more.
LingQ app provides Korean subtitles and transcripts for these sources to hone your overall Korean skills. Moreover, there’s an instant translation feature that provides meanings in English while also adding troublesome Korean words to your own flashcards for later review.
Italki
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Why we like Italki
italki is the most popular online tutoring app with a wide selection of teachers for the Korean language. The language exchange App provides all you need for tutoring and even some additional practice possibilities outside the classroom.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | Few hours a week |
| 💵 Price: | $4 – $50 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 100% satisfaction guarantee |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Teacher Filtering – find the right tutor with the help of relevant filters.
- italki Classroom – take classes with an in-built software without worrying about compatibility.
- italki Credits – pay with a virtual currency and save money.
- italki Discover – find various activities created by the italki community.
The Good
- Thousands of teachers
- Many languages
- Affordable prices
- Well-designed
- Free practice options
The Bad
- Needs more content moderation
- Tutor price differences
italki Overview
Speech recognition software has become increasingly popular among apps. But no AI can match native speakers for improving your language abilities so you can speak the Korean language fluently.
Italki connects you with Korean tutors and native speakers to help polish your Korean fluency. You can choose to work with either an experienced Korean tutor or a more affordable native community teacher. Working with tutors will improve your Korean speaking skills, thanks to instant and precise feedback.
This is the top app to learn Korean with native speakers. There’s also a community section where you can meet fellow Korean learners and teachers outside the classroom for additional Korean language studies.
Drops App
Best Korean App for Vocabulary Improvement
Why we like Drops App
Drops is a unique app with a focus on Korean vocabulary building. It has brief lessons and a minimalistic interface that is easy to understand. The Drops app will help you learn new words and phrases quickly.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 15 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $13.00 – $159.99 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 14-day money-back guarantee |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- 5 Minutes Lesson – quickly find and learn Korean vocabulary words with their pronunciations in a game-like exercise.
- Track Your Progress – stay on your language learning plan with automatic reminders, statistics, and milestones.
- Tough Word Dojo – identify and practice words you struggle pronouncing or remembering.
- Premium features – many Korean vocabulary topics, listening practice games, unlimited learning sessions, and much more at your fingertips.
The Good
- Extremely simple to use
- Large vocabulary
- Motivates to learn
- Game-like features
The Bad
- Solely emphasizes vocabulary
- Lacks audio and conversation exercises
Drops Overview
Drops is a great app for intermediate and advanced learners who seek a fun and useful dictionary to improve vocabulary. Unlike many other apps, Drops focuses exclusively on teaching Korean vocabulary words.
When you sign up for the Drops app, it prompts you to specify the purpose of learning Korean, and then it customizes Korean lessons that involve words associated with your interest.
Moreover, Drops organizes Korean vocabulary into everyday topics, enabling you to concentrate on Korean words relevant to you. Furthermore, all vocabulary words are accompanied by audio clips recorded by native speakers, facilitating pronunciation and making it an exceptional dictionary app for Korean phrase learning.
Why we like Duolingo
Duolingo is the most gamified language learning experience you can get for the Korean language. Just like in a video game, you must collect gems and earn XP while basic concepts of a new language.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 15-30 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $9.99 – $79.99 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 48-hour refunds |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Gems, XP points, badges… – motivate yourself to learn with an abundance of elements from mobile games.
- Stories – read and listen to interactive stories bringing you closer to a real-life experience.
- Roleplay – converse with a chatbot that can adjust to your proficiency level.
- Personalized lessons – delve into short lessons teaching the basics of the target language while focusing on your weak spots.
The Good
- Free version
- Decent gamification
- Easy to use
- 39+ languages
The Bad
- Lacks control over materials
- Repetitive
- Ad-supported
Duolingo Overview
Many Korean learning apps lure you in with the promise of free access. While most apps for learning Korean in our list are worth the money, Duolingo is the best option if you can’t spend a dime on self-improvement.
Duolingo’s gamified approach teaches Korean enjoyably and engagingly. This great app offers rewards, daily reminders, and progress tracking to keep you motivated and on track with your language learning goals.
Aspiring Korean learners can access over 250 hours of content on Duolingo. The catch is that change your journey based on your strengths and weaknesses. Users of the premium Duolingo Korean version have the added benefit of jumping around the course.
Frequently Asked Questions When Learning Korean
Learning Korean quickly may not be the best approach, as it is important to memorize the language naturally. However, if you are determined, you can dedicate 3-4 hours every day. With consistent effort you can attain Korean fluency in about two years. But you need to start with Hangul and then build up to a conversational level.
Yes, it is definitely possible to learn the basics of Korean by yourself with the right resources. However, English speakers will see slow progress without access to Korean speakers.
The time it takes to learn Korean depends on various factors, including your learning style, motivation, and resources available. Some people may find it more helpful to take structured Korean language classes, engage in language exchange with native speakers, or use Korean learning apps.
Ultimately, finding the right method for you and sticking to a consistent learning schedule is key to success in any other language. We recommend trying Rocket Languages, Mondly, and Pimsleur as your first options. They all provide what is most needed to learn Korean and will keep your motivation levels high.
One year is not enough to learn Korean to a fluent level. At best, one year might get you to an intermediate level. According to the US Foreign Service Institute, you must complete at least 2,200 hours of study time to attain Korean fluency.
Therefore, it is important to approach learning Korean with realistic expectations and a long-term commitment to consistent study and practice.
Here are some basic Korean words that you may find useful and in most apps for learning Korean:
안녕하세요 (annyeong haseyo) – “Hello”
네 (ne) or 예 (ye) – “Yes”
아니요 (aniyo) – “No”
괜찮다 (gwaenchanhda) or 예 (ye) – “Okay”
주세요 (juseyo) – “Please”
감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) or 고마워요 (gomawoyo) – “Thank you”
천만에요 (cheonmaneyo) – “You’re welcome”
미안해요 (mianhaeyo) – “I’m sorry”
몰라요 (mollayo) – “I don’t know”
안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo) or 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo) – “Goodbye”
Conclusion
Despite being classified as an exceptionally difficult “Category V” language, it can still be relatively easy to learn Korean with the right resources. All that’s left for you is to choose the Korean learning application that aligns with your preferences and needs.
