Olie Teaches Korean

[olieteacheskorean]

CAT-day:  What are Korean Beauty Standards?  (pt 1 of 4)

Alright, you all know what day it is.  It’s...CAT-DAY!!!

Welcome back to another Culture Adventure Thursday, where we learn something new about the Korean culture.  If you know anything about Korean culture, then you know how much they care about their outer appearance.  If you thought girls in the States were self-conscious about their weight and beauty, then think again.

Beauty standards in Korea are strict.  The margin of error is small and everyday both men and women struggle to keep up with modern expectations. Because of how much beauty impacts Korean lives, this subject is broad and can go in many directions for discussion.  Because of this, I decided to divide this topic into four parts:

Part 1 - What are Korean beauty standards?   Part 2 - The Korean skincare routine to maintain the beauty standard. Part 3 - The popularity of plastic surgery to meet the Korean beauty standard. Part 4 - The dangers of following Korean beauty standards in North Korea.

In today’s CAT-day, we are going to focus on an introduction on understanding exactly what are the Korean beauty standards.  Today’s video is about a HUGE controversy that occurred in 2018.

Just like many countries around the world, South Korea participates in the international beauty pageant of finding their Miss Korea.  However, 2018’s winner was not what people were expecting.

Now, was it because she hasn’t been in South Korea because she has been studying abroad for many years?

Nope.

Was it because she had ZERO experience in the pageant world?  

Nope, wrong again (oddly enough).  

It was actually because people thought she wasn’t “pretty” enough to represent Korea.  Let’s see if you agree with them.

Here’s today’s video.  An exclusive interview with Miss Korea 2018,  Soo Min Kim, to discuss the issue of Korean beauty standards and body-shaming.

Kind of crazy, right?  This is just the beginning of my blogs on Korean beauty standards.  Stay tuned for our next CAT-day for part 2 where we dive in on what Koreans are truly famous for - their skincare beauty products.

안녕히 가세요!

Olie (•ө•)♡

[olieteacheskorean]

CAT-day:  Micro Dust in Korea

Ever noticed Koreans (or really almost any Asian) wearing a face mask before?  Have you ever wondered why they are wearing it?  Ok, maybe you’ve never really wondered that before or already assume you know the answer.  Many Asians wear face masks for multiple reasons: allergies, to protect from a cold, to not pass a cold, because it’s cool (it’s a thing, just follow KPop idols), etc. 

 However, nowadays, Koreans have to wear it for one more reason - Micro Dust.  Yup, you just read that correctly.  There is such a thing as dust being microscopic and it can be catastrophic to your health.  

A few years ago, I visited Seoul for the first time.  I had a great time and never wore a face mask.  I mean, why not?  I’m not sick and I have a pretty high immune system.  But, a few days into my trip I started to have random deep chest coughs.  I thought I was catching a cold or my allergies were bothering me.  Then, the next day I was fine.  Little did I know that it was actually because of this newer phenomena that my health would alter so quickly (guess what I plan on bringing with me when I visit again next month).  

Check out this video below to learn more about Micro Dust in South Korea and how Koreans living habits have changed because of it:

Yeah, I had no idea that the green North Seoul Tower I was touring was telling me that the air was clear for the day.  Something I will DEFINITELY be paying closer attention to next month.

Now that I’m remembering, I do remember waking up some mornings and thinking to myself “huh, it’s pretty smoggy today.  I can hardly see the buildings a few blocks away”.  I guess it wasn’t 100% smog...

-_-

Here’s a picture of N Seoul Tower.  It can be seen just about everywhere in Seoul.  Well, on a clear day ;)  This is the tower that changes color each day to let citizens know of the air condition:

Here are the color codes for the tower:

https://www.koreaboo.com/stories/real-reason-n-seoul-tower-changes-color-night/

Don’t you love Culture Adventure Thursdays?  We learn so much!  I definitely had no idea this was even a thing till I saw this Youtube video and looked more into it.

Until next time everyone!

안녕히 가세요!

Olie (•ө•)♡

[olieteacheskorean]

The big day is finally here…Test Day.

No, no, stop freaking out.  If you’ve been studying, then you’re good to go!  The test is only 20 questions.  The goal is to take the test WITHOUT looking at your notes while successfully answering all the questions.

Let’s be real for a moment, I know we’re all busy people.  If you need to take the test multiple times, then go ahead.  Not all of us are test people but studies have shown that testing yourself helps improve memory.  Give it a try.  If you don’t do well the first time then take notes and try again later today or tomorrow.  My site is all about learning Korean at a stress-free yet easy pace.  I do recommend not moving on to the next chapter until mastering this test (making a 19/20 or a 20/20 is ideal).  You will need your knowledge from this chapter for the next one.

Below is the link for the test.  Hang in there!  You got this!!

Test: Basic Vowels and Consonants

화이팅!

Olie (•ө•)♡

[olieteacheskorean]

Day 10 - Pop Quiz:  Korean Consonants

You probably saw this coming but it’s time for...

ANOTHER POP QUIZ!!  This time, however, on the Korean consonants.  

Once again, if just the phrase “pop quiz” gives you anxiety, just imagine me as a Professor Kim.  Last time I asked you to think of me as Professor Kim Nam-joon, this time, imagine me as Kim Woo-bin teaching you Korean right now ;) (hmm, I seem to have a Kim theme happening)

I hope you have been practicing and have been rewriting the characters over and over.  Like before, no one (including myself) can see your results and the quiz can be taken over and over again.  Comment below if you have any questions.

화이팅!

Pop quiz on Korean Consonants

Olie (•ө•)♡

[olieteacheskorean]

CAT-day:  What’s Your Korean Age?

You know what day it is?  It’s CAT day!!!

Isn’t Culture Adventure Thursdays the best?  ;)

Today, we’re going to be talking about Korean’s age system.  If you’ve been following the KPop or KDrama worlds, then this shouldn’t sound new to you.  But, if you’re somebody currently thinking, “what the heck is Korean’s age system”  then [insert your gender here in all caps] you’re in for a roller coaster ride.

Korea is the only country in the world that counts people’s ages differently.  It’s kind of crazy.  Well, no, it actually makes sense especially if you think back to the century when Korea was first created.  What I mean is that it’s crazy that it’s still being used in present time - in an awesome yet unique way.

So, what is this Korean age system?  Check out this video to learn more about it and to hear the personal opinions of native speakers who use the system on a daily basis:

Ok, ok, I know what you’re thinking.  You’re probably wondering how the HECK does this system work?!  

It’s definitely different.  Let’s say I’m 28 years old (ㅋㅋㅋ) and I was born in November.  So, if I was actually in Korea then I would really be 30 (*has mental breakdown at the fact of being 30*). 

Random person:  “Sooo, is the rule that you’re two years older in Korea?”

WRONG!

Ok, different scenario.  I was born in the same year but my birthday just passed (so, no longer in November) making me now 29 years old. Strangely enough, I would still be 30 in Korea.

#shook

Why would I only be one year older in one situation and two years older in another?  This next video will explain it all:

Does it make sense now?  Definitely a useful system back before technology but nowadays it’s just confusing and cool. 

Alright, I have to ask...what’s your international and Korean age?

See you next time!

안녕히 가세요!

Olie (•ө•)♡

[olieteacheskorean]

Day 9 - Learning the Consonants (pt 4)

Can you believe it?  The day is finally here...

It’s...

THE DAY YOU FINALLY KNOW THE WHOLE KOREAN ALPHABET!

*Insert cheering and firework noise*

Wait, what?  Why the Pokemon fireworks?  Hey, hey, hey, don’t be judging.  I just went to go see Detective Pickachu and it was A-MAZE-ZA-ZING!!  Highly recommend to go.

Ok, rewind, back to our main topic.  

Well, *hesitates a little* you will now know all the basic vowels and consonants!!  (*whispers* but you still need to learn vowel combinations and double consonants).  Anywho, you know all the basic characters and that’s what matters.  These basic characters help create the others, so, now that you know these then you are Gucci (don’t worry, those lessons are coming up).

The last 3 consonants you will be learning today are:

ㅅ which makes a “s” sound. ㅈ which makes a “j” sound. ㅊ which makes a “ch” sound.

Fun fact, all consonants that look the same also make similar sounds.  Something we will talk more about later.

Here’s today’s video.  Make sure to watch it more than once:

OLIE’S NOTE:  So, the rest of the videos to learn Hangul are located on koreanclass101′s website, but you have to pay for them.  These were all the free ones.  Remember my slogan?  It’s possible to learn Korean for free so I’m going to be presenting new videos/content from here on out.  

In today’s lesson, we learned 8 new vocab words.  Make sure to add them to your vocab pool:

노트  -->  “note” 사요  -->  “I buy” 사자  -->  “lion” 차  -->  “car” 치스  -->  “cheese” 모자  -->  “hat” 바지  -->  “pants” 치마  -->  “skirt”

Make sure you’re studying your vocabulary and pronunciation.  You never know what to expect next lesson...

Hint:  Snap, crackle, ...

Keep up the hard work everyone!

화이팅!

Olie (•ө•)♡

[olieteacheskorean]

Day 8 - Learning the Consonants (pt 3)

And...we’re back!  

Welcome to another and exciting lesson of Olie Teaches Korean!!

In today’s lesson, you’re going to be learning three more consonants:

ㅁ which makes a “m” sound. ㅂ which makes a “b” sound. ㅍ which makes a “p” sound.

Once again, don’t worry too much about forming sentences and focusing mainly on learning your pronunciation and vocabulary.  We will come back to some of these vocab and sentences in a later lesson since they are crucial to learn whenever you plan on visiting South Korea.  Here’s today’s video:

OLIE’S NOTE:  It may seem weird to say that “your skin hurts” but this could refer to multiple things like you have sunburn, or a bug bite, or even some sort of rash.  We’ll talk about this more in the lesson where we learn about body parts :)

Ok!  Another easy day.  Remember, the whole point of these lessons is to learn Korean little by little.  Don’t worry, it will get more difficult soon enough.  Hang in there ;)

That’s it for today!  Don’t forget to write down your vocabulary from today’s lesson:

머리  -->  “head” 바보  -->  “fool”  (please say only playfully to your friends - never to a stranger) 피부  -->  “skin” 아파요  -->  “I’m sick/it hurts”

Wow, you have 22 words in your word pool.  Keep it up!  

See you all next time.

안녕히 가세요

Olie (•ө•)♡

[olieteacheskorean]

Day 7 - Break Day:  KDrama Night

After every 5 lessons or so, I will post a “Break Day”.  This is a day for you to either catch up or to give your brain a rest.  It’s important to take breaks once in a while so you don’t wear yourself out.

Today, I’m asking you to take a break by watching one of my favorite KDrama’s “My Love From Another Star”.  

Even though you’re just getting started with learning Korean, it’s important to expose yourself as much to the language as possible.  This is so you can hear proper pronunciation, how people interact with one another, and learn a little more about their culture.  

(Just a heads up, this video is a little off with sound and quality.  I believe this show is available on Netflix and on Viki if you want a higher quality.)

Ok!  Sit back and relax, pop some popcorn, open a bottle of soju and/or wine (if you are of age) and enjoy this award winning drama :)

Olie (•ө•)♡

Summary (from Wikipedia):

Do Min-joon (Kim Soo-hyun) is an alien that landed on Earth in the year 1609, during the Joseon Dynasty. As he tries to help a young girl, Yi-hwa, from falling off a cliff, he misses his trip back to his planet and is stranded on Earth for the next four centuries. He possesses a near-perfect appearance, enhanced physical abilities involving his vision, hearing and speed, and a cynical, jaded view regarding human beings. As time goes by, Min-joon is forced to take on a new identity every ten years, as his human appearance never ages.

In the present, he works as a college professor. With only three months left before his long-awaited departure back to space, he meets Cheon Song-yi (Jun Ji-hyun), a famous Hallyu actress who suddenly becomes his next-door neighbour. Slowly, he finds himself entangled in Song-yi's crazy and unpredictable situations, and finds out that she looks like the young girl he fell in love with 300 years ago in the Joseon era. Min-joon tries to keep himself away from Song-yi as he needs to leave the planet, but often finds himself failing to do so.

However, Song-yi gets entangled in the dangerous games of Lee Jae-kyung (Shin Sung-rok), the elder brother of Lee Hee-kyung (Park Hae-jin), who has been her friend since middle school and is in love with her. Yoo Se-mi (Yoo In-na) is Song-yi's childhood best friend who has had a crush on Hee-Kyung since middle school. Realizing her love is just one-sided, Se-mi ultimately gives up her feeling on Hee-kyung and starts to focus on her career as an actress. As Jae-kyung tries to silence Song-yi, Min-joon finds himself saving her multiple times, and eventually, the neighbours fall for each other. But Jae-kyung turns out to be much more dangerous than Min-joon suspected, as he hurts Se-mi's older brother, who is investigating the murder of an actress in which Jae-kyung is actively involved, and he also mysteriously starts to lose control of his powers. However, in the end, Jae-kyung finally gets what he deserves.[3]

[olieteacheskorean]

Day 6 - Learning the Consonants (pt 2)

I’m so pumped!  Today is part 2 of 4 for learning the consonants of Hangul.  Let’s.Get.It

In today’s lesson you will be learning not 3, but 4 consonants.  They are:

ㄴ which makes a “n” sound. ㄷ which makes a “d” sound. ㅌ which makes a “t” sound. ㄹ which makes a “r/l” sound.

OLIE’S NOTE #1:  Woah, what is happening with ㄹ?  Does it make a “r” sound or does it make a “l” sound?  The answer is that it’s kind of in between the two.  In Hangul, there are a few characters that make a sound that is not in our normal English alphabet.   You kind of had a preview of that with the vowels ㅓ “eo” and ㅡ “eu” (oo).  The best way to describe the sound ㄹ is by combining “r” and “l”. 

Just like last video, you are probably going to want to replay this a few times to help with memorization and pronunciation.  Make sure you’re repeating the characters OUT LOUD - it has been proven to help memory when you say things out loud and not just in your head.  If you’re in public, don’t worry about it, just go ahead and do it.  Who’s going to judge?  Plus, will you see those people again?  Nope...maybe.

OLIE’S NOTE #2:  The woman is going to mention about forming sentences with some of the words you have learned.  Don’t worry about that right now.  Just focus on your new consonants and new vocab.

Here’s Day 6′s video:

Like I’ve mentioned in earlier posts, don’t worry too much about your pronunciation.  We will perfect it in a later lesson.  But if you are a little concern, especially with  ㄹ, think of it like this...

Say the English word “rain” out loud.  Did you hear how it sounded?  Now, try to say it but try to pronunciate the “r” under your tongue.  If you do this correctly, it will sound almost like you’re trying to say the name “Lane”.  That is actually where you make the ㄹ character is under your tongue. 

Now try saying 라.  Think of “ra” but say the “r” part under your tongue.  You should hear that combine letter sound.  (This would be a good time to go back to the video at 4:10 and see if you can copy the sounds better now).

That’s it for today!  Don’t forget to add the following vocab to your word pool:

나  -->  “I/me” 너  -->  “you” (informal, don’t use with strangers - will talk more about later) 누구  -->  “who” 어디  -->  “where” 기타  -->  “guitar” 우리  -->  “we/us” 라디오  -->  “radio”

Keep on studying!

화이팅!

Olie (•ө•)♡

[olieteacheskorean]

CAT-day: 12 Wacky Things in Korean Culture

Today is CAT-day!!!  Meow （ΦωΦ）

No, Luna, I’m sorry.  It’s not a day about you.

It’s...*cues drum roll* 두구두구두구두구

CULTURE ADVENTURE THURSDAY!!  aka CAT-day

I’m sorry if you were expecting another Hangul lesson but I feel it’s very important that when you’re learning a new language that you should learn about the culture too.  By knowing more of the culture, you will understand why Koreans will say certain things or act the way they do.  This is my way of bringing that information to you.

In today’s CAT-day lesson, you’re going to learn about the “12 Wacky Things in Korean Culture”.  This video is about strange and unique things you will see in Korea.  This video is PUURFECT for our first CAT-day video as it gives you a quick highlight of what it’s like when you visit Seoul.

OLIE’S NOTE #1:  Realize, these are trends you mainly see in Seoul.  If you go to the country side, some of these things are not even available.  But, this video is 100% true.

DISCLAIMER:  This video I would rate as PG-13.  There is a little bit of nudity in the beginning of the video but then you’re good to go.

Just want to throw this out there, I LOVE Korean socks.  Best no-show socks I have EVER worn.  They’re only $1 each.  I stock up every time I go.

On future CAT-days, I will talk in more detail about eating, drinking, and traveling etiquette in South Korea along with other topics like fashion trends.  Think of this video as a preview of future CAT-day topics ;)

I hope you enjoyed this CAT-day session.  Keep on studying!

안녕히 가세요!

Olie (•ө•)♡

[olieteacheskorean]

Day 5 - Learning the Consonants (pt 1)

The moment is finally here...

It’s finally time for us to learn some consonants!!

I hope you’re feeling just as excited as these two :)

Today you will be learning 3 consonants:

ㅎ which makes a “h” sound. ㄱ which makes a “g” sound. ㅋ which makes a “k” sound.

Here’s your video for Day 4:

This video is PERFECT to practice your pronunciation.  I HIGHLY recommend watching this video multiple times.  I can’t tell you how important it is to understand how each consonant sounds next to each vowel.  It’s going to help you SO MUCH as you progress through your learning.

OLIE’S NOTE #1:  In the video, the woman mentions that  여기요  is used to call over a waiter in a restaurant.  I mean, you can use that but the more common way is to say 저기요 (cheo-gi-yo) which is used as “excuse me” in a restaurant setting.  This is what you’re going to hear WAY more often.

Make sure you’re keeping track of all the words you’ve been learning.  The more vocab you memorize, the more ahead you are later on.

Your word pool:

이  –>  “teeth” 아이  –>  “child” 아야  –>  “ouch” 야  –>  “hey!” 오이  -->  “cucumber” 여우  -->  “fox” 우유  -->  “milk” 이유  -->  “reason” 가요  -->  “I’m going” 휴가  -->  “vacation” 여기요  -->  “over here” 

That’s it for today!  Get ready for another day of consonants tomorrow.

안녕히 가세요!

Olie (•ө•)♡

[olieteacheskorean]

Day 4 - Pop Quiz: Korean Vowels

I know what you’re thinking right now, “but this isn’t school!”  

You know what?  True.

But what if I’m really Namjoon teaching you Korean right now?  I bet you would then take that pop quiz ;)

(For those who have NO IDEA who Namjoon is, he is the leader of the KPop group BTS and has an insanely high IQ of 148.)

No, I get it.  Just the two words “pop quiz” causes people to have minor anxiety attacks.

But for realzies, pop quizzes are a way to help people store memories from that short term file cabinet, to the long term storage facility down the street.  Pop quizzes are SO important when it comes to learning new languages.

As you thought of earlier “this isn’t school”, so don’t stress yourself out over this pop quiz.  No one is going to judge you on your results, even if you get every question wrong (ok, maybe Namjoon will, just a little).  Just use this quiz as another tool to helping you master Hangul.  You can retake it multiple times and your results will NEVER be posted.  You can even use your notes (no one will know) but it is best to try to not to use them.

You got this!  Good luck!!

화이팅!

Pop Quiz on Vowels: 

https://quizizz.com/join/game/U2FsdGVkX1%252FFbeKoq7ym6GWcSIQh584pKbBCjWmKni1wK%252FuPuU8Cd6TPNUU6DJBz?gameType=solo

Olie (•ө•)♡

[olieteacheskorean]

Day 3 - Learning the Vowels (pt 3)

Yay!  We’re on Day 3!!  At this point, it’s only natural to be feeling like a pro thinking, “this is easy, I got this" as you walk down that runway (or hallway in your apartment) coolly putting your hair behind your ear - ignore the look from your roommate, they don’t understand the superstar ego you have right now.

Well, I hate to break it to you but we’re going to be stepping it up a notch this lesson.  Today’s video is going to wrap up that last five vowels.  It will be a lot, especially someone new to the language.  I HIGHLY recommend watching the video a few times to make sure you know the difference between each vowel (they all look the same after a while).

OLIE'S NOTE #1:  I recommend listening to the man’s pronunciation on each vowel rather than the women’s.  *Scratches head awkwardly*  Yeah, another reason I don’t really recommend Koreanclass101 is because the woman’s pronunciation isn’t very clear, especially for someone new to the language.  I know it seems like I’m constantly bashing on Koreanclass101, I understand they do use other people in their videos but this is just what I learned from when I first started teaching myself.  Their website is actually very helpful and they do give a lot of useful advice, but I find it helpful only after knowing the basics.  Don’t worry, I will shine light on the website in later lessons :D

OLIE'S NOTE #2:  For some reason, the woman describes the long vowels as “fat” vowels.   *Scratches head awkwardly again*  Soooo, I’m not really sure if that is how Korean’s normally describe these vowels but I will give a warning that the Korean culture is very materialistic and judge people often by their outer appearance.  They do believe being “larger” is unhealthy and people often get treated differently because of their size.  Not sure if that has anything to why she describes them in that way but just wanted to throw that out there.  If you ever plan on visiting South Korea, I wouldn’t stress about this.  The reason being is because you’re a foreigner and Koreans understand you’re going to look different even though they may not agree with it.  They will keep their thoughts to themselves.  They’re harsher mainly with other Koreans (because they should “know better”) but if you plan on living in South Korea, don’t be surprise if you get a comment about your looks every once in a blue moon (even the best looking people still get judged - crazy to believe - which is why plastic surgery is so big in South Korea).  Even though this is their culture, they are still very nice people in the end.  Please go visit South Korea.  It’s so worth it!

Ok!  Tangent over. 

Here is Day 3′s video:

Did you get everything?  Did you take notes?  No?  Go back and watch the video again.  I’ll wait ;)

...

So, this is definitely the video I had to watch a few times just to make sure I understood everything.  Here are some things to keep in mind to help keep those vowels organized:

1.  ㅗ makes an “oh” sound while ㅜ makes an “u” sound.  An easy way to remember the difference (which was mentioned in the video) is the marking for  ㅗ is “over” the long bar while the marking for  ㅜ is “under” the bar.  Therefore, “oh” for “over” and “u” for “under” (#memorytrick)

2.  Whenever, you see an extra marking to your vowels (i.e. ㅕ ㅑ ㅛ ㅠ), they will make the same sound but with a “y” in front of them.  So,  ㅗ is “oh” while  ㅛ is “yo”.

3.  She briefly talked about the vowel ㅡ .  The vowel by itself doesn’t make a word which is why you didn’t see an example in the video, but the pronunciation is close to the double o’s in the word “good” (oo).  It is a popular vowel, so be ready to use it.

Ok, that’s it for today.  How are you feeling?  Hopefully starting to get the hang of things.  Congratulations!  You are officially done with the vowels of the Korean alphabet!!!

I would definitely be studying because you never know what to expect next lesson *cough, cough, pop quiz*

안녕히 가세요!

Olie (•ө•)♡

[olieteacheskorean]

Day 2 - Learning the Vowels (pt 2)

If you’re here for Day 2 then that means Day 1 was a success!  At least, I hope so (hee hee).  Ok!  Let’s do this!!

Day 2 will be as simple as Day 1.  Well, kind of.

OLIE'S NOTE #1:  The next vowel you will learn will sound very similar to the one from Day 1.  But, there is actually a HUGE difference between them.  

*Scratches head awkwardly*  So, I mentioned in Day 1 that I would wait till a later lesson to explain why I don’t use Koreanclass101 but I guess I can tell you a reason now.  One of the reasons why I don’t use the program is because there are quite a bit of holes in their curriculum.  Like, “why does ㅓand ㅏ sound the same?”  This isn’t answered in these first few videos when they teach you Hangul, which is actually very frustrating.  Maybe later on they clear this up, but I was too impatient to wait nor look for the video.  In a later lesson, after you’ve learned the whole alphabet, I will talk about how to properly pronunciate each character.  This will also be the lesson where you’ll realize why each character looks the way it does.  I’m waiting till after the alphabet because the lesson will be design to help perfect your pronunciation which by then you will mostly already have down.

Ok!  Here is Day 2′s video:

So, the big difference between  ㅓand ㅏ is where you push the air in your mouth to create the sound.   The “ah” sound you create for  ㅏ from Day 1 is created from you pushing air out of your mouth, while the “eo” sound for  ㅓ is created by pulling air back into your mouth.  So, in other words, if you’re thinking about sound waves (yes, getting a little scientific here) you should imagine creating the sound of  ㅏ by pushing the sound out of your mouth (imagine little sound waves leaving your mouth) while the sound for  ㅓ is stuck in your throat (imagine the little sound waves getting jumbled up in your throat).  I hope that makes sense...

OK!  Now, FREEZE!!  Everybody clap your hands!

Jk, what I mean is that you’re lesson isn’t over yet ;)

Go take a shower, RIGHT NOW, and practice your pronunciation and writing of the 7 characters and 4 words you have learned.  Haha, okay, you don’t HAVE to do this in the shower but you do need to practice.  Write these down in a book (or your shower tiles) multiple times to help you get them down:

Characters learned:  ㅇ ㅣ ㅏ ㅓ ㅕ ㅑ

Characters written in blocked form:  이 아 어 여 야

Words you’ve learned: 이  -->  “teeth” 아이  -->  “child” 아야  -->  “ouch” 야  -->  “hey!”  (please don’t use this unless you’re talking down to someone - will explain more later on but it’s okay to practice saying this for now).

Alright!  That’s our Day 2′s lesson.  See?  Short and sweet and easy to learn.  Keep up the hard work everyone and see you on Day 3′s lesson.

화이팅!

Olie (•ө•)♡

[olieteacheskorean]

Day 1 - Learning the Vowels (pt 1)

Let's be real, most people become motivated to learn Korean because of either their favorite KPop star or from watching Korean dramas.

No, I'm not judging because I'm one of you and that's absolutely okay! The bigger problem is not the "why" but the "how". Most people have NO IDEA where to begin when learning a language (especially an Asian one) or feel like they don't have the time. Luckily, Korean is actually the EASIEST Asian language to learn - if you put in the time and commitment (oops!).

No worries, I'm not saying you have to spend multiple hours a day to learn Korean, just 30 - 60 mins is enough.

However, I will warn that if you truly wan't to learn Korean (and at a quick pace) then you need to start with being able to read the alphabet, which is this:

AHHHH!!! It looks so scary!! Why in the world do you need to start with this? Because if you want to properly be able to pronunciate words then you need to understand how they are broken down. I don't want to hear this bull poop poop that you can just "listen" and know how to say words because that is FALSE! You will have a general idea how to say some words but you still will not be able to say everything properly like a true Korean.

Ok, come on, reel back the fear monster before it consumes you. Hangul (which is actually pronounced Han-guel, something you might have missed if you don't know how to read it) is easy to learn, especially if you take it step by step. With that in mind, let's get started!

Today's lesson is super short. I'm going to use the same Koreaclass101 videos that helped me learn the basics of Hangul. A crazy thing I did after watching this first video is I took a shower and practiced what I learned with both pronunciation and writing by writing on the steamed shower tiles. It really helped get this info to stick into my memory.

OLIE'S NOTE #1: This video is short and you may grow impatient and want to watch another, but I realized (when I felt the same way) that two videos became surprisingly too overwhelming. I HIGHLY recommend just a video a day. I think it's because you're learning a COMPLETELY new alphabet that makes it difficult. Don't worry, you'll learn Korean quickly if you just keep it a video a day.

OLIE'S NOTE #2: I actually DON'T recommend following the Koreanclass101 curriculum. I'll explain why when we get to Day 8 but these videos are great to get started.

They're 7 of these short videos. A video a day = 1 week.

It's crazy to believe that after just a week, you'll know a brand new alphabet and know the basics of reading it.

Hang in there and let's take this (like they mention in the video) "hana hana" 하나 하나. Get ready for tomorrow's video!

안녕히 가세요!

Olie (•ө•)♡