Self-Directed Korean Learning Plan

[Kevin Retana]

Self-Directed Korean Learning Plan
Goal:
To reach a novice level in Korean, with the ability to speak, understand, and participate in basic
conversations (introductions, greetings, simple daily activities).
1. Structure & Schedule
● Daily Practice (30 minutes, 5 days/week):
○ 10 minutes: Vocabulary (Mango vocabulary feature).
○ 10 minutes: Listening (short YouTube videos, children’s shows, or Manhwa).
○ 10 minutes: Speaking/Pronunciation (repeat phrases out loud, record and
compare).
● Weekly Activities (2–3 hours/week):
○ Textbook/Structured Learning: Complete one beginner lesson per week (e.g.,
Integrated Korean or Talk to Me in Korean curriculum, or use the Global studio
textbooks).
○ Writing Practice: Journal 3–5 simple sentences in Korean once a week.
○ Review Session: Go over all new words/phrases learned that week with the
language partner.
2. Community Exchange (Lord Jesus Korean Church, Bon Air, VA)
● Attend Adult Education Courses led by Prof. Sumi Kim and Rev. Hyunchan Bae.
● Participate in reciprocal exchanges:
○ Practice Korean with community members.
○ Offer English conversation practice in return.
● Keep a weekly reflection log: record new words, cultural insights, and challenges from
the sessions.
3. Resources
● Apps: Mango & YouTube
● Textbook: Textbooks in the Global Studio
● Media: Manhwas (with subtitles) or Korean folk songs and anime that are Korean or
have Korean audio
● Community: Lord Jesus Korean Church, conversation with Native Korean speakers.
4. Assessment & Tracking Progress
● Monthly Goals:
○ Month 1: Master Hangul (alphabet) + 100 vocabulary words. (Hopefully)
○ Month 2: Form simple sentences (introductions, family, daily routines).
○ Month 3: Hold a short basic conversation with a partner at the church.
● Self-Check Methods:
○ Record short self-introductions and compare pronunciation.
○ Quiz myself on vocabulary/phrases weekly.
○ Ask or check in about self-progress with my respective language partner.
5. Long-Term Vision
By the end of the project, I expect to:
● Confidently read and write Hangul.
● Use at least 200–300 vocabulary words.
● Understand basic grammar patterns.
● Engage in simple real-life conversations with Native Korean speakers.
● Gain cultural insights into Korean communication, community life, and the culture that
comes with the language.