Want to learn the Korean language? Here’s the best Korean textbook for self-study so you can learn the Korean language at your own pace and at home!
Some of these Korean self study textbooks are great for absolute beginners while some others are better for those with intermediate or advanced knowledge of the Korean language.
So I’ve curated a mix of Korean language textbooks that would appeal to learners at different stages.
Most of these Korean textbooks come with extra practice worksheets, quizzes, and even audio CDs or online audio lessons that can be accessed on the textbook’s official website.
Before we get into the detailed list of the best Korean textbook for self-study, here are my top picks for best Korean textbook for self study available on Amazon.com US.
Editors Pick for Best Korean Textbook for Self-Study
With the surge in the Korean wave, a lot of people are fascinated by Korean culture.
In recent times, Korean dramas, movies, music, and so much more are gaining popularity. Nothing is left untouched, not even the language.
You may have seen people enrolling themselves in Korean learning programs, installing apps, and watching tutorials. On the other hand, many prefer learning through books.
Are you someone who likes to do the same? If yes then the below-mentioned list of the best Korean textbook for self-study is going to help you out.
There are different sorts of Korean language textbooks that teach Korean and you don't have to look for a teacher. You are your tutor.
However, every book comes with a few pros and cons.
It is important to know about the book that you are purchasing and Here is the list of best Korean textbooks for self-study.
Top Korean Textbook for Self-study
#1 -- Integrated Korean
The first one on this list of best Korean textbook for self-study is Integrated Korean.
Integrated Korean textbook is authored by professors of the Korean language from the University of Columbia, Indiana, Hawaii, and Rutgers.
They have covered all the important topics from grammar, vocabulary, reading, understanding, and writing skills.
This 248 pages long edition has plenty of Korean language exercises for practice.
Readers can get Korean language audio lessons from their website kleartextbook.com.
There are further volumes as well. Readings in Modern Korean Literature, Selected Readings in Korean, and Korean Composition can assist in learning Korean at home.
Integrated Korean is the current third publication which is very much like its predecessor, although they have introduced some fresh worksheets along with colored images.
The latest third edition of Integrated Korean has received 4.6 stars on Amazon.
It's a little pricier than other Korean textbooks for self study but the content is reasonable. Few customers have complained about the binding problems with the book.
Plus, the videos available on the website are outdated and not up to the mark.
Summary:
- While the Integrated Korean textbook for self study is a complete Korean language textbook with grammar, vocabulary, reading, understanding, and writing skills, it’s best used with the workbook.
- Integrated Korean textbook may not be the best option for absolute beginners for self-study. However, this book will work just fine if you have a friend (or teacher) with proficiency in Korean language to help you out.
- Integrated Korean self-study is recommended for intermediate to advanced Korean language learners
Pros:
- For intermediate to advance Korean students
- Includes grammar, vocab, reading, writing and understanding the language
- Visual images that makes learning interesting
- Worksheets included
Cons:
- Not for beginners
- No value for money
Ratings:
- Easy to read and understand: 8/10
- Content in the book: 9.5/10
- Practice and workbooks: 9.5/10
- Affordability: 7/10
Check out the best Korean textbook for self-study - Integrated Korean below!
#2 -- Korean Made Simple
Korean Made Simple textbook is among the best Korean textbook for self-study.
Korean Made Simple by Billy Go is exactly what a beginner needs. At the end of the book, there is a summary for revision purposes that will save your time.
Learners can download audio from gobillykorean.com for pronunciation. They have provided tons of worksheets. No need to spend money on purchasing answer keys as it is already in the book.
After going through the book you become skilled enough to fully understand Korean. Not just that, forming and reading sentences will be a lot easier.
The textbook is one of the best-selling Korean learning books on Amazon with a fantastic 4.7 stars rating.
Korean Made Simple Textbook is the best Korean textbook for self-study for beginners, however, you may feel difficulty in Hangul.
In the beginning, the book will guide you but in later chapters, you are mostly on your own.
Learners will also face problems in figuring out the sound of the word while speaking.
Summary
- Korean Made SImple is the best Korean textbook for self-study for beginners
- Korean Made Simple contains a summary at the end of the books. The textbook also contains worksheets and answer keys
- The textbook is hangul font which might take some time to get used to
- The beginning of the Korean Made Simple Textbook tries to lay a strong foundation for the learner but as the textbook advances there’s lesser and lesser guidance
- Audio files for Korean Made Simple can be download from gobillykorean.com
Pros:
- Ideal for beginner Korean students
- Includes a summary at the end of the lesson
- Affordable
- Worksheets and practice papers included
Cons:
- Not for intermediate to advanced students
Ratings:
- Easy to read and understand: 10/10
- Content in the book: 9.5/10
- Practice and workbooks: 10/10
- Affordability: 9/10
Check out the best Korean textbook for self-study Korean Made Simple below!
#3 -- Living Language Korean
The next on this list of best Korean textbook for self-study is Living Language Korean by Dr. Jaemin Roh from Boston University.
In the complete edition of Living Language Korean, you can get all three versions i.e. essential, intermediate, and advanced.
Along with the book set, you get 9 CDs in audio format. Start with the essentials and gradually master them.
By the end of the lessons, you can read and do exercises given in the book. On their website, livinglanguage.com, there are even more learning opportunities.
You can participate in quizzes, audios, games, and many more. The book will provide information on Korean culture as well.
This textbook has numerous techniques for fast learning. Living Language Korean has enough notes, a grammar guide, answer keys, and practice work.
Well, it has few cons too. People have a complaint about errors in their copies.
Publishers should bring improvements and updates. A reader needs to stick to the book. If you want to self-study then this may not be the best option.
While I don’t recommend this textbook for absolute beginners, Living Language Korean is the best textbook for self-study for intermediate and advanced Korean learners
Summary
- The complete edition of Living Language Korean includes essential, intermediate, and advanced versions of the Korean grammar and language
- The Living Language Korean textbook also includes 9 CDs, along with extra exercises in the textbook
- The ‘Living Language series has its own website livinglanguage.com where you can find even learn other languages
Pros:
- Ideal for intermediate Korean students
- Easy and fast learning
- Affordable
- CD and practice papers included
Cons:
- Error in some copies
Ratings:
- Easy to read and understand: 8.5/10
- Content in the book: 7/10
- Practice and workbooks: 8/10
- Affordability: 9/10
Check out the best Korean textbook for self-study by Living Language below!
#4 -- Talk To Me In Korean
The list of Best Korean textbook for self-study is incomplete without Talk to me in Korean by Longtail Books publication.
The book is almost perfect and has an incredible rating of 4.8 stars on Amazon
This 164 pages long book will make your basics clear. They have added plenty of worksheets for practicing along with samples.
As you progress, you can move on to Talk to me in Korean levels 2 and 3.
For someone who is confused about grammar and rules in such a case, the Korean self study textbook Talk to me in Korean is worth buying.
You can check out their official website TalkToMeInKorean.com for audio and video lessons.
If you don't have an instructor, no worries because the Talk to me in Korean textbook will clear all your doubts. They have provided cool pictures for a better explanation.
However, there are few flaws in the textbook. A total beginner may find it difficult to jump at sentences.
The book focuses more on sentences or dialogues rather than alphabets. In rare situations, customers can receive torn or faulty editions.
Summary
- It’s recommended that you know the Korean alphabet Hangul before you dive into Talk to me in Korean as this self-study textbook jumps into sentences and phrases very quickly and focuses on grammar and vocabulary
- You can log on to TalkToMeInKorean.com for audio and video lessons to complement the textbook
- Talk to me in Korean is not recommended for absolute beginners but is a great self-study textbook for those who have already learnt the Hangul alphabet
Check out the best Korean textbook for self-study - Talk to me in Korean below!
#5 -- Korean From Zero
The next one on this list of best Korean textbook for self-study is Korean from Zero
Korean from Zero Korean language textbook is another excellent option for learning Korean by yourself.
The Korean from Zero textbook is specifically developed for self-study purposes.
Whether you are at an advanced level or just a novice this Korean self-study textbook has got you covered.
They have included all the significant words, dialogues, and phrases. Furthermore, the grammar is quite easy to understand.
Korean from Zero also offers free mp4 audio classes for reciting. These can be downloaded from their website, KoreanFromZero.com.
The given techniques are simple and effective. You will notice an improvement in the Hangul over time.
The book comes along with worksheets so you don’t have to purchase workbooks separately!
A beginner can start from volume 1 and later move on to the other 3 sequels.
Korean From Zero by George Trombley, Myunghee Ham, Jiyoon Kim, Sunhee Bong, and Reed Bullen is a great way of starting your Korean learning journey.
Having said that, sometimes students have to handle errors or mistakes. Korean From Zero is more drawn towards the Hangul or writing part.
Your speaking abilities suffer as the audios are a bit fast and hard to understand.
Summary:
- Korean from Zero is the best Korean self-study textbook for beginners
- Korean from Zero starts with teaching simple words, dialogues, and phrases
- Free Mp4 audio classes for reciting can be downloaded from Koreanfromzero.com
- Korean from Zero self study textbook comes along with practice worksheets
- While it’s good for learning to write the language, the audio classes may be a bit too fast for beginners
Check out the best Korean textbook for self-study - Korean from Zero below!
#6 -- Let's Speak Korean
The next one on this list of best Korean textbook for self-study is Let’s Speak Korean.
These 136 pages will be your guide to mastering Korean. The book is short but comprehensive at the same time. There are different drawings put in for different situations for fun and easy learning.
You can know thousands of expressions. The grammar and vocabulary are nicely elaborated.
They have provided audio material for studying, which can be downloaded as well. ‘Let's speak Korean’ brings clear pronunciation to the readers.
Don't let this cute, childish cover fool you. This textbook is one of the best sellers for Korean language textbooks on Amazon.
Let's speak Korean is so simple that it will take no time to understand sentences and the Hangul system. If possible get the workbook for more practice.
People who want to visit Korea prefer spending money on the book because the Let’s Speak Korean includes phrases a foreigner would want to learn before flying to Korea.
From airport to restaurant or metro to taxi the book has every phrase valuable for communicating.
A total of 21 such themes are touched in this edition.
On the other hand, the book fails to deliver the basics of the Korean language. They arrive at sentences pretty quickly.
It is largely designed for foreigners struggling to communicate with Koreans. Plus, more attention is towards memorizing and retaining.
Lastly, Let's speak Korean seems more like a travel guide than an in-depth language textbook.
Summary
- Let’s Speak Korean is a great language textbook for beginners
- Basic pronunciation and grammar is illustrated in this Korean language textbook
- Let’s Speak Korean is a great textbook for those looking to learn quick phrases and sentences to have basic, essential conversations in Korea like at an airport or restaurant
- Let’s Speak Korean is not recommended for in depth learning of the Korean language
Check out the best Korean textbook for self-study - Let's Speak Korean below!
Conclusion
The above list focuses on the best Korean textbook for self-study.
You may have heard that no one is a better teacher than yourself. For those who want to learn Korean on their own here is your chance.
This list with the best Korean textbook for self-study includes textbooks that can assist in mastering Korean. There are a lot of books that teach Korean and each of them has its uniqueness.
Hopefully, this curated of the best Korean textbook for self-study helped you make the right choice!
Advantages of Korean textbooks for self-study:
- Vocabulary: Korean textbooks are rich in vocabulary that will help you learn a lot of new words in Korean. You don’t even require to make flashcards as there is an entire depository for it that makes learning extremely convenient and easy.
- Dialogues: Korean textbooks are not just about learning words or sentences, they’re much more than that. They include dialogues for everyday conversations that will help you in speaking the language better.
- Cultural content in the textbooks: You can learn a lot about Korean culture through these Korean textbooks. It’ll help you read, understand and speak the language better, keeping in mind the cultural aspects.
- Practice sessions: These Korean textbooks for self-study has to-do tasks and practice sessions that will help you in quickly grasping the language and memorize better.
- Grammar: Grammar is one of the trickiest parts of learning a language but these books will make it extremely easy for you as it has verbs, tenses, adjectives, adverbs, and a lot of other things.
Which is the best Korean textbook for self-study?
My team and I reviewed 20+ Korean textbooks for self-study on the basis of content, easy-to-read and understand, practice sessions, etc. We found Korean Made Simple to be the best on the list.
Korean Made Simple is perfect for beginners and is extremely easy to read and learn. It includes a summary at the end of every lesson that helps in revision. Korean Made Simple includes practice papers at the end that helps in memorizing and tracking improvements. It’s available on Amazon.com for sale.
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