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“Brother” in Korean – Ways to address a male sibling

Today, we wanted to take a deeper dive into the word for “brother” in Korean.

Two guys pointing at each other with their arms over each other's shoulders

There are more Korean terms related to “brother” than you think, and we’ll go over each of them in this article.

If you have a male sibling or you know someone who is a brother, you’ll find learning this new vocabulary useful. Here we go!

How to say “brother” in Korean

First of all, you need to understand that there is a difference depending on if you are a female or a male speaker.

If you are a female speaker, the word to use for big brother is 오빠 (oppa). But if you are a male speaker, the word for older brother is 형 (hyeong). However, the word for younger brother 남동생 (namdongsaeng) can be used by both genders. So, what determines which word you will use?

Sample sentence:

우리 오빠를 벌써 만났어요? (uri oppareul beolsseo mannasseoyo?)

Did you already meet my brother?

Now, what if you want to get formal with this word? The formal way to use this word, if you are male, is to call out your older brother with 형님 (hyeongnim). And, if you are female, you would call out your older brother with 오라버니 (orabeoni). These words are rarely used in everyday conversations, but you may hear them occasionally in drama or movies.

Korean words related to “brother”

Below, we will go over some related words. This will also help you understand the point made in the above paragraph.

“Younger brother” in Korean

The word for “younger brother” in the Korean language is 남동생 (namdongsaeng). As you may notice, in this case, it doesn’t matter if the speaker is male or female. The word remains the same.

The word 동생 (dongsaeng) expresses younger sibling, while 남 (nam) designates it as a boy. The word 동생 (dongsaeng) can be also used for a younger person that you are very close to, even if you are not related to.

If you are talking to your younger brother directly, you may choose to use their name instead, though the word 동생 (dongsaeng) is also not incorrect. Most Koreans use their younger brother’s name when calling them directly. The words 동생 (dongsaeng) or 남동생 (namdongsaeng) are usually for when talking about one’s younger brother to someone else.

Sample sentence:

내 남동생이 미국으로 유학을 갈 때가 그리울 거야. (nae namdongsaengi migugeuro yuhageul gal ttaega geuriul geoya.)

I will miss my little brother when he goes to study in the United States.

“Older brother” in Korean

Based on the above, you can perhaps already guess that the word for “older brother” in Korean is 오빠 (oppa) when the speaker is female and 형 (hyeong) when the speaker is male. You can use it with people who are not related to you, as well.

Indeed, it is also common for men to call male friends older than them 형 (hyeong), while women call male friends older than them 오빠 (oppa). It is also not uncommon for women to call their significant others 오빠 (oppa), although other terms of endearment exist for that, as well.

“Stepbrother” in Korean

For stepbrother, too, there are a few different words you can use. If they are older than you and you are male, you may use 의붓형 (uibutyeong). If they are older than you and you are female, you may use 의붓오빠 (uibudoppa). If they are younger than you, you may use 의붓동생 (uibutdongsaeng), regardless of gender.

Sample sentence:

일 년에 한 번씩 의붓오빠를 방문한다. (il nyeone han beonssik uibut oppareul bangmunhanda.)

I visit my stepbrother once a year.

“Half-brother” in Korean

If they are older than you and you are male, you may use 이복형 (ibokyeong). If they are older than you and you are female, you may use 이복오빠 (ibokoppa). If they are younger than you, you may use 이복동생 (ibokdongsaeng), regardless of gender.

Sample sentence:

이 사람은 제 이복동생이에요 (i sarameun je ibokdongsaengieyo.)

This person is my half-brother.

“Brothers” in Korean

Now, if you want to speak of more than one brother at a time, the word to use is 형제 (hyeongje).

“Brother-in-law” in Korean

Now, here is where it gets a little more complicated. But we will try to make it as simple as possible! In short, there are 11 different words for brother-in-law in Korean, based on age, gender, and even marital status.

English meaningKorean
Husband's older brother아주버님 (ajubeonim)
Husband's older brother형님 (hyeongnim)
Husband's younger brother시동생 (sidongsaeng)
Husband's married younger brother서방님 (seobangnim)
Husband's unmarried younger brother도련님 (doreyonnim)
Wife's older brother형님 (hyeongnim)
Wife's younger brother처남 (cheonam)
Older sister's husband (for men)매형 (maehyeong)
Older sister's husband (for women)형부 (hyeongbu)
Younger sister's husband (for men)매제 (maeje)
Younger sister's husband (for women)제부 (jebu)

Sample sentence:

오늘은 처남과 저녁을 먹어. (oneureun cheonamgwa jeonyeogeul meogeo.)

Today, I have dinner with my brother-in-law.

Wrap Up

And there you go, we have finished learning how to say brother in Korean! Were you surprised to find out there were so many different words to know for it? For more similar content, read our article on 형 (hyeong), 언니 (eonni), 선배 (seonbae) and so on!

And if you’d like to know the terms for other immediate family members, like your older and younger siblings, parents, and grandparents, head on to our article on Korean Family Terms!

The post “Brother” in Korean – Ways to address a male sibling appeared first on 90 Day Korean.

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Korean Speech Levels – Be polite without sounding outdated

Early in your Korean studies, you will learn that there are different Korean speech levels.

A talking man facing a woman

But what do the different Korean speech levels look like? Why and how are they used?

In this article, we will cover that and even more!

What are different Korean Speech Levels?

You may be surprised to learn that the Korean language actually has 7 different speech levels. These levels are called as follows:

  1. 하소서체 (hasoseoche)
  2. 하십시오체 (hasipsioche)
  3. 하오체 (haoche)
  4. 하게체 (hageche)
  5. 해라체 (haerache)
  6. 해요체 (haeyoche)
  7. 해체 (haeche)

These speech levels can be further divided into formal and informal categories of speech. Of them, 해요체 (haeyoche) and 해체 (haeche) are informal levels of speech, while all of the other ones land under the umbrella of formal speech level.

How to say “formal speech” in Korean

The word for “formal speech level” is 격식체 (gyeoksikche).

How to say “informal speech” in Korean

On the other hand, the word for “informal speech level” is 비격식체 (bigyeoksikche).

In the sections below, we will cover each speech level in more detail.

The 7 Korean Speech Levels

Here, we will quickly overview the 7 Korean speech levels.

하소서체 (hasoseoche)

This is the most formal Korean speech level. This was commonly used in the past when addressing members of the royal family, the king, and the queen, or other high officials. Today, it mostly only appears in historical dramas and the Bible. The declarative form is stems + –나이다, and the interrogative form is stem + –나이까.

하십시오체 (hasipsioche)

This is an incredibly respectful and polite speech that is still in use today. You may hear it commonly used in broadcasts and public speeches, as well as in the service industry and other business situations. It is also the level of speech used when speaking to elders, those of higher rank, and strangers.

하오체 (haoche)

Also considered the formal level of speech, this is used specifically when addressing those of similar or lower social status. You’ll be more likely to hear it in a historical drama rather than in real life. Its declarative form is stem + –소/-오, and its interrogative form is stem + –오?.

하게체 (hageche)

This formal type of speech is also used with those of similar or lower rank. It is considered somewhat outdated, so typically, you would only see older people using it. Its declarative form is stem + –네, and its interrogative form is stem + –ㄴ/는가?. These structures are still sometimes taught in Korean classes.

해라체 (haerache)

This is considered the plain style or formally impolite. This is common in writings such as newspapers, magazines or grammar books. In spoken Korean, this is used between close friends or family of similar age. It is also commonly used in exclamations.

해요체 (haeyoche)

Although this is an informal level of speech, it is still deemed quite polite. It is the speech style Koreans use in everyday life and situations.

해체 (haeche)

This is a casual form of informal speech. Its use is restricted to siblings, close friends, relatives, and people younger than the speaker.

Commonly-used Korean Speech Levels

As you may have noticed, not all of these speech levels are still in active use, at least not regularly. So, let’s go over in a little more detail the four ones that are, so you can gain a better understanding of them.

Formal Speech Level

하십시오체 (hasipsioche) is the most respectful level of speech still used today. You’ll notice that its structure is really familiar, as it is often the first piece of grammar taught in Korean classes. However, it is only used in public speeches and business conversations, as well as by service industry workers. Its declarative form is stem + –ㅂ니다, and its interrogative form is stem + –ㅂ니까?

For example, it may be used in a sentence such as :

오늘 저희 행사에 와주셔서 감사합니다. 즐거운 시간 되십시오. (oneul jeohi haengsae wajusyeoseo gamsahamnida. jeulgeoun sigan doesipsio.)

Thank you for coming to our event today. Have a great time.

Most Commonly-used Speech Level

해라체 (haerache) is one that you definitely must become familiar with, as it is the most common speech level used. It is the plain form of formal speech used with those who are of the same status or lower rank. It doesn’t include any added respect, so it shouldn’t be used with those who rank above you or are much older than you.

This is the form of speech you will most often see in use in textbooks, newspapers, and even dictionaries, as well as indirect quotations. With this form of speech, you can casually express your present state in spoken language.

The declarative form is stem + ㄴ다/-는다, and the interrogative form is + –냐?

For example, it may be used in the following manner:

형태소는 의미를 가진 언어의 가장 작은 단위이다. (hyeongtaesoneun uimireul gajin eoneoui gajang jageun danwiida.)

Morphem is the smallest unit of language with meaning.

난 도착했다. 너는 어디냐? (nan dochakaetda. neoneun eodinya?)

I’m here. Where are you?

Informal Speech Levels

해요체 (haeyoche): As haeyoche is described as an informal level of speech, you may be surprised to learn this is the structure you are most likely to use while conversing in the Korean language.

It is regarded as quite polite, so it can be used with strangers, colleagues, and even those of higher rank or older age than you. Provided, of course, the situation doesn’t specifically require honorifics to be used. Thus, if you are not entirely sure which level of speech to use, this is the one you should choose.

Both the declarative form and the interrogative form end with stem + –요. Meanwhile, its imperative form ends with stem + –세요.

To refresh your memory, here is an example of a sentence using this speech level:

이 비빔밥은 맛있어요. (i bibimbabeun masisseoyo.)

This bibimbap is delicious.

해체 (haeche): Finally, we have the other casual speech level, haeche. This is a level of speech that can be used between friends as well as with those younger than you. This is also the same type of speech that you may have heard being referred to as 반말 (banmal). If you have studied Korean for some time already, this pattern of speech may already be familiar to you.

Its declarative form is stem + –아/어/지, and its interrogative form is stem + –냐/니?

For example, it can be used in a sentence like this:

나는 지금 책을 읽고 있어. 스티븐 킹의 책을 아니? (naneun jigeum chaegeul ilkko isseo. seutibeun kingui chaegeul ani?)

I’m reading a book now. Do you know Stephen King’s books?

Speech levels vs politeness level

Here is a good point to note that a speech level does not automatically determine the level of politeness of what you are about to say or write. As we have noted above, 하십시오체 (hasipsioche) is highly formal (and polite) to use, but it is not that common for regular spoken communication.

Thus, if you want to make sure you are being polite, use the polite form instead. This can be done by adding the -시 (-si) conjugation to your sentences. Most likely, you have already seen it in use by combining it with the verb 주다 (juda), which on its own means “to give.” In action, it shows the phrase 주세요 (juseyo), which translates as “please give.”

Additionally, there are some Korean verbs and nouns that have another, specifically honorific form for the situations that call for their use. Here is a list of honorifics that you should be aware of.

You can also add the -시 (-si) conjugation to a verb in the middle of a sentence. That is to say, you can use whichever level of speech, as long as you add 시 (si) to specifically show your politeness towards the person in question.

To a foreigner, this Korean system may sound odd at first. In many other languages, there may not be such a distinction between formality and politeness.

So, why is there one in the Korean language, and how will you be able to differentiate between the two? Well, here it is: formal/informal refers to the situation you are in, e.g., you are in a business meeting or enjoying dinner with your best friend. Meanwhile, how polite/impolite you need to be or can be is dependent on the person you are speaking to or about.

Explanation of how a sentence changes depending on the speech level used

One of the most obvious changes that appear depending on the speech level is how the speaker refers to themselves. For more formal situations, “me” is always 저 (jeo). However, if you want to speak casually, you can switch up to the more casual 나 (na).

Another easy example is the way you address others. When you use 하십시오체 (hasipsioche), you will address and refer to others by their title. This is also the level of language that Koreans refer to as 존댓말 (jondaenmal).

해요체 (haeyoche) is the other one that is considered as 존댓말 (jondaenmal), although you can drop most titles at this level. With 해라체 (haerache) and 해체 (haeche), you can get casual enough to use 너 (neo) when talking to someone. However, you will want to keep in mind that 너 (neo) is quite rarely used, as it can easily be deemed as a disrespectful way of addressing someone.

Here are some more concrete examples that illustrate these differences:

  • When you meet your friends, you can casually greet them with 안녕 (annyeong). However, when meeting with your teacher, grandparents, boss, or a stranger, you should say 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo).
  • Sometimes, the word used may change entirely depending on the speech level used. For example, with your friend, you can ask 밥 먹었어? (bap meogeosseo?), which means “Did you eat?”. However, with your grandparents or boss, you will use 식사하다 (siksahada) and add -시 when conjugating like this, 식사하셨어요? (siksahasyeosseoyo?). It is the shortened version of 식사하시었어요 (siksahasieosseoyo?).
  • Similarly, to a friend, you can simply say “잘 자 (jal ja)” when you want to wish them goodnight. But to your grandparents, you would instead say “안녕히 주무세요! (annyeonghi jumuseyo!)”. Which has its own verb, 주무시다 (jumusida), in use but also requires the greeting 안녕하다 (annyeonghada).

There are also some nouns that change depending on the formality of the situation. Our list of honorifics covers many of those, as well. Formal verbs to use are included in that list, too.

Why learning Korean Speech Levels is important

Shortly put, learning these speech levels is important because they are an important aspect of Korean society and language. Also, you need to know these if you ever plan to converse with a Korean person. You absolutely do not want to offend the person you are speaking to, and thus, you want to be aware of the correct level of formality and politeness.

However, you will also want to be able to get casual with your close friends. Thankfully, in this guide, you’ve learned a lot about which speech level to use in different scenarios.

Sample words and sentences that use each speech level

Finally, let’s go over some examples with each speech level to make it easier to understand and notice the differences.

1. “Have a meal.”

하십시오체 (hasipsioche): 식사하십시오 (siksahasipsio)

해라체 (haerache): 밥 먹어라 (bap meogeora)

해요체 (haeyoche): 식사해요 (siksahaeyo)

해체 (haeche): 밥 먹어 (bap meogeo)

2. “Glad to meet you.”

하십시오체 (hasipsioche): 만나서 반갑습니다 (mannaseo bangapseumnida)

해라체 (haerache): 만나서 반갑다 (mannaseo bangapda)

해요체 (haeyoche): 만나서 반가워요 (mannaseo bangawoyo)

해체 (haeche): 만나서 반가워 (mannaseo bangawo)

3. “How are you?”

하십시오체 (hasipsioche): 어떻게 지내십니까? (eotteoke jinaesimnikka?)

해라체 (haerache): 어떻게 지내냐? (eotteoke jinaenya?)

해요체 (haeyoche): 어떻게 지내요? (eotteoke jinaeyo?)

해체 (haeche): 어떻게 지내? (eotteoke jinae?)

4. “Thank you.”

하십시오체 (hasipsioche): 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)

해라체 (haerache): 고맙다 (gomapda)

해요체 (haeyoche): 감사해요 (gamsahaeyo)

해체 (haeche): 고마워 (gomawo)

5. “Sorry.”

하십시오체 (hasipsioche): 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida)

해라체 (haerache): 미안하다 (miannhnda)

해요체 (haeyoche): 죄송해요 (joesonghaeyo)

해체 (haeche): 미안해 (mianhae)

6. “I’ll call you.”

하십시오체 (hasipsioche): 제가 전화드리겠습니다 (jega jeonhwa deurigetseumnida)

해라체 (haerache): 내가 전화할 거다 (naega jeonhwahal geoda)

해요체 (haeyoche): 내가 전화할게요 (naega jeonhwahalgeyo)

해체 (haeche): 내가 전화할게 (naega jeonhwahalge)

Wrap Up

Wow, we learned so much about Korean speech levels today! Was this already a familiar topic to you or something entirely new? Do you think it will be easy to start using these different speech levels in your communication from now on? Let us know below in the comments! Now, how about Korean etiquette as your next lesson?

The post Korean Speech Levels – Be polite without sounding outdated appeared first on 90 Day Korean.

Flavors in Korean – Sweet, Sour, Salty, Spicy, Bitter, and WAY MORE | Korean FAQ

There are so many ways to describe FLAVORS in Korean, so I made a complete guide with all of the essentials.

This video covers how to use the words 달다, 시다, 맵다, 짜다, 쓰다, 달콤하다, 매콤하다, 새콤하다, 짭짤하다, 쌉싸름하다, 고소하다, 싱겁다, 느끼하다, and more!

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Jijokam Hermitage – 지족암 (Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do)

Jijokam Hermitage on the Haeinsa Temple Grounds in Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do.

Hermitage History

Jijokam Hermitage is located on the Haeinsa Temple grounds in Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do in Gayasan National Park. Originally, Jijokam Hermitage was first named Dosolam Hermitage. The word “Jijok” is an abbreviation of the Sanskrit transliteration of the word “Tusita,” which is the Pure Land of Mireuk-bul (The Future Buddha). Originally, the hermitage was nothing more than a solitary hut for the monk Huirang-josa, who was a monk that was active during the late Silla Dynasty (57 B.C. – 935 A.D.) and the start of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). Although there are no specific records indicating how the hermitage was maintained throughout the centuries, we do have several pieces of writing by outside sources about the existence of the hermitage like a Confucian scholar’s writing in the “Yugayasannok” from the “Hangangjip.” We also have the war diary of Do Sesun. As a result, it can be assumed that the hermitage was rebuilt before the reconstruction of the hermitage by the monk Gwansu in 1796.

After 1796, various monks have called Jijokam Hermitage home like Chu Dam, who lived at the hermitage until 1850. A few years later, and in 1856, the hermitage was restored by Park Munhwan. In 1893, the hermitage was restored, once more, by the monk Hwanun. Unfortunately, in 1913, severe flooding caused significant damage to the hermitage buildings; so in 1915, the hermitage was repaired, once more. During the 20th century, the hermitage underwent numerous rebuilds and repairs, until 1999, when Seon Master Hyangjeok became the abbot of the hermitage. From 2010 to 2013, several buildings were added including the Sanshin-gak Hall, the Jinnyeong-gak Hall, and the main hall.

Hermitage Layout

You first pass through a narrow gate and up a set of stone stairs to come to the lower courtyard at the hermitage. Straight ahead of you is a modern three-story pagoda. Close by is a smaller sized Sanshin-gak Hall. The location of the shaman shrine hall is rather peculiar because it’s near the entry of the hermitage grounds. But with the hermitage precariously placed on the side of the mountain, it might have been the only place for it at Jijokam Hermitage. The exterior walls are adorned in traditional dancheong colours. Looking inside the Sanshin-gak Hall, you’ll find a pair of paintings. The painting to the right is dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit), while the painting to the left is dedicated to Dokseong (The Lonely Saint). Both are quite simplistic in their overall compositions.

Proceeding straight ahead, and up another set of stairs, you’ll find a collection of buildings in this area. They include the monks’ dorms and the hermitage’s kitchen and administrative office. To the left of the monks’ dorms, you’ll find a flight of stairs that lead you up towards the upper courtyard, where you’ll find both the Seokgyeong-dang Hall, as well as the Jinnyeong-gak Hall, which is dedicated to Ven. Ilta. Of the two, the building to the right is the Jinnyeong-gak Hall. Housed inside this atypical shrine hall is a mural of the monk for whom the shrine hall was built. Below the main altar painting is the monks’ memorial tablet. To the right of the main altar are the monks’ sari (crystallized remains), while to the left is the monks’ former walking stick. This shrine hall is more like a museum than it is a shrine hall. It’s reminiscent of the shrine hall at neighbouring Baengryeonam Hermitage dedicated to the monk Seongcheol (1912-1993).

To the left of the Jinnyeong-gak Hall is the Seokgyeong-dang Hall, which is the hermitage’s main hall. Again, this is a rather peculiar name for a main hall at any temple or hermitage throughout Korea. Also unusual for a shrine hall, instead of having the main altar located in the centre of the building, the main altar is located to the far left and facing eastward. The main altar consists of a solitary statue of Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha). Joining this statue inside the main altar is a mural dedicated to Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise) on one of the interior walls. As for the exterior, the main hall is adorned in some unusual floral patterns, as well as a diminutive bronze bell just outside the entry to the main hall. The bell is beautifully crowned by an image of Poroe (The Dragon that Adorns the Top of the Temple Bell).

How To Get There

To get to Jijokam Hermitage, you’ll first need to get to Haeinsa Temple. And to get to Haeinsa Temple, you’ll first need to get to the Seobu Bus Terminal in Daegu. From here, you can catch an express bus to Haeinsa Temple. This express bus departs every 40 minutes, and the bus ride lasts about an hour and a half. After arriving at Haeinsa Temple, you’ll need to head south from the Iljumun Gate. You’ll pass by a collection of biseok (stele) and budo (stupa). There is a mountain road with a large rock and sign markers that point you towards the four hermitages in this area of the Haeinsa Temple grounds. You’ll first pass Gukilam Hermitage along the way, until you eventually come to a road to your left. This is the road that leads up to Jijokam Hermitage. In total, the walk from Haeinsa Temple to Jijokam Hermitage takes about 25 minutes, or 1.1 km, up a mountainside road.

Overall Rating: 3.5/10

Jijokam Hermitage is beautifully located in the foothills of the towering Mt. Gayasan (1,432.6 m). As for the hermitage itself, there are only a couple highlights. The first are the views out towards the neighbouring Huirangdae Hermitage. The paintings inside the Sanshin-gak Hall are rather odd as is the Jinnyeong-gak Hall. To the rear of the hermitage grounds looks to be a structure for the abbot of Jijokam Hermitage; unfortunately, this is off-limits to the general public.

A look up towards Jijokam Hermitage.
Entering the lower courtyard at the hermitage with the three-story pagoda and the Sanshin-gak Hall.
A look inside the Sanshin-gak Hall at the Mountain Spirit.
As well as Dokseong (The Lonely Saint).
Making your way up towards the monks’ dorms and the hermitage’s kitchen.
The Seokgyeong-dang Hall (left) and the Jinnyeong-gak Hal (centre) with the monks’ dorms (bottom right).
One of the atypical paintings that adorns the exterior of the Seokgyeong-dang Hall.
The ceremonial bronze bell outside the main hall.
A look inside the Seokgyeong-dang Hall at the main altar.
The painting dedicated to Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise) inside the main hall.
A look down from the main hall towards the lower courtyard at the hermitage.
A look out towards Mt. Gayasan and the neighbouring Huirangdae Hermitage.
And the off-limits abbots quarters.

We Tried the WEIRDEST Korean Snacks We've Ever Seen

I've seen a LOT of weird snacks in Korea over the past 18 years, but this time I decided to start collecting them to try in a video. So for a couple of months, I sought out the weirdest snacks I could find at convenience stores I visited around Seoul, and brought them all together to try on camera with my 7-year old son, Jeremy.
Which of these would you consider trying?

The post We Tried the WEIRDEST Korean Snacks We've Ever Seen appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.

Naewonsa Temple – 내원사 (Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do)

Naewonsa Temple in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do.

Temple History

Naewonsa Temple is located up the beautiful Naewonsa Valley beneath the peaks of Mt. Cheonseongsan (920.1 m) in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do. The temple was first founded by Wonhyo-daesa (617-686 A.D.) during the reign of King Munmu of Silla (r. 661-681 A.D.). According to a legend written in the “Songgoseungjeon” (僧傳 宋), there were 1,000 Chinese monks worshiping at Taehwasa Temple in Tang China (618–690, 705–907 A.D.). They were in danger of being buried at the temple because of torrential rain and the potential for a landslide. Upon realizing this, Wonhyo-daesa threw a wooden board up into the air. The monks saw this strange board in midair and thought that it was rather mysterious. As a result, they all ran out of the shrine hall. After they had all exited the temple, a landslide destroyed the shrine hall. However, because of the wooden signboard, which read “Throwing the board, Wonhyo saves the people,” Wonhyo-daesa did in fact save the one thousand monks at the temple. Because of this, the one thousand monks sought Wonhyo-daesa. These one thousand monks would eventually become Wonhyo-daesa’s one thousand disciples.

After arriving on the Korean Peninsula, Wonhyo-daesa went in search of a place to stay with his 1,000 disciples. Eventually, they would arrive at Mt. Cheonseongsan. Here, they were greeted by Sanshin (Mountain Spirit) and guided to the general area of where Naewonsa Temple would eventually be built. After guiding Wonhyo-daesa and his disciples, the Mountain Spirit quickly disappeared. There is a shrine hall with a painting of Sanshin inside it where the Mountain Spirit eventually led Wonhyo-daesa and his one thousand disciples.

The shrine hall dedicated to the Sanshin (Mountain Spirit) of Mt. Cheonseongsan that led Wonhyo-daesa and his 1,000 disciples.
And the painting dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit) inside the shrine hall.

Wonhyo-daesa would build 89 temples and hermitages in the area. Additionally, and according to this legend, it is said that a large drum was placed in the area in front of Mt. Cheonseongsan. The beating of this drum would announce the beginning of Wonhyo-daesa’s lectures to his disciples on the mountain about the Avatamsaka Sutra. Eventually, these one thousand disciples would become sages/saints; and it’s to these sages/saints that the temple gets its name, “A Thousand Sages/Saints Mountain – Cheonseongsan.”

Much later, and during the late Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), most of the 89 temples and hermitages were lost in flooding. There remain a few of these temples and hermitages on Mt. Cheonseongsan like Nojeonam Hermitage, Wonhyoam Hermitage, Hongryongsa Temple; and, of course, Naewonsa Temple. During the Korean War (1950-53), Naewonsa Temple was destroyed. In 1955, the temple was rebuilt by the nun Suok from Sudeoksa Temple. In total, thirteen buildings were built over a five year period. Now, there are approximately 70 nuns that reside at Naewonsa Temple.

In total, there is one Korean Treasure at Naewonsa Temple, it’s the “Bronze Gong of Naewonsa Temple,” which is Korean Treasure #1734.

The entry of Naewonsa Temple in October, 2006.

Temple Layout

You first approach Naewonsa Temple up a beautiful valley. During the summer months, this valley is packed with visitors splashing around in the cascading and pooling water. Up a paved road, you’ll find the Naewonsa Temple grounds. In total, there are ten buildings on the temple grounds. Naewonsa Temple is a very active temple; however, most of the temple buildings are off-limits to visitors.

As you first approach the temple grounds, you’ll notice that the road forks. To the right is the main temple courtyard, while to the left you’ll find the Bulimun Gate. The Bulimun Gate is adorned with a pair of paintings on the doors dedicated to Narayeon Geumgang and Miljeok Geumgang (The Twin Guardians of Korean Temples). Through the Bulimun Gate, you get a great view of the temple courtyard; however, you’re not allowed to pass through this entry gate. It’s off-limits to the general public. Instead, you’ll need to backtrack to the fork in the road and head right.

To the right, you’ll first encounter a cluster of nuns’ dorms and parking spaces for the nuns’ vehicles. It’s in this area that you’ll find a rather unique mural. In this mural, there are a group of nuns/monks walking along a trail. This trail looks to resemble the Hwaeomneup Wetlands near the summit of Mt. Cheonseongsan. Additionally, the painting resembles one of the Shimu-do (Ox-Herding Murals). It’s unclear who the nuns/monks are following, but it could be an ox, Wonhyo-daesa, or even a Sanshin (Mountain Spirit). Either way, this mural is highly original and new.

As you continue to head straight, you’ll come to a pathway with a slight incline. This pathway leads up towards the Daeung-jeon Hall. This Daeung-jeon Hall was built within the past ten years. The exterior walls are adorned with two sets of murals. The lower set is the Shimu-do (Ox-Herding Murals), while the upper set is the Palsang-do (The Eight Scenes from the Buddha’s Life). Both are beautiful in their composition. Stepping inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find an understated main altar with an understated triad on the main altar. The central image in the triad is dedicated to Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha). This image is joined on either side by Munsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom) and Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power). The triad rests under a slender, golden canopy. The interior of the main hall is lined with Buddhist motif murals that include the Dragon Ship of Wisdom, the Bodhidharma and Dazu Huike (487-593 A.D.), as well as Wonhyo-daesa and Uisang-daesa (625-702 A.D.). In addition, you’ll find a beautiful, large Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural) housed inside the Daeung-jeon Hall to the right of the main altar.

To the right of the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find a two-story building. The first appears to be a gift shop, while the second story appears to be a residence of some sort. In front of this two-story structure is a small, wooden pavilion that houses a replica of the “Bronze Gong of Naewonsa Temple,” which is currently housed at neighbouring Tongdosa Temple. In front of this wooden pavilion and a row of benches are a collection of miniature paper lanterns that are all colours of the rainbow.

You don’t need to pay to get into Naewonsa Temple, per se. Instead, you need to pay 2,000 won to get into the Mt. Cheonseongsan area. So in a round about way, admission to Naewonsa Temple is 2,000 won.

How To Get There

From the Yangsan Intercity Bus Terminal, you can take a bus that directly goes to Naewonsa Temple. These buses leave every ten minutes. Once you arrive outside the Naewonsa Temple grounds, you’ll need to walk 30 minutes up the valley to get to the temple.

Overall Rating: 7/10

Naewonsa Temple is beautifully located in the folds of Mt. Cheonseongsan up a scenic valley. At the end of the valley, you’ll come to Naewonsa Temple. There are numerous highlights to this temple, but a couple that stick out are the paintings that adorn the Bulimun Gate doors in the direction of the off-limit section of the temple grounds, as well as the beautiful new Daeung-jeon Hall. It’s filled, both inside and out, with beautiful Buddhist murals.

Part of the beautiful, long valley that leads up to Naewonsa Temple.
A modern tortoise-based biseok (stele) near the entry of the temple grounds.
The bridge that leads up to the temple grounds.
A look through the Bulimun Gate towards the off-limits section of the temple grounds.
The wonderfully original painting of Wonhyo-daesa’s 1,000 disciples.
A bridge that leads up towards the second story of the nuns’ dorms at Naewonsa Temple.
The newly built Daeung-jeon Hall.
Some of the beautiful floral latticework that adorns the front of the newly built main hall.
One of the Shimu-do (Ox-Herding Murals) that adorns the exterior of the Daeung-jeon Hall.
The main altar inside the Daeung-jeon Hall.
Part of the Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural) inside the main hall.
A mural dedicated to Wonhyo-daesa and Uisang-daesa inside the Daeung-jeon Hall.
That’s joined by this mural dedicated to the Bodhidharma and Dazu Huike.
And another of the Dragon Ship of Wisdom.
A bronze gong to the front right of the Daeung-jeon Hall.
And a collection of miniature paper lanterns near the pavilion that houses the bronze gong.

Korean Numbers 1-20 – How to count up to twenty

In this article, we will teach you about the Korean numbers 1-20.

Orange clouds with the numbers 1 and 20 on top of them

Here is how Koreans count from 1 to 20 in general. Note that in Korean, there are two different number systems. The Sino-Korean number system and the Native Korean number system.

To start, here are the numbers for the Sino-Korean number system:

  1. 일 (il) – One
  2. 이 (i) – Two
  3. 삼 (sam) – Three
  4. 사 (sa) – Four
  5. 오 (o) – Five
  6. 육 (yuk) – Six
  7. 칠 (chil) – Seven
  8. 팔 (pal) – Eight
  9. 구 (gu) – Nine
  10. 십 (sip) – Ten
  11. 십일 (sibil) – Eleven
  12. 십이 (sibi) – Twelve
  13. 십삼 (sipsam) – Thirteen
  14. 십사 (sipsa) – Fourteen
  15. 십오 (sibo) – Fifteen
  16. 십육 (sibyuk) – Sixteen
  17. 십칠 (sipchil) – Seventeen
  18. 십팔 (sippal) – Eighteen
  19. 십구 (sipgu) – Nineteen
  20. 이십 (isip) – Twenty

Now that you know these numbers, we’ll help you learn everything else you need to know about Korean numbers 1 through 20. Let’s get to it!

What are Sino-Korean numbers?

Sino-Korean numbers are based on characters in the Chinese language and are used to indicate dates, phone numbers, and addresses. It is also used when counting money. If you’d like to know more about Chinese characters in the Korean language, we have a separate article about Hanja.

Sino-Korean Numbers 1-20

Below is the list of Korean numbers from 1-20 using the first Korean counting system, Sino-Korean number system.

  1. 일 (il) – One
  2. 이 (i) – Two
  3. 삼 (sam) – Three
  4. 사 (sa) – Four
  5. 오 (o) – Five
  6. 육 (yuk) – Six
  7. 칠 (chil) – Seven
  8. 팔 (pal) – Eight
  9. 구 (gu) – Nine
  10. 십 (sip) – Ten
  11. 십일 (sibil) – Eleven
  12. 십이 (sibi) – Twelve
  13. 십삼 (sipsam) – Thirteen
  14. 십사 (sipsa) – Fourteen
  15. 십오 (sibo) – Fifteen
  16. 십육 (sibyuk) – Sixteen
  17. 십칠 (sipchil) – Seventeen
  18. 십팔 (sippal) – Eighteen
  19. 십구 (sipgu) – Nineteen
  20. 이십 (isip) – Twenty

What are Native Korean numbers?

Native Korean numbers are what Koreans generally use for counting in everyday life, such as time, age, number of items, or people. These can also be used with Korean counter words, such as 개 (gae), 명(myeong), or 벌 (beol).

Native Korean Numbers 1-20

Here are the Korean numbers from 1-20 using the Native Korean number system.

  1. 하나 (hana) – One
  2. 둘 (dul) – Two
  3. 셋 (set) – Three
  4. 넷 (net) – Four
  5. 다섯 (daseot) – Five
  6. 여섯 (yeoseot) – Six
  7. 일곱 (ilgop) – Seven
  8. 여덟 (yeodeol) – Eight
  9. 아홉 (ahop) – Nine
  10. 열 (yeol) – Ten
  11. 열하나 (yeolhana) – Eleven
  12. 열둘 (yeoldul) – Twelve
  13. 열셋 (yeolset) – Thirteen
  14. 열넷 (yeollet) – Fourteen
  15. 열다섯 (yeoldaseot) – Fifteen
  16. 열여섯 (yeoryeoseot) – Sixteen
  17. 열일곱 (yeorilgop) – Seventeen
  18. 열여덟 (yeoryeodeol) – Eighteen
  19. 열아홉 (yeorahop) – Nineteen
  20. 스물 (seumul) – Twenty

Which Korean numbers should I learn first?

We recommend learning Sino-Korean numbers first for two reasons. First, it is easier to learn. Sino-Korean number words are usually shorter than the Korean words for Native Korean numbers, so they’re easier to memorize.

Secondly, it is more practical. The Sino-Korean number system is used to tell dates, phone numbers, and addresses. It is also used for larger numbers, such as hundreds or thousands, which are essential words in Korean currency.

How to say the Korean numbers 1-20

Let’s learn how to say each number further with the help of the sample sentences below.

1 in Korean

하나 (hana) / 일 (il)

Native: 그녀는 사과 하나를 가지고 있어요. (Geunyeoneun sagwa hanareul gajigo isseoyo.)

She has one apple.

Sino: 일 층에 가주세요. (Il chunge gajuseyo.)

Please go to the first floor.

2 in Korean

둘 (dul) / 이 (i)

Native: 둘만 남았어요. (Dulman namasseoyo.)

Only two are left.

Sino: 이 달러예요. (I dalleoyeyo.)

It’s two dollars.

3 in Korean

셋 (set) / 삼 (sam)

Native: 셋이서 함께 갈까요? (Sesiseo hamkke galkkayo?)

Shall the three of us go together?

Sino: 삼 일 후에 봐요. (Sam il hue bwayo.)

See you in three days.

4 in Korean

넷 (net) / 사 (sa)

Native: 넷이서 게임을 했어요. (Nesisseo geimeul haesseoyo.)

Four of us played a game.

Sino: 사 층으로 가세요. (Sa cheungeuro gaseyo.)

Go to the fourth floor.

5 in Korean

다섯 (daseot) / 오 (o)

Native: 다섯 명이 왔어요. (Daseot myeongi wasseoyo.)

Five people came.

Sino: 오 분만 기다려 주세요. (O bunman gidaryeo juseyo.)

Please wait for five minutes.

6 in Korean

여섯 (yeoseot) / 육 (yuk)

Native: 여섯 시에 만나요. (Yeoseot sie mannayo.)

Let’s meet at six o’clock.

Sino: 육 번을 눌러주세요. (Yuk beoneul nulleojuseyo.)

Please press number six.

7 in Korean

일곱 (ilgop) / 칠 (chil)

Native: 일곱 개의 색이 있어요. (Ilgop gae-ui saek-i isseoyo.)

There are seven colors.

Sino: 칠은 행운의 번호예요. (Chireun haengunui beonhoyeyo.)

Seven is a lucky number.

8 in Korean

여덟 (yeodeol) / 팔 (pal)

Native: 여덟 살 때 학교에 갔어요. (Yeodeol sal ttae hakgyoe gasseoyo.)

I went to school when I was eight.

Sino: 팔 번 버스를 타세요. (Pal beon beoseureul taseyo.)

Please take the bus number 8.

9 in Korean

아홉 (ahop) / 구 (gu)

Native: 아홉 개를 샀어요. (Ahop gae-reul sasseoyo.)

I bought nine of them.

Sino: 구 층에 있어요. (Gu chunge isseoyo.) –

It’s on the ninth floor.

10 in Korean

열 (yeol) / 십 (ship)

Native: 열 사람이 왔어요. (Yeol sarami wasseoyo.) –

Ten people came.

Sino: 십 분만 더 기다려주세요. (Ship bunman deo gidaryeo juseyo.)

Please wait ten more minutes.

11 in Korean

열하나 (yeolhana) / 십일 (ship-il)

Native: 열하나의 별이 빛나고 있어요. (Yeolhanaui byeori bitnago isseoyo.) –

Eleven stars are shining.

Sino: 십일 월에 만나요. (Sibil wole mannayo.)

Let’s meet in November.

12 in Korean

열둘 (yeoldul) / 십이 (sip-i)

Native: 모두 합해서 열둘이요. (modu hapaeseo yeolduriyo.) –

It’s twelve in total.

Sino: 십이 월은 겨울이에요. (Sibi woleun gyeourieyo.)

December is winter.

13 in Korean

열셋 (yeolset) / 십삼 (sip-sam)

Native: 열셋까지 셀 수 있어요? (yeolsetkkaji sel su isseoyo?) –

Can you count to 13?

Sino: 십삼 일은 금요일이에요. (Sipsam ireun geumyoirieyo.)

The thirteenth is a Friday.

14 in Korean

열넷 (yeollet) / 십사 (sip-sa)

Native: 열넷은 너무 많아요. (yeolleseun neomu manayo)

Fourteen is too much.

Sino: 십사 호선을 타세요. (Sipsa hoseoneul taseyo.)

Take line fourteen.

15 in Korean

열다섯 (yeoldaseot) / 십오 (sip-o)

Native: 열다섯 권의 책을 읽었어요. (Yeoldaseot gwon-ui chaeg-eul ilgeosseoyo.) –

I read fifteen books.

Sino: 십오 분만 기다려 주세요. (Siboo bunman gidaryeo juseyo.)

Please wait for fifteen minutes.

16 in Korean

열여섯 (yeolyeoseot) / 십육 (sip-yuk)

Native: 열여섯 살 때 콘서트에 갔어요. (Yeolyeoseot sal ttae konseoteue gasseoyo.) –

I went to a concert at sixteen.

Sino: 십육 일에 시험이 있어요. (Sipyuk ire siheomi isseoyo.)

There’s an exam on the sixteenth.

17 in Korean

열일곱 (yeorilgop) / 십칠 (sip-chil)

Native: 열일곱 개의 선물을 받았어요. (Yeolilgop gae-ui seonmureul badassseoyo.) –

I received seventeen gifts.

Sino: 내가 묵을 방은 십칠 호예요. (naega mugeul bangeun sipchil hoyeyo.) –

The room I’ll be staying in is room 17.

18 in Korean

열여덟 (yeoryeodeol) / 십팔 (sip-pal)

Native: 열여덟 살 때 대학에 갔어요. (Yeolyeodeol sal ttae daehake gasseoyo.)

I went to college at eighteen.

Sino: 십팔 번 버스를 타세요. (Sippal beon beoseureul taseyo.)

Take bus number eighteen.

19 in Korean

열아홉 (yeorahop) / 십구 (sip-gu)

Native: 열아홉 살 때 해외여행을 갔어요. (Yeolahop sal ttae haewaeyeohaenge gasseoyo.)

I went on an overseas trip at nineteen.

Sino: 십구 일은 목요일이에요. (Sipgu ireun mogyoirieyo.)

The nineteenth is a Thursday.

20 in Korean

스물 (seumul) / 이십 (i-sip)

Native: 스물 다음은 스물 하나예요. (Seumul daeumeun seumul hanayeyo.)

After twenty, it’s twenty-one.

Sino: 이십 분 후에 만나요. (Isip bun hue mannayo.)

Let’s meet in twenty minutes.

Wrap Up

Counting in Korean isn’t as hard as it seems, right? Now, you know how to count up to 20 in the Korean language using the two Korean number systems. 잘했어요 (good job)!

If you want to start learning Korean numbers beyond 20, we will teach you all about it in this article.

The post Korean Numbers 1-20 – How to count up to twenty appeared first on 90 Day Korean.

Korean Courses – The Top 23 Online Language Programs

If you’re interested in learning Korean the right way, Korean courses are the way to go!

Below, we’ll cover the top 23 online language programs for learning Korean.

A boy using his laptop with books flying around him

These are the top courses we recommend for learning Korean online.

1. 90 Day Korean
2. Udemy
3. Mango Languages
4. Loecsen
5. Rocket Korean
6. Pimsleur Korean
7. Verbling
8. Coursera: First Step Korean
9. iTalki
10. Hills Learning
11. Glossika
12. Lingodeer
13. Learn Langs
14. My Language Connect
15. King Sejong Institute
16. Cyber University of Korea
17. KoreanClass101
18. Hanyang University’s Online Korean Course
19. FluentU
20. StoryLearning: Korean Uncovered
21. Quick Korean
22. How to Study Korean
23. Talk to Me in Korean

In this article, we will go over these courses in detail. Whether you are completely new to the Korean language, have already studied it before, or have self-studied by consuming Korean language media, you are likely to learn just the right course for you.

Let’s see, which one will you pick?

Online Korean Courses

Thanks to today’s digitalization era, learning new things has become more convenient. Learning the Korean language is no different! Ideally, we might all want to travel to the country where the language is spoken and attend Korean language classes there, but that is impossible for everyone.

That’s where learning a language online comes in. Using online resources for language learning is simply so convenient and versatile. You can easily listen to music, watch dramas or movies, read news clips, challenge yourself with digitalized flashcards, and, of course, choose from many online Korean courses to attend one or more.

And the absolute best part? It can all be done whenever is most convenient for you! Below, we have listed 23 stunning courses worth looking at right now to help you find your pick.

Top Online Korean Language Courses in 2023

In this section, we believe you will find the right Korean course – one or more! – to start or continue studying the language with.

1. 90 Day Korean

First of all, have you already checked out all of the resources our own site has to offer? Many start to learn Korean by going through Korean textbooks for learning. Thus, we have also answered that need by releasing our own Korean book, Learn to Read Korean in 60 Minutes, which can easily be added onto your Kindle and be taken with you anywhere you go. And the best part is that it’s completely free!

And what if you loved the content provided in our Korean book? Well, we’ve got far more than that to offer you! First of all, our blog is full of great material to use to support your studies.

Inner Circle Course

Once you’ve scoured through our free resources and would like to commit to more, we offer our own Korean online course as well! Our Inner Circle offers you the same content that you would be able to learn through Korean textbooks. However, the execution is rather different. Our class has a very similar vibe to a traditional classroom environment. You will also be able to receive personal coaching.

The classes and lessons focus on the essentials of your language learning journey, skipping over fillers. We’re also utilizing psychology and stories that make the lessons unforgettable – quite literally!

By signing up for our VIP program, in addition to the personal coaching, we will also offer you homework grading. Having to do homework for an online class may sound like a drag, but we believe it is a great way to learn immediately in practice what you’ve just been taught in class.

Overall, we have four modules available, each of them lasting 90 days. That’s a whole year’s worth of lessons! By the end of it all, you’ll know far more than just the basics of the language. In Module 3, we dive into things like Korean slang, and in Module 4, we focus on spoken communication.

2. Udemy

Udemy is an online academy of sorts that offers courses in many different areas of life, the Korean language being one among them. There are several different courses offered for Korean, some of which are more popular than others.

Many of these classes focus on learning spoken Korean, so while you’ll still learn the Korean alphabet, much of the vocabulary and grammar is taught through speaking communication concepts. Classes are available for both complete beginners and those with prior knowledge.

3. Mango Languages

Mango Languages is an app that offers language learning in more than 70 languages, including Korean. It will teach you full sentences to work with, and it will be great to practice your pronunciation with, for example. If you love to learn through repetition, it is an excellent resource.

However, there is not much available past the intermediate level, and there is no deep dive taken to understanding Korean grammar.

4. Loecsen

With Loecsen, you can get a quick run into the Korean language, and especially its essentials. There are 17 lessons overall that utilize word association to help you remember. There are even quizzes available so you can keep track of your learning.

This site is perfect for those who want to learn how to survive some everyday situations in Korea, such as placing a restaurant order. However, you’ll have to look elsewhere for more intense Korean classes.

5. Rocket Korean

Rocket Languages is a website that also offers lessons in multiple different languages, including Korean classes.

Their program is well-structured and will offer a clear path for progression. It also allows for skipping lessons if you are feeling like it. However, it is likely not recommended if you want to get a full foundation of the language.

Their instructional dialogues only cover the essentials, so very little time is spent on anything a student may consider filler. It covers listening, writing, reading, and speaking Korean starting from the very beginning of learning the language. However, unfortunately, the course may not yet offer classes reaching all the way to the more advanced levels of Korean.

6. Pimsleur Korean

Yet another site offering lessons in multiple different languages, including a Korean online course, is Pimsleur.

The classes at Pimsleur also emphasize lessons on spoken communication, and thus, the focus is on improving your speaking skills. The lessons are structured in detail, and the length is just long enough to offer you a proper lesson but not so long that you would lose focus.

However, unlike some other courses, you cannot customize the speed with which the lesson moves. And, while the classes all complement one another, they are largely audio-based. Thus, this might be a difficult class for a visual learner.

7. Verbling

With Verbling, you will sign up for a Korean online course with a personal teacher of your choice. You will work from a type of online classroom and have tools like flashcards, a calendar for your homework, and a system with which you can file all the lesson materials as you get them.

The lessons are well-structured, and finding a high-quality teacher shouldn’t be difficult. The focus is also more on long-term progression, so it is for someone who likes to commit to their studies. Also note that, unfortunately, not all of the teachers stick to the flashcards and materials provided by the site.

8. Coursera: First Step Korean

Unlike most other courses on this list, Coursera’s First Step Korean isn’t a full-stretch Korean online class. Instead, it is mostly an introduction to the language, comprising five lessons, each of which includes four units.

You will learn the basics of the language, and improve your Korean language skills such as reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills. It is offered through Yonsei University, a prestigious university in Seoul. In addition to English, it is available in seven other languages. Thus, it can offer a good foundation for many to continue their studies.

9. iTalki

Yet another site that offers language classes in numerous different languages is iTalki, with more than 300 teachers signed up to teach Korean. With these tutors, you can get private and personalized online lessons.

Before committing to any teacher, you may also try out multiple different ones by booking trial lessons with them. However, you will want to take note that these trial lessons are not free. Also, the content of the classes, as well as the price, depends entirely on the teacher.

But, on the good side, you can search for teachers based on what type of Korean they teach, for example, conversation practice, business Korean, test preparation, or Korean for kids.

10. Hills Learning

Based in New York, Hills Learning focuses on offering classes in various Asian languages, including Korean. They offer physical classes in their academy, but some can be taken online.

They offer several different classes from beginner to pre-intermediate level. Each course lasts for 8 weeks, with 1.5 hours worth of classes taught each week. Note that these classes are quite pricey, but their live classes are of top quality. It’s possible to take private classes, but they are also offered in small group settings.

11. Glossika

Glossika’s curriculum for Korean classes vastly differs from most others on this list. There are no textbooks in use, and grammar does not play a big part.

Instead, Glossika uses a rather unique method of teaching the Korean language one sentence at a time. And it does it so that you will repeat each sentence numerous times until it has been stuck in your head.

There are thousands of sentences available, with audio provided by native speakers. It promises teaching Korean language that gets you to speak Korean in a natural way.

12. Lingodeer

Lingodeer is a language app that offers lessons in Korean as well. Although it adds gamification to its lessons, it follows a well-structured path to learning.

In comparison to many other language apps, Lingodeer shines in a positive light, at least when it comes to lessons offered in Korean and other Asian languages. It will give you a solid foundation to start building your Korean language journey, with each lesson complementing the one before.

However, at least right now, it only offers lessons for beginners and perhaps intermediate-level learners.

13. Learn Langs

Learn Langs is a great course for those hoping to take a deep dive into the Korean alphabet specifically. It actually does not cover anything else besides the Hangul.

However, it offers six lesson units, each of which covers a different aspect of the alphabet. Taking this class will give you a strong understanding of Hangul, after which you can take other classes on this list to learn everything else about Korean.

14. My Language Connect

My Language Connect is another site offering private lessons in numerous languages, including Korean. On it, you will get assigned a private tutor with whom you will take classes via Zoom.

This Korean online course can be especially efficient if you are preparing to take TOPIK. However, you will need to commit and pay for at least 10 classes on this site.

15. King Sejong Institute

King Sejong Institute is especially renowned for its live classes. However, in the past couple of years, they’ve also begun adding more Korean online courses into their repertoire. There are also online resources you can use without officially signing up for a class.

Meanwhile, their classes typically last for at least a few weeks. The majority of the lesson content is created using the institute’s own textbooks. They also offer culture courses for those interested in learning more than just the language. However, while there is a lot of variety in course offerings, they may not always be available to sign up for.

16. Cyber University of Korea

Affiliated with the prestigious Korea University, Cyber University of Korea is a free resource for Korean classes. Their amount of content is rather comprehensive, and their YouTube channel, especially, is easy to navigate. However, it may prove to be difficult to navigate the website itself to find the lesson material.

17. KoreanClass101

With KoreanClass101, you will especially get trained on your listening comprehension. The audio-heavy lessons follow a style that is similar to a podcast. Lessons are offered to any level, from beginner to advanced, covering essential vocabulary and grammar.

At this time, it seems the majority of their content targets beginner-level learners. However, they are continuing to work on more lessons for higher-level learners. The lessons are also kept short and sweet, so you can include your Korean classes even on a busier day. The site also utilizes tools like flashcards to enhance your learning.

18. Hanyang University’s Online Korean Course

Over the course of 10 weeks, this Korean online course provided by Hanyang University promises to be an intensive journey into beginner-level Korean. It does, however, assume that you already know the Korean alphabet, so it won’t be appropriate for someone with zero knowledge of the language.

The lessons are taught in video format, using Hanyang University’s own Korean textbooks. Their on-site language program is considered among the best in Korea, so at least some of that should transfer onto their video lessons as well. The course focuses mainly on grammar, vocabulary, and expressions.

19. FluentU

FluentU offers classes in several languages but is perhaps most famous for its Korean online course. It creates language lessons through movie trailers, music videos, news, inspiring talks, and other unique content.

Basically, the vocabulary and grammar structures chosen for each class come from the video material picked. However, it aims to keep everything you learn in relation to everyday life.

In addition, FluentU also utilizes a lot of quizzes that will help you in memorizing what you’ve learned thus far. It can also be downloaded as an app if you prefer that over a website.

20. StoryLearning: Korean Uncovered

Coupled with a unique, creative name, Korean Uncovered by StoryLearning promises its students a comprehensive lesson guide to the Korean language.

Currently, it offers a course for beginners and another one for pre-intermediate level. The 20 modules in the beginner course have you following a story from start to finish. Each lesson will cover a part of that story, with a teacher breaking down the grammar introduced to you in it. The vocabulary in each part of the story will, of course, be taught to you as well.

You’ll also learn how to read and write Korean. You’ll be taught pronunciation as well, but this program is less focused on verbal communication.

21. Quick Korean

Quick Korean is offering Korean classes for free in a setting that reminds you of a traditional classroom, only online. There are four levels of classes offered, with the difficulty of them increasing with each level. There are also some additional Korean lectures, each lasting around three minutes, that serve to support your learning.

Unfortunately, there is no additional tutoring available. However, the program does promise you that once you have completed it, you should be ready to take on TOPIK.

22. How to Study Korean

How to Study Korean is a free resource that operates similarly to a Korean online course. Its lessons are divided into seven units, each of which contains 25 lessons in total.

There are also some quizzes and unit tests along the way, testing how much of their content you have retained. Each lesson teaches you grammar, as well as new vocabulary. Unfortunately, there is a little visual aspect to their lessons, but each new piece of vocabulary comes with an audio.

And, as long as you like to read, the grammar lessons are always written in detail. Additionally, it appears that the site admins are still working tirelessly to add more lessons to the site.

23. Talk to Me in Korean

Talk to Me in Korean is a resource offering lessons and courses that you can move through at your own pace. They cover beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, and you can even take a language-level test to figure out where you should start.

The lesson forms are mostly video and audio, though they also sell their own textbooks. Besides a structured curriculum, they offer you the option to choose singular video lessons depending on what you wish to learn at that moment.

Wrap Up

Hopefully, among these Korean courses, you can find one or more that you’ll take up studying with! Each of them is perfect for some kind of student. And, with a few put together, you can create your own customized and perfect learning journey into the Korean language!

The post Korean Courses – The Top 23 Online Language Programs appeared first on 90 Day Korean.

Yaksuam Hermitage – 약수암 (Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do)

Yaksuam Hermitage on the Haeinsa Temple Grounds in Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do.

Hermitage History

Yaksuam Hermitage is located on the Haeinsa Temple grounds in the foothills of Mt. Gayasan (1,433 m) in Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do. Yaksuam Hermitage was first founded in 1904 by the monk Seongju. Yaksuam Hermitage was later rebuilt in 1927. Currently, the hermitage is a home to nuns (비구니).

Hermitage Layout

You’ll make your way past large, mature trees, a high stone wall, and an auxiliary building, before coming to the entry gate at Yaksuam Hermitage. Stepping inside the main hermitage courtyard, you’ll find what almost looks to be the nuns’ dorms straight ahead of you; but instead, this is the Daeung-jeon Hall at Yaksuam Hermitage. There are other entrances to this multi-purpose building. These entrances are for the meditation hall and administrative offices at the hermitage. The central entrance is for the main hall. Housed inside this shrine hall is a slender statue of Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha) inside a glass enclosure with three tinier seated statues. Also housed inside the main hall are two older murals. One is dedicated to Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife), while the other mural is an older Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural).

To the left of the Daeung-jeon Hall are some nuns’ dorms, while to the right is the hermitage’s meditation centre. And next to the meditation centre, you’ll find the hermitage’s kitchen. It’s between the Daeung-jeon Hall and the hermitage kitchen that you’ll find a stone set of stairs. It’s up these that you’ll find the Samseong-gak Hall at Yaksuam Hermitage. The exterior walls to the shaman shrine hall are adorned with murals of the Bodhidharma, a collection of rabbits, and a pair of tigers. Stepping inside the Samseong-gak Hall, you’ll find a statue and painting inside a glass enclosure on the main altar dedicated to Chilseong (The Seven Stars). To the left and right of these central images, you’ll find two modern paintings dedicated to Dokseong (The Lonely Saint) and Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit).

A couple of other highlights you can look for at Yaksuam Hermitage, and if they’re open to you, is a beautiful painting dedicated to Jowang-shin (The Fireplace King Spirit) inside the fireplace area underneath the Daeung-jeon Hall. Another interesting highlight, and if you’re invited in by the very welcoming abbess at Yaksuam Hermitage, is the painting inside the meditation centre to the right of the Daeung-jeon Hall. While blackened by age, they have a beautiful painting dedicated to the Bodhidharma and Dazu Huike (487-593 A.D.). The painting illustrates the famed “Cutting Off His Arm,” where Dazu Huike cuts off his left arm to prove his resolve to the Bodhidharma. Rather interestingly, and similar to the story about the beheading of Ichadon (501-527 A.D.); whereas white blood pours forth from Ichadon’s neck, white blood pours forth from Dazu Huike’s left arm in this painting. I asked the abbess just how old the painting was. She couldn’t be anymore specific than a couple hundred years old. Also, I asked her where it was originally located, and this was unknown, as well. Either way, the darkened painting is beautiful, and it’s an inspiritational example on the main altar for the nuns’ at Yaksuam Hermitage to pray to during a meditation session.

How To Get There

To get to Yaksuam Hermitage, you’ll first need to get to Haeinsa Temple. From the Hapcheon Intercity Bus Terminal, you’ll need to board a bus bound for Haeinsa Temple. The bus ride is about 5,000 won. From where the bus lets you off at Haeinsa Temple, you’ll need to find the trail that leads up to Haeinsa Temple. The walk is about one kilometre, and the trail starts to the left of the Haeinsa Temple museum. Arriving at Haeinsa Temple, and standing next to the Iljumun Gate, you’ll need to head south of this entry gate for about 500 metres. From there, there’s a road that you’ll need to follow for an additional 200 metres. In total, and from the Iljumun Gate, the walk should take about 10 minutes, or 700 metres.

Overall Rating: 3/10

There’s not too much to see at Yaksuam Hermitage, but they’re very welcoming at this hermitage. The main altar inside the Daeung-jeon Hall is simple and nice. The other main higlights to this hermitage are the painting dedicated to Jowang-shin near the fireplace underneath the main hall, as well as the historic painting dedicated to both the Bodhidharma and Dazu Huike inside the meditation centre.

First approaching the hermitage grounds.
And passing through the entry gate.
The Daeung-jeon Hall at Yaksuam Hermitage.
The main altar inside the Daeung-jeon Hall.
Joined by this older Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural).
The view from the Samseong-gak Hall.
The Bodhidharma painting that adorns the exterior of shaman shrine hall.
Joined by this pair of tigers.
Inside the Samseong-gak Hall is this mural dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit).
And this Dokseong (The Lonely Saint) mural, as well.
Not the greatest picture of Jowang-shin because it was dark under the Daeung-jeon Hall and it’s behind a plate of glass.
And inside the meditation centre is this beautiful, old mural dedicated to the Bodhidharma and Dazu Huike.

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