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If you’re looking to learn Korean from home, you are in the right place! 🌟 Today, there are many great websites where you can study Korean — whether you’re learning Hangul, speaking basic phrases, or preparing for the **TOPIK** test. Here are my **TOP 5 best Korean learning websites** you should know about.
Talk To Me In Korean is one of the most popular Korean learning websites in the world — and for good reason!
Recommended for: Beginners and self-learners who want fun, structured lessons.
https://www.howtostudykorean.com
How To Study Korean offers one of the most detailed **grammar-focused** learning programs online. It’s perfect for students who want to understand Korean deeply.
Recommended for: Learners who want to master Korean grammar step by step.
https://www.koreanclass101.com
KoreanClass101 provides thousands of video and audio lessons you can access on both desktop and mobile.
Recommended for: Learners who like flexible, on-the-go study options.
Sogang University is famous for its focus on **speaking and natural communication**. Their online Korean program is excellent for conversation-focused learning.
Recommended for: Learners who want to improve speaking skills with authentic Korean.
If you are preparing for the official **TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean)**, this website is a must-visit!
Recommended for: Learners who want to pass the TOPIK I or II test.
| Website | Best For |
|---|---|
| Talk To Me In Korean | Fun structured lessons (all levels) |
| How To Study Korean | In-depth grammar & vocab |
| KoreanClass101 | Listening & speaking practice |
| Sogang Korean Program | Speaking & real-life dialogues |
| TOPIK Guide | TOPIK test preparation |
Today, learning Korean online is easier than ever! Whether you are a beginner or preparing for TOPIK, the websites above offer excellent resources to help you improve.
Pro tip: Combine 2-3 resources for the best learning experience.
👉 Which Korean website do you use? Do you have other favorites?
Chuseok (추석), often referred to as “Korean Thanksgiving,” is one of the most important and cherished traditional holidays in South Korea. Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month — typically in September or early October — it’s a time for honoring ancestors, sharing food, and gathering with family.
The word “Chuseok” literally means "Autumn Eve." The holiday dates back over 2,000 years to the Silla dynasty (57 BC – 935 AD). One theory suggests that Chuseok began as a weaving competition called Gabae (가배), where women competed in weaving, and the losing team would treat the winning team to a feast. Over time, it evolved into a harvest festival to thank ancestors for a bountiful year.
Songpyeon (송편) is perhaps the most iconic Chuseok food. These colorful rice cakes are steamed over pine needles, giving them a unique scent. It is said that if a young woman makes beautifully shaped songpyeon, she will have a beautiful child in the future!
Chuseok follows the lunar calendar. Here are the upcoming dates:
| Year | Chuseok Date | Holiday Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 6 | October 5–7 |
| 2026 | September 25 | September 24–26 |
As family structures evolve, many modern Koreans now choose to travel abroad or rest at home during Chuseok. Yet the spirit of gratitude and togetherness remains at the heart of the holiday.
Whether you are living in Korea or just learning about its culture, Chuseok is a beautiful reminder of the importance of family, tradition, and the changing of seasons. If you ever get the chance, celebrating Chuseok in Korea is an unforgettable experience!
Have you ever tried 송편 or joined a 강강술래 dance under the full moon?
Pepero Day (빼빼로데이) is a modern Korean celebration observed on November 11 each year. On this day, people exchange Pepero — thin, chocolate-covered biscuit sticks — as a symbol of affection, friendship, and even love.
Pepero Day is celebrated on 11/11 because the date resembles four Pepero sticks (| | | |). The symmetry and cuteness of the date made it perfect for a snack-themed holiday, and it quickly became popular among students and young couples.
Pepero (빼빼로) is a snack produced by Lotte — a major Korean confectionery company. It’s similar to Japan’s Pocky, but with more variety in flavors and presentation. Some popular flavors include:
Celebrating Pepero Day is simple but heartwarming:
While Pepero Day is beloved by many, critics call it a “commercial holiday” similar to Valentine’s Day. It’s true — Lotte’s sales skyrocket in November, and convenience stores overflow with Pepero gift packs. But for many Koreans, it’s more about fun and connection than consumerism.
While Valentine’s Day is more about men receiving gifts in Korea, Pepero Day is considered more mutual. Friends, classmates, coworkers — anyone can exchange Pepero sticks with one another regardless of romantic intention.
Whether you’re in Korea or just learning about its fun traditions, Pepero Day is a delightful way to share sweetness and smiles. So next November 11, why not join in the fun and give someone a Pepero?
Have you ever received (or given) Pepero? What flavor would you choose? 🍓🍫🌰
Seollal (설날), or Korean Lunar New Year, is one of the biggest and most meaningful holidays in Korea. It marks the first day of the lunar calendar and is a time for families to gather, honor ancestors, and welcome the new year with hopes for happiness and good fortune.
The term Seollal comes from the word "seol (설)," meaning "new," and "nal (날)," meaning "day." The exact origins are unclear, but the tradition of celebrating the lunar new year goes back centuries, influenced by ancient agricultural society rituals and Confucian practices. It is a time to pay respect to ancestors and elders while celebrating new beginnings.
Tteokguk (떡국) is the signature dish of Seollal. It’s a clear broth soup with soft, chewy sliced rice cakes and often includes egg garnish, seaweed, and beef. Eating a bowl of tteokguk on New Year's Day symbolizes gaining a year in age — you can’t become a year older without it!
Seollal follows the lunar calendar and usually falls in late January or early February. Here are the upcoming dates:
| Year | Seollal Date | Holiday Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 29 | January 28–30 |
| 2026 | February 17 | February 16–18 |
While many families still follow traditional customs, modern celebrations often blend old and new. Some families choose to travel abroad or enjoy more simplified home ceremonies. Nevertheless, Seollal remains a deeply cherished holiday for reconnecting with family and welcoming the new year.
Seollal offers a beautiful glimpse into Korean culture — a time of respect, family ties, and new beginnings. Whether you're in Korea or learning about Korean culture from afar, understanding Seollal enriches your appreciation of the country’s values and traditions. 새해 복 많이 받으세요! (Wishing you lots of luck in the new year!)
Have you ever tried 떡국 or played 윷놀이 with friends or family?
Hangul Day (한글날), also known as Korean Alphabet Day, is a national holiday in South Korea that celebrates the creation of Hangul — the unique Korean writing system. Observed every year on October 9, it honors the ingenuity and cultural importance of this beautiful and scientific script.
Hangul was created in 1443 by King Sejong the Great and his scholars during the Joseon Dynasty. Before Hangul, most Koreans used classical Chinese characters (Hanja), which were difficult for common people to learn. King Sejong wanted a simple and accessible writing system so that everyone could read and write.
Hangul was officially proclaimed in 1446 as Hunminjeongeum (훈민정음), meaning "the correct sounds for the instruction of the people." Today, Hangul is praised as one of the most logical and scientific alphabets in the world.
Hangul consists of 14 basic consonants and 10 vowels. Its design is based on the shapes of the mouth and tongue when producing sounds. It is simple enough for anyone to learn in just a few hours, yet versatile enough to represent all Korean sounds accurately.
Hangul Day is celebrated annually in South Korea on October 9. In North Korea, a similar holiday called "Chosun-gul Day" is observed on January 15.
| Year | Hangul Day |
|---|---|
| 2025 | October 9 |
| 2026 | October 9 |
Today, Hangul is not only a source of national pride but also a symbol of accessibility and innovation. Many Koreans feel a deep cultural connection to their script, and Hangul continues to inspire artists, designers, and language learners worldwide.
Hangul Day is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the beauty and brilliance of the Korean writing system. If you're learning Korean, take a moment on October 9 to celebrate Hangul — the key that unlocks the richness of Korean language and culture!
Have you ever practiced writing 한글 by hand? What’s your favorite Korean word in Hangul?
Dano Festival (단오), also known as Surit-nal (수릿날), is one of Korea’s oldest traditional holidays. Celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month (usually in June), Dano marks the arrival of summer and is a time to wish for good health, happiness, and a bountiful harvest.
The word “Dano” comes from Chinese characters meaning "the first fifth," referring to the 5th day of the 5th month. Dano has been celebrated in Korea since the ancient Goguryeo period (37 BC–668 AD). It was originally a shamanistic ritual to drive away evil spirits and protect against disease as the hot summer approached.
Over time, Dano became a joyful festival of outdoor games, beauty rituals, and traditional food.
On Dano, people enjoy special foods to cool down and stay healthy:
Dano follows the lunar calendar. Here are the upcoming dates:
| Year | Dano Date | Holiday Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 5 | 1 day (June 5) |
| 2026 | June 24 | 1 day (June 24) |
While Dano is not a public holiday in modern Korea, many regions, especially Gangneung, still hold large festivals. Younger generations enjoy Dano as a cultural event, filled with performances, food, and fun games.
Dano Festival (단오) is a fascinating blend of ancient wisdom and modern fun. Whether you're tasting surichitteok, watching a thrilling ssireum match, or making herbal hair rinses, Dano offers a refreshing glimpse into Korea’s deep respect for nature, health, and tradition.
Would you like to try swinging high in the sky or making your own herbal hair rinse for Dano?
Kimjang (김장) is the traditional Korean practice of preparing and preserving large quantities of kimchi before the winter season. More than just food preparation, Kimjang is an important cultural event that brings families, neighbors, and communities together.
In the past, fresh vegetables were scarce during Korea’s harsh winters. To survive, Koreans developed ways to preserve vegetables by fermenting them with spices. This led to the birth of kimchi — Korea’s beloved fermented side dish.
Kimjang refers to the communal process of making kimchi in late autumn (usually in November), just before winter sets in. It’s a time to stock up enough kimchi to last through the cold months — sometimes hundreds of cabbages are prepared!
Kimchi (김치) is Korea’s iconic fermented side dish made from vegetables, seasonings, and spices. While napa cabbage kimchi is the most famous, there are over 100 different varieties, including radish kimchi (깍두기) and cucumber kimchi (오이김치).
Kimjang usually takes place in late November, before winter fully arrives. The exact timing depends on the region and weather conditions.
| Year | Typical Kimjang Period |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Mid to Late November |
| 2026 | Mid to Late November |
While traditional Kimjang is still practiced, some modern families buy kimchi from markets or use kimchi refrigerators for easy storage. However, many people still value the communal spirit of Kimjang and take part in it whenever they can.
Kimjang is a beautiful Korean tradition where food, culture, and community come together. If you ever get the chance to participate in Kimjang, don’t miss it — you’ll experience the warmth of Korean hospitality and the delicious joy of homemade kimchi!
Have you ever tasted freshly made kimchi?
Buddha’s Birthday (부처님 오신 날), meaning "the day when Buddha came," is a joyful and colorful holiday celebrated throughout Korea. Held on the 8th day of the 4th month of the lunar calendar (usually in May), it honors the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism.
Buddha’s Birthday has been observed in Korea for over a thousand years. Buddhism was introduced to Korea during the Three Kingdoms period (4th century AD), and it became a major part of Korean culture and spirituality.
The holiday celebrates the Buddha’s teachings of compassion, wisdom, and peace. In Korea, it is also called 석가탄신일 (Seokga Tansinil), which means "the birthday of Shakyamuni Buddha."
The lotus lantern (연등) is the most iconic symbol of Buddha’s Birthday in Korea. The lotus flower represents purity and spiritual awakening, as it rises clean and beautiful from muddy water. Lighting a lantern is believed to bring light to one’s heart and mind.
Since it follows the lunar calendar, the date of 부처님 오신 날 changes each year. Here are the upcoming dates:
| Year | Buddha’s Birthday Date | Holiday Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 5 | 1 day (May 5) |
| 2026 | May 24 | 1 day (May 24) |
While South Korea is a modern and largely secular country today, Buddha’s Birthday is still a meaningful cultural celebration. Many people, regardless of religion, enjoy the beautiful lantern displays and the peaceful spirit of the holiday.
Buddha’s Birthday (부처님 오신 날) is a time of beauty, light, and reflection in Korea. Whether visiting a temple, watching a lantern parade, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, this holiday offers a wonderful glimpse into Korea’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Have you ever visited Korea during Buddha’s Birthday or made your own lotus lantern?
