As a Korean teacher, I sincerely hope that all my students find learning Korean both fun and fast. However, the reality is that language learning isn’t always easy. Sometimes it feels slow, tedious, or even frustrating. But here’s something important to remember: learning a language is a skill, just like learning to ride a bike. And like any skill, mastering it requires three essential things.
You Have to Fall Repeatedly
Is there anyone who learned to ride a bike without falling? Probably not—it’s almost impossible! The same principle applies to learning Korean. You must be willing to make mistakes over and over again.
Many of my students are naturally shy. I sometimes wonder if students who are drawn to the calmness of East Asian cultures are more introverted. These students often feel embarrassed when they make mistakes in Korean. I understand because I feel exactly the same when speaking a foreign language. Overthinking grammar and word choice can make speaking much harder than it needs to be.
When I have to use English with my students during Korean lessons, I sometimes get nervous about my imperfect English. But then I realized that native English speakers appreciate my effort rather than judging my mistakes. Once I understood that, speaking became much easier—and the same goes for you.
Even if your Korean is full of errors, don’t hold back! Koreans will admire your courage and effort. Just like you have to fall off a bike repeatedly before you can ride it smoothly, you must speak Korean and make mistakes to truly improve. Soon, you’ll start hearing this often:
"한국어 잘 하시네요!" (Wow, your Korean is really good!)
Learning Alone Isn’t Enough
Imagine sitting in a chair while your parents explain how to ride a bike. Would you become a great cyclist just by listening? Of course not! In the same way, you can't become fluent in Korean just by studying vocabulary or listening to lectures.
You need to practice actively. During lessons with a teacher, try to speak more than your teacher. If you have Korean friends, engage in language exchanges. Another excellent option is using the 'Podo Korean' app, where you can listen to native audio clips and repeat them out loud for effective speaking practice.
There’s a Time Gap Between Learning and Mastery
Even after you learn the basic technique for riding a bike, it still takes time to ride smoothly and confidently. The same is true for language. You might understand a grammar rule or memorize a phrase today, but it will take repetition, real-world use, and time to truly master it.
Be patient with yourself. Keep using what you learn again and again. Over time, you’ll develop your own natural Korean style, and your confidence will grow. Mastery isn’t achieved overnight—but it is absolutely achievable with consistent effort and the right mindset.
Language learning, like riding a bike, follows the same three truths: you have to fall repeatedly, you need active practice, and you must be patient through the process. If you apply these principles not only to Korean but also to other hobbies and skills, you’ll enjoy your learning journey—and your life—so much more!
