The 25 Best Korean YouTube Channels for Learners

Studying Korean doesn’t have to be all books and charts. You can even learn Korean with a fun, versatile resource like YouTube.

YouTube channels provide varied content for studying Korean where you can learn grammar, pronunciation and essential Korean phrases.

With some smart watching and studying, these 25 Korean YouTube channels can take your skills from complete beginner to advanced proficiency.

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Korean YouTube Channels for Beginners

1. Study Korean Together

Study Korean Together is a great place to start for new learners. Most of this channel’s videos focus on basic vocabulary, grammar rules and pronunciation to give you the foundations you need starting out.

The channel is run by a native English speaker who’s learning Korean, so the videos are catered directly to the needs and challenges of beginner learners from the perspective of someone who understands those difficulties.

And if you get distracted by too many visuals, this channel is definitely for you. The host rarely appears, so you can focus completely on the vocabulary and grammar rules shown on screen as she speaks.

2. Beeline Language

Beeline Language videos are unique in that most are quite short—you don’t need to worry about getting overwhelmed with long lists of vocabulary to memorize.

In fact, many of these videos are under five minutes long. If the Korean language seems daunting, these short videos can be a great opportunity to dabble in Korean learning without diving in full force.

The channel features multiple styles of video. Some videos don’t show the speakers, instead focusing on key vocabulary. Other videos do show the speakers, who come across as fun and friendly.

3. GO! Billy Korean

This channel is run by an American who has studied the language extensively. He has a degree in Korean, has lived in Korea and has studied the language for over a decade.

And as an American who learned the language from scratch, he brings an inspiring perspective for beginning learners.

The channel features an array of different videos covering grammar, vocabulary, culture and more. If you prefer more traditional classroom learning, this channel even features videos of classroom-style instruction.

4. 엠쌤Margarita

If you’re looking to embrace Korean culture while learning the language, look no further! Margarita covers various topics, including Korean travel, K-pop, beauty, K-drama, nail art and, of course, Korean language lessons.

Many of Margarita’s videos feature her chatting with friends or speaking directly to the camera. While many of these videos are in English, they often include useful Korean vocabulary.

However, if you want to focus more on the Korean language, Margarita’s “Weekly Korean” series is fantastic. Each video in the series focuses on a theme that’s appropriate for beginners.

5. Conversational Korean

Conversational Korean offers all the great material beginning learners need to get a solid foundation in the language. 

Videos cover grammar rules, sentence structure, conversation, thematic vocabulary and more. The videos range from complete beginner to nearly intermediate level.

The videos feature the host sharing information and vocabulary in a slow, soothing manner. You can watch your Korean skills gradually ascend as you enjoy the smooth tunes!

6. KoreanClass101

You may have heard of the popular KoreanClass101 online learning platform from Innovative Language or the famed Pod101 series. This is their YouTube channel, which offers high-quality learning material for free. 

The channel includes videos for learning to write the Korean alphabet, reading practice, grammar and vocabulary videos. You’ll also find lessons for specific situations like ordering at a restaurant. 

The videos are in a mix of Korean and English, and there are options for beginner, intermediate and advanced Korean learners.

7. Korean Patch

Korean Patch aims to clearly explain complex Korean learning concepts and provide useful tips for learning a new language, like how to set better goals. 

On this channel, you’ll learn from someone who’s been in your shoes, struggling to master the language. The host is an engaging teacher who’s passionate about helping other language learners. 

The channel offers an array of beginner-friendly material, including vocabulary and grammar. There are also some interviews with other Korean speakers and subtitled vlogs. 

8. Dinolingo

Dino Lingo may be designed for kids, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be an adult learner’s favorite tool.

This language learning program features cute, animated videos intended to teach kids languages. Dino Lingo is an ideal option if you’ve already learned a little Korean and are looking for easy listening practice.

The Korean in the videos uses basic vocabulary and is spoken slowly. Plus, the animations provide contextual clues to help you figure out things you don’t understand. The videos are also captioned in Hangul to allow you to read along.

9. Minji Teaches Korean

Minji Kim is a warm and friendly native speaker from Seoul. She’s been teaching Korean for 8 years and is passionate about helping language learners build their skills and confidence. 

You’ll find language lessons on vocabulary and grammar like “How to Conjugate Korean Verbs in Present Tense.” Or, if you’re the touristy type excited about your Korean trip, she can give you “30 Useful Korean Words for Tourists.”

Tune in for live-streamed lessons to feel like you’re in a classroom with students from all over the world! Or check out the past lessons that have already finished streaming for excellent learning.

10. Korean From Zero!

From the people who brought you the book series, “Korean From Zero!” comes this YouTube channel of the same name.

George never pretends to know everything about Korean. He’s written three books but he’s still learning, unafraid to ask questions of his co-host. JiYoon is always ready to help George untie linguistic knots.

George and JiYoon’s banter makes for some of the most insightful lessons in Korean. With these two, you’ll learn things like “Famous Phrases in Korean,” “Same Word, Different Meaning,” and even “Korean Misconceptions.”

11. Kebikids

The Kebikids YouTube channel and website are developed by one of the leading Korean cyber-education sites for children.

Fun and highly interactive, you’ll find animated videos about songs, stories, science and lifestyles that are suitable for beginner to intermediate students.

Videos follow the adventures of Toto, including his routine and lifestyle, and other characters like his friend 뽀롱이 (Porong), a green creature.

Intermediate Korean YouTube Channels

12. Seemile Korean

Seemile’s videos vary from classroom-style instruction to on-location adventures. The channel also features a number of different hosts.

But regardless of the material, the videos tend to come across as personal and really informative without being uptight.

The channel offers useful learning videos on topics like pronunciation, reading, listening and conversation, as well as some videos on location that teach intermediate-level vocabulary and show you authentic interactions.

13. Pinkfong

The YouTube channel of Korean learning site Pinkfong features hundreds of colorful video animations, including songs and stories focused on language learning for beginner to intermediate learners.

New videos are uploaded all the time and include Korean subtitles, allowing you to practice reading in Hangul and verify new vocabulary.

Whether you’re a child or a kid at heart, you’ll be charmed by Pinkfong’s happy, imaginative videos. Backed by a simple storyline and superb graphics, it won’t be too long before you’ll find yourself humming to some of their songs.

14. Easy Languages

Ready to listen at full speed? Easy Languages offers a fun, authentic approach to language education with on-the-street interviews. Lucky for you, they have a Korean playlist with over 20 great videos shot on location.

These videos feature authentic Korean in use while covering cultural topics that will help intermediate Korean students understand the culture in more depth.

While the videos are in Korean, don’t be too worried if your skills aren’t quite advanced enough yet. Each video is captioned in both Korean and English to allow you to read along.

15. Talk To Me In Korean

Talk To Me In Korean is a Korean lesson service that offers books, e-books, audio courses and video courses for purchase, along with their free YouTube channel.

The video presentation style is generally calm and friendly. The “Learn Korean with Subtitles” series and street interviews will give you some extra reading and listening practice.

Talk To Me In Korean’s videos cover vocabulary, reading, learning techniques, common mistakes and more. For intermediate students, there are even special video lessons.

16. MasterTOPIK

MasterTOPIK is an online service that helps prepare students for the TOPIK exam, a Korean proficiency test for non-native speakers. Their YouTube channel provides viewers with free learning material.

Even if you have no intention of taking the test, using test prep materials can help you improve your Korean skills. MasterTOPIK’s YouTube channel offers practice tests, vocabulary, grammar and more.

Many of their videos are entirely in Korean and spoken fairly quickly, so it’s likely to make for some good listening practice for intermediate and advanced learners alike.

17. Korean Englishman

With over six million subscribers, this is a super popular channel brought to you by two young English men, Josh and Ollie. They’re known for introducing English speakers to South Korean food and culture. 

The duo makes videos in Korean and English and often feature celebrity guests. Their videos are highly entertaining and feature authentic speech so you can pick up words and phrases that are actually used in real life.

Their Korean videos are subtitled in Korean and English, so while they speak quickly, intermediate learners can follow along and practice their listening and reading skills simultaneously. 

18. The World of Dave

The World of Dave is the YouTube channel of an American living in Korea. Most of the videos are entirely in Korean and feature many of his friends from around the world, giving you an idea of how accents can vary.

The YouTube channel features chats, vlogs, cultural and pronunciation comparisons, comedy videos and more. Videos are captioned in both Korean and English, allowing you to read along as you see fit.

Even if you’re not quite advanced yet, you might try watching a few videos to see how much you can understand.

19. PONY Makeup

If you’re into make-up or beauty and you’re learning Korean, I recommend you subscribe to this channel. It’s run by Pony Park, a well-known South Korean make-up artist and blogger. 

She shares plenty of make-up tutorials and GRWM (get ready with me) videos, conveniently captioned in Korean and English. 

Watching Pony’s videos will help you learn vocabulary related to beauty products and getting ready, two topics that probably aren’t covered very thoroughly in most Korean textbooks or other resources. 

Advanced Korean YouTube Channels

20. Heechulism

Heechulism is a YouTube channel that follows the adventures of Heechul Yoon, an avid traveler. This channel is a great opportunity for advanced students to put all they’ve learned to the test!

Some videos are in English, others are in Korean and still others feature a mixture of the two. Videos cover Yoon’s travels along with relevant Korean topics.

And don’t worry about being in over your head—many videos are captioned in English, Korean or both.

21. Korean Classic Film

Here you’ll find some classics of Korean cinema and examples of the most engaging storytelling in film.

This channel will help you learn the language while you witness how Korean movies have evolved through the decades. It’s an engaging way to practice your listening comprehension skills.

It will also give you common ground with native Korean speakers. Get to know the movies they’ve been watching for years, and you’ll have plenty to talk about in Korean conversations!

22. SBS Culture

The Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) YouTube channel is a goldmine for fresh, culturally enriching videos about Korea today.

Intermediate learners will particularly like that these are authentic extracts from videos that were actually broadcasted on SBS, offering you a glimpse into Korean culture while saving you considerable viewing time.

You’ll find multiple playlists dedicated to animals, so if you’re a big animal fan you might want to give this channel a follow! 

23. tvN DRAMA

Korean dramas have captivated the world and hold incredible benefits for Korean language learners. K-dramas give you tons of material to digest at a slower pace than most movies. 

For a given series, I advise that you watch the whole thing, from start to finish, with very little language learning in mind. Just watch it like you would any other series.

Then, go back and re-watch your favorite scenes and episodes while focusing on the accents, the language and anything you may have missed the first time around. Listen for repeated terms or common expressions.

24. EBS Documentary

On their highly popular YouTube channel, Korea’s Educational Broadcasting System (EBS) publishes high-quality videos that are perfect for upper intermediate to advanced learners looking for in-depth content.

Entirely in Korean, videos are often accompanied by Korean text and subtitles as is customary on Korean TV, which makes them more interactive and easy to follow. 

From customs to food, lifestyle to entertainment, science to politics, the list of themes featured in these videos is endless and will more than satisfy your thirst for knowledge!

25. YTN News

If you’re looking for upper intermediate to advanced authentic Korean content, the Yes! Top News (YTN) YouTube channel will not disappoint.

This is your go-to YouTube channel to stay in touch with Korea today. It features topical short videos on subjects including politics, economics, global news and Korean society, 

New clips are added daily, so you’ll never run out of content!

How to Learn Korean with YouTube Channels

Take notes as you watch

As you’re watching, jot down notes like vocabulary words or grammar rules. With your notes, you can go over what you’ve learned without having to re-watch the whole video.

Writing notes helps you solidify new words and grammar rules in your mind. It focuses you and helps you notice things you otherwise wouldn’t. If you’re confused by anything, you can use your notes to look it up or review it later.

You can also practice writing in Korean as you watch. YouTube videos can help you memorize characters and even show you stroke order, but the key to good learning is to actually practice!

Re-watch videos multiple times

Watching a video multiple times can help you learn the material even better. Repetition can help you memorize words, perfect pronunciation or even just remember key grammar rules.

When you find an especially engaging or effective Korean channel, stick with it. Repeat a few of its videos as many times as possible, but still watch actively so that you’re reinforcing and retaining the concepts in the video.

It’s best to re-watch clips with a specific purpose in mind to get the most out of every video. Maybe you want to try watching with and without subtitles, or maybe you’ll focus on pronunciation first and on sentence structure next. 

Watch content that you genuinely like

If you’re used to old-school studying, you probably think you need to suffer through class to get results. But studying a language is considerably more effective if you’re actually enjoying yourself and keeping your brain engaged.

How to do this? By treating yourself to videos that you actually like. Look for content that discusses your interests or satisfies your curiosity about aspects of Korean culture.

If you’re interested in Korean culture, look for videos about Korean food, customs and history. If you love politics and diplomacy, try news clips about the Korean peninsula.

Try different types of videos

YouTube videos are short and varied, so they can maximize your exposure to a variety of situations. Try to step out of your comfort zone and experiment with videos you wouldn’t traditionally go for.

Watching videos covering diverse subjects and from different sources will help you challenge yourself and accumulate new vocabulary and expressions.

This is also a good strategy to familiarize yourself with the honorifics system of the Korean language. News clips, for example, are more formal than vlogs and use polite speech that you might use to do business with Korean partners.

Get help turning YouTube videos into Korean lessons

There are near-infinite options for YouTube videos to watch in Korean. But it can be hard to find the right material for your skill level and to extract lessons from it, especially when you’re using videos that aren’t made for language learners.

This issue is magnified by the fact that not all YouTube channels have reliable subtitles. If you’d like a more guided YouTube learning experience, a video-based language learning program like FluentU can help streamline the process.

Adjust your video speed

Is the person in the video talking so fast it makes the Korean sound like Japanese? You can always adjust the video speed in the “Settings” section of the videos.

Slow down the video a bit to follow along more easily. Better yet, listen to the pronunciations at different speeds. Start from .25x, then move up to .5x, and finally, return to the “normal” video speed.

This way, you have a better idea of how the Korean words are actually pronounced. However, keep in mind that slowing videos down does change the sound of the audio a bit.

Ask questions in the comments

One of the big things that sets YouTube apart from other Korean learning websites is that it’s interactive, allowing you to ask any nagging questions you may have.

If you’re watching a video and don’t understand something, just scroll down to the comments section. Someone else may have already had the same question, so the answer may be waiting for you.

If not, don’t hesitate to post. You might get a reply from the channel’s host or another viewer. If your question is compelling enough, the channel may even post a video addressing the question. Bonus points if you write in Hangul!

 

There’s a lot to discover on YouTube that will help you in your Korean learning journey.

This list of channels contains more than enough video content to get you started toward gaining a deeper understanding of the Korean language and culture.

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)