I have gotten a series of messages from people asking me if they need to learn Korean before coming to live in Korea. You might be wondering the same thing if you are thinking about making the fantastic decision to move to Korea one day. Is it essential to study Korean in order to survive in Korea? Can you get by on a day-to-day basis without knowing a language that is undoubtedly very difficult to learn and so different from my native language? Read on to find out!
Introduction
Before living in Korea, I didnโt know the Korean language. I survived well enough without it for my first few months, and I think you can too.
So, is it absolutely necessary to study Korean in order to live in Korea? My answer would be no.
After some years of living in Korea and seeing many other expatriates surviving despite their inability to carry a conversation in the local language, Iโve come to this conclusion.
You can survive in Korea without knowing the language, but in order to thrive, you need to learn Korean.
Why learning korean is advisable.
When you reside in Korea, learning Korean will undoubtedly open numerous doors for you. It will enrich your social life, increase your work chances, and assist you in various everyday circumstances.
If you wish to reside in Korea, you should at the very least know hangul (the Korean alphabet). The ability to read words in hangul has been a lifesaver on many occasions, even if you donโt know the meaning. Plus, a few essential Korean words and survival phrases are a must to be able to live your life comfortably. It is hard to reside In Korea and not learn some basic phrases to aid your day-to-day activities like reading the signboards, restaurant menu, and subway directions.
If you want to learn Korean, I recommend starting with the alphabet and then moving to grammar and vocabulary.
While there are many reasons why you donโt need to learn Korean to live in Korea, there are also many occasions in which you will need to speak Korean or have a very helpful Korean friend at your side.
I moved here in 2015 and spent a year learning the Korean language and I donโt regret it. It has allowed me to continue living here in comfort. Since then, I have lived in Korea for more than 6 years and have learned enough Korean to work with Koreans and have conversations with them. As a whole, learning Korean has done nothing but help me and bring me positive experiences.
You Can Survive Without Korean
In the short term, you can survive using Papago. It translates well enough in simple, everyday situations. If youโre not sure how to say something in Korean, you can just type it into the app. Then, show it to the person you are speaking with. As a tourist or ex-pat, this app can save you a lot of stress.
To read about the best Korean translation apps, Click Here
In Korea, you will find some signs with English words making it easy for you to read and identify locations.
Although Koreansโ English level varies, you will find some Koreans who can speak English quite well. Many Koreans donโt feel comfortable speaking English. However, they normally learn English in school so most people can understand simple phrases.
For essential services, you can normally find locations with English services. There are hospitals that offer English translation services as well as police stations and banking services.
When You Need Korean
While many essential services are offered in Korean, they can be extra expensive and not the best quality. If you end up in a very serious situation, the translation services may not do justice in conveying the problems you are having and it may be difficult to get the help you need. For example, if you are in a situation where you need to call the police or report a case, knowing how to communicate in Korea could save you a lot of stress.
Even in places that provide English services, legal documents and contracts are usually in Korean. In places such as the bank, your work, the immigration office, or at school you will be in situations where you have to fill out and sign documents in Korean. Signing the wrong thing can put you in some very sticky situations. Signing documents is perhaps the most important situation where Korean skills come in handy.
In conclusion, you can survive in Korea without knowing Korean. However, there is a very big chance that your lack of Korean skills will land you in some very uncomfortable situations. If you want to not just survive โ but thrive in Korea, then learning Korean is a must!
