Best Free Apps to Learn Korean (2026 Review for Filipino Learners)

When you decide to learn Korean, the first thing most of us do is search the App Store. But you're instantly hit with dozens of choices:...

When you decide to learn Korean, the first thing most of us do is search the App Store. But you're instantly hit with dozens of choices: Duolingo, LingoDeer, Memrise, Eggbun, Drops... which one is actually good?

As part of our [A Beginner's Complete Guide to Learning Korean], we tested them for you.

Here’s the truth: Your "why" determines your app. The best app for a future EPS-TOPIK taker is different from the best app for a K-Drama fan.

Here is our 2026 review of the best free apps for Filipino learners, based on your specific goals.

The Quick Breakdown: Best App For...

• Best for Grammar & Structure: LingoDeer

• Best for Speaking & Confidence: Teuida

• Best for Vocabulary & Pronunciation: Memrise

• Best for Dictionaries & Translation: Naver Dictionary & Papago

• Best for Habit-Forming (but not fluency): Duolingo

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1. Best for Grammar: LingoDeer

If you are a serious beginner, download LingoDeer. While other apps gamify learning, LingoDeer teaches.

It was designed specifically for East Asian languages (Korean, Japanese, Chinese), so it doesn't just "bolt on" Korean to a system made for Spanish. It has detailed grammar notes, clear explanations for things like verb conjugation and politeness levels, and a structured curriculum. Its Hangeul lessons are also fantastic.

• Pros: Excellent grammar explanations. Structured, logical lessons. High-quality audio.

• Cons: The free version is a "freemium" model; you'll get locked out of most lessons and will need to pay to continue.

• Verdict: Use the free lessons to build a strong foundation, especially for Hangeul and basic grammar. It's far superior to Duolingo for Korean.

2. Best for Speaking: Teuida

This app is a game-changer. Teuida's entire concept is to get you speaking from day one.

Instead of just matching words, you are dropped into first-person POV (point-of-view) video scenarios. You might be ordering coffee in a Seoul cafe, checking into a hotel, or even in a mini-drama with K-Pop stars (like Nancy from Momoland). You have to actually speak your lines, and the app's AI grades your pronunciation.

• Pros: Builds speaking confidence immediately. Focuses on real-world, practical conversations. It's fun and immersive.

• Cons: Not a grammar app. You won't learn why you are saying something, just what to say.

• Verdict: This is the perfect supplemental app. Use it alongside a grammar resource to practice what you're learning.

3. Best for Vocabulary: Memrise

Memrise is a powerful and fun flashcard system. Its best feature is "Learn with Locals"—it shows you short video clips of real native Koreans saying the word or phrase. This is incredibly helpful for hearing an authentic accent and pronunciation, not a robotic text-to-speech voice.

It uses a "spaced repetition" system to make sure new words stick in your long-term memory.

• Pros: Excellent for building vocabulary. Native speaker videos are a huge plus.

• Cons: Very light on grammar. It's a vocab app, not a full course.

• Verdict: The best app for "dead time." Use it for 10 minutes on the bus or in line to drill new words.

4. The Essential Tools: Naver Dictionary & Papago

These aren't "learning apps" in the same way, but they are 100% essential.

• Naver Dictionary: This is the #1 dictionary used by Koreans and professional translators. It gives detailed definitions, example sentences, and usage. When you're serious, you "graduate" to this from Google Translate.

• Papago (by Naver): This is Naver's translation app. It is far more accurate for Korean-to-English (and vice-versa) than Google Translate because it understands Korean nuance and context better.

• Verdict: Download both. You will use them every single day.

5. What About... Duolingo?

So, what about the green owl? For Korean, Duolingo is not recommended for serious learners.

While it's great for building a 5-minute-a-day habit, its Korean course is known for having weak (or non-existent) grammar explanations, unnatural sentences, and a robotic voice. Many learners get frustrated and quit because they feel like they are just guessing.

• Verdict: It's okay for 1-2 weeks to see if you like learning, but if you are serious, switch to LingoDeer (for grammar) or Memrise (for vocab) immediately.

• Read our comparison: [Korean Language Schools vs. Free Apps: What's Worth It?]

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