Want to learn Korean without spending a peso? You're in the right place. This comprehensive guide compiles the best free resources, proven study methods, and a step-by-step plan specifically designed for Filipino learners.
📥 Download Free Study Plan PDFWhy Korean is Perfect for Filipino Learners
As a Filipino, you have unique advantages when learning Korean:
- Hangul is simple: Only 24 letters, can learn in 2 hours
- Similar sentence structure: Subject-Object-Verb (like Tagalog in many cases)
- Shared cultural values: Respect for elders, family-oriented (makes context easier)
- Growing opportunities: Work, study, and cultural exchange with Korea
Top 10 Free Korean Learning Resources
1. Duolingo Korean
AppBeginnerBest for: Complete beginners who want gamified learning
Why Filipinos love it: Bite-sized lessons (5-10 minutes), works offline, teaches Hangul systematically
Cost: Free (ads), Premium ₱749/month optional
2. Talk To Me In Korean (TTMIK)
WebsiteAll LevelsBest for: Structured learning from beginner to advanced
Why Filipinos love it: Free lessons (Level 1-10), podcast format for commuters, clear explanations in English
Cost: Free lessons + paid workbooks (optional)
3. How to Study Korean
WebsiteBeginner-IntermediateBest for: Understanding grammar deeply
Why Filipinos love it: Completely free, detailed grammar explanations, 150+ lessons
Cost: 100% Free
4. 90 Day Korean
WebsiteBeginnerBest for: Quick conversational Korean
Why Filipinos love it: Free mini-course, focus on practical phrases, fast results
Cost: Free trial + paid courses
5. Memrise Korean
AppBeginner-IntermediateBest for: Vocabulary building
Why Filipinos love it: Spaced repetition system, video clips from native speakers, community courses
Cost: Free version available
6. HelloTalk
AppAll LevelsBest for: Speaking practice with Koreans
Why Filipinos love it: Free language exchange, make Korean friends, voice/text chat, translation built-in
Cost: Free
7. Korean Class 101
Website/AppAll LevelsBest for: Audio lessons for commuters
Why Filipinos love it: Free account includes basic lessons, downloadable MP3s
Cost: Free trial (first 3 lessons)
8. YouTube: Learn Korean with GO Billy
YouTubeBeginner-IntermediateBest for: Video learners
Why Filipinos love it: Clear accent, beginner-friendly, covers grammar and culture
Cost: Free
9. Sejong Korean (King Sejong Institute)
WebsiteAll LevelsBest for: Official Korean government curriculum
Why Filipinos love it: Trusted source, proper structure, free e-books
Cost: Free
10. Anki Korean Decks
AppAll LevelsBest for: Serious vocabulary building
Why Filipinos love it: Proven memorization system, customize your own deck, offline study
Cost: Free (Android), $25 one-time (iOS)
Your 30-Day Korean Learning Plan
Here's a realistic study schedule for busy Filipinos (1 hour per day):
📅 Week 1: Master Hangul (Korean Alphabet)
Days 1-2: Learn basic consonants and vowels (Duolingo + TTMIK)
Days 3-4: Practice reading simple words (HelloTalk for practice)
Days 5-7: Write Hangul by hand, read Korean signs/menus
Goal: Read any Hangul text (even if you don't understand it)
📅 Week 2: Basic Greetings & Phrases
Daily: 20 min Duolingo + 20 min TTMIK Level 1 + 20 min HelloTalk practice
Learn: Hello, thank you, sorry, yes/no, basic questions
Practice: Greet 5 Koreans on HelloTalk daily
Goal: Hold 2-minute basic conversation
📅 Week 3: Essential Grammar Foundations
Daily: 30 min How to Study Korean + 30 min practice exercises
Topics: Subject markers (은/는, 이/가), basic verb conjugation
Vocabulary: Learn 10 new words daily (Memrise or Anki)
Goal: Make simple sentences about yourself
📅 Week 4: Real Conversations
Daily: 15 min review + 45 min active conversation on HelloTalk
Practice: Talk about daily life, food, hobbies
Watch: Korean variety shows with subtitles (15 min daily)
Goal: 10-minute conversation with language partner
Study Tips That Work for Filipinos
1. Use Your English Skills
Most quality Korean resources are in English. Your English proficiency as a Filipino gives you access to better materials than learners from other Asian countries.
2. Connect Language to K-Culture
Love K-dramas? Watch with Korean subtitles. Like K-pop? Read lyrics in Hangul. Your existing interest makes learning 10x easier and more fun.
3. Find Study Buddies
Join the 136K+ PinoySeoul community or EPS-TOPIK Online group. Filipinos help Filipinos—you'll find study partners, motivation, and free tutoring.
4. Set Clear Goals
Are you learning for:
- 🎯 EPS-TOPIK exam (to work in Korea)?
- 🎓 TOPIK test (for university)?
- 🎭 K-drama without subtitles?
- 💼 Business communication?
Different goals need different approaches. Define yours first.
5. Consistency Over Intensity
30 minutes daily beats 5 hours on Saturday. Your brain needs regular exposure to build language pathways.
🎁 Download Your Free Korean Study Plan
Get our proven 90-day study schedule designed specifically for Filipino learners. Includes daily lesson plans, resource links, and progress tracker.
Download Free Plan PDFNext Steps After 30 Days
Once you complete the first month:
Continue Learning (Months 2-6)
- Follow TTMIK through Level 5 (intermediate)
- Join Korean Cultural Center free classes (if in Manila)
- Watch Korean variety shows (Running Man, Knowing Bros)
- Read children's books in Korean
- Set HelloTalk to 80% Korean, 20% English
Consider Taking TOPIK
The Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) is the official Korean language exam. Levels 1-2 are achievable after 6 months of consistent study.
Why take it? Required for Korean university, some jobs, and proves your level officially.
Join PinoySeoul's EPS-TOPIK Community
Planning to work in Korea? Our 136K+ member group helps Filipinos prepare for the EPS-TOPIK exam (Employment Permit System). Free study resources, live sessions, and success stories from actual Filipino workers in Korea.
📻 Study Korean While Listening to Music
Tune into Pinoy Seoul Radio—we play K-pop, K-drama OSTs, and OPM 24/7. Perfect background while studying!
🎵 Listen Now 👥 Join CommunityFrequently Asked Questions
Can I really learn Korean for free?
Yes! All 10 resources listed above offer free content that can take you from zero to intermediate level. Paid resources exist, but they're optional.
How long until I'm fluent?
Realistic timeline for Filipinos:
- Basic conversation: 3-6 months (1 hr/day)
- Intermediate: 1-2 years
- Fluent: 3-5 years with immersion
Is Korean harder than English?
Different, not necessarily harder. Hangul is actually easier than English spelling. Grammar is logical and consistent (unlike English!). The challenge is vocabulary and formality levels.
Should I learn Korean or focus on English?
Both! Korean opens doors to work, study, and business in Korea (huge market for Filipinos). English remains essential. Many Filipinos successfully maintain both.
Do I need to take classes?
Not required. Many Filipinos reach conversational level using only free online resources. Classes help with structure and speaking practice, but self-study works if you're disciplined.
Ready to Start Your Korean Journey?
Join 180,000+ Filipinos learning Korean with PinoySeoul
📥 Join EPS-TOPIK Online CommunityNo credit card required. Instant access.
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