Beginner
1.National Institute of Korean Language (‘바른소리’)
This website is an online resource for individuals wishing to learn the correct pronunciation of terms in elementary Korean: words, vowels, consonants, sound change, intonation. Male and female voices for declarative sentences are provided for individuals to listen online, learn and model.
Intermediate
The Ollybolly Online Picture Book project uses animated videos (usually ~3-5 minutes) to present traditional and contemporary Korean stories through animation, especially focusing on using animation as a way to reach the younger generation. The goal is to promote cross cultural exchange through animation. While the animated videos are in English, the underlying themes, message and stories originate from Korean culture.
This website provides online lectures not only for Korean language, but also other languages including English, Japanese, French, German, and etc. To access video lectures, you need to sign up to be a paid member. Free resources include learning the alphabet, basic vocabulary, and simple conversation techniques.
Sogang Korean Program offers online resources for learning Korean. Modules include: “Understanding South Korea,” “Introductory Korean,” “Novice Korean I-III,” and “Intermediate Korean I-III.” Each module has further sub-modules, including self-introductions, cooking lessons, and a syllabus for each sub-module. The website requires Flash plugin.
4.Seoul National University Online Korean learning
Similar to the online learning program offered by Sogang University, this website is an online Korean language learning site produced by Korean Language Education Center, Seoul National University. There are 20 basic units, beginning with ”Hangeul 1” and ending with more complex conversational skills.
Public Examination
1.한국어능력시험(TOPIK) Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK)
This is the official website of Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK), supervised by the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation. This website provides information for foreigners and overseas Koreans about the test. By signing up as a member, you can register online for the TOPIK test and check your own scores. It also has online resources, including detailed schedules for future TOPIK tests, a bulletin board, and past test questions.
Korean Culture
1.Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation
This website presents information concerning Korean traditional culture to domestic and foreign tourists, including Korean art performances, traditional crafts, traditional food, traditional culture experiences, and cultural heritage education.
This website is maintained by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, affiliated organizations, as well as public and private organizations active in Korean culture. The aim of this website is to serve the public by providing information concerning recent development in art, culture, tourism, sports, library, and architecture.
3.Imagine your Korea (‘대한민국 구석구석’ ‘Every corner of Korea’)
Created by the Korea Tourism Organization, this website provides information related to travel to Korea, including food, shopping, transportation, “Hallyu” culture, guide to local Autumn Festivals, trips outside Seoul, and so on. Most of the content on the website is available for free and is also available in a number of languages, including English, Japanese, and Chinese.
4.The Understanding Korea Project
As a part of the Academy of Korean Studies, and operated by the Center for International Affairs, this website provides international support for Korean studies, as well as textbook resources for people to deepen their engagement and understanding in Korean culture.