Best Youtube Channels To Learn Korean (from Beginners to Advanced learners)

If you’re a Korean language learner like me, you’ve probably heard that immersing yourself in Korean content is key to improving your listening skills. Luckily, we live in an era where you can find so much of this content on YouTube. But here’s the thing—while it sounds simple, it can actually feel a bit overwhelming. What kind of content should you watch? KDramas? Korean Podcasts? Korean Grammar-based lessons? Just thinking about it can be a little stressful, right? Don’t worry—I’ve been there too. That’s why I’ve compiled some of my favorite YouTube channels for each level, and I’ll share my secret tips on how to use this amazing tool effectively.

Why Learn Korean on YouTube?

Before diving into the list, let’s talk about why YouTube is such a fantastic resource for learning Korean:

1. Free and Accessible: Most YouTube channels are free to watch, making it an affordable option for learners on a budget.
2. Visual and Auditory Learning: Videos combine visual cues, subtitles, and audio, which helps reinforce learning.
3. Diverse Content: From grammar lessons to K-pop lyrics breakdowns, YouTube offers a wide variety of content to keep you engaged.
4. Native Speakers: Many channels are run by native Korean speakers or experienced language teachers, ensuring authentic and accurate content.
5. Flexibility: You can learn at your own pace, rewatch videos, and choose content that matches your interests.

Now, let’s explore some of the best YouTube channels to learn Korean!

YouTube Channels for Beginners

If you’re just starting out, your focus should be on building a strong foundation in basic vocabulary and grammar. Channels like Talk To Me In Korean are perfect because they provide English explanations, so you don’t feel completely lost. If you’re up for a challenge, you can also try watching short YouTube dramas—just make sure the episodes are under 15 minutes. Stick to simple school dramas or relationship genres, as they tend to use easier vocabulary that’s great for beginners.

1. Talk To Me In Korean (TTMIK)

• Why It’s Great: Talk To Me In Korean is one of the most well-known resources for learning Korean, and their YouTube channel is no exception. They offer bite-sized lessons on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, often accompanied by fun and engaging hosts.
• What to Expect: Short, easy-to-follow lessons, cultural insights, and occasional guest appearances by popular Korean celebrities.

2. KoreanClass101

• Why It’s Great: KoreanClass101 offers a mix of free and premium content, with a focus on practical language skills. Their YouTube channel features lessons on grammar, phrases, and cultural tips, often presented in a lively and entertaining way.
• What to Expect: Themed lessons (e.g., “10 Phrases to Use at a Korean Restaurant”), listening practice, and downloadable resources.

3. Go! Billy Korean

• Why It’s Great: Run by Billy, an American who learned Korean to fluency, this channel is perfect for English speakers. Billy’s teaching style is clear, relatable, and often humorous, making complex topics easier to understand.
• What to Expect: Grammar explanations, common mistakes, and tips for self-study.

4. Miss Vicky

• Why It’s Great: Miss Vicky is a Korean teacher who creates clear and concise lessons for beginners. Her videos often include English explanations, making them accessible to non-Korean speakers.
• What to Expect: Grammar tutorials, pronunciation guides, and beginner-friendly content.

5. Playlist Global

Playlist Global

Why It’s Great: Playlist Global offers short, beginner-friendly K-dramas that are perfect for learning everyday Korean. The episodes are under 15 minutes, making them easy to watch and rewatch, and the simple vocabulary focuses on relatable topics like school and relationships.
What to Expect: Lighthearted dramas, English subtitles, and practical vocabulary for beginners.
Recommended dramas: Love playlist, Ending again, Growing Season, Let me Off the Earth

How to Study Korean with YouTube (For Beginners)

Here’s my step-by-step method for beginners:

Take Notes: Write down the episode you studied and add a genre tag to it (trust me, this will save you so much time later when you’re reviewing). Every time you jot down a new word or expression, include the timestamp too.

Watch Without English Subtitles First: Start by watching the video with Korean subtitles and no English subtitles. Focus on the intonation, body language, expressions, and the context of the scene. Try to guess what’s happening and note down any words or phrases that sound familiar.

Rewatch with English Subtitles: After your first watch, go back and watch it again with English subtitles. Check if your assumptions were correct. If there’s a word or phrase that sparks your interest—or something you feel like you could actually use in a conversation—write it down.

• Pro Tip: Even if you’re just noting a single word, write down the full sentence it’s used in. Korean has a lot of words with similar meanings, so learning them in context is crucial. Plus, your brain is more likely to remember it that way.

Use Your Notes as a Guide: Your notes will help you understand the kind of vocabulary and expressions used in that specific context. (See how the genre tagging comes in handy now?)

Practice in Fake Scenarios: Finally, take those expressions and pretend you’re using them in a conversation. Imagine you’re talking to someone and practice saying those words and phrases out loud.

YouTube Channels for Intermediate to Advanced Learners

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to challenge yourself with more advanced content. For intermediate to advanced learners, the focus shifts to improving fluency, understanding native-level content, and preparing for proficiency tests like TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean). Here are some excellent YouTube channels tailored for higher-level learners:

1. WABOOM TOPIK

• Why It’s Great: Wabom Korean specializes in TOPIK preparation, offering detailed explanations of past exam questions, tips for acing the test, and strategies for improving your reading, writing, and listening skills.
• What to Expect: TOPIK practice questions, grammar breakdowns, and study tips.
• Recommended Video: TOPIK II Writing Practice.

2. TOPIK Study (TOPIK and Grammar)

• Why It’s Great: This channel is dedicated to helping learners prepare for the TOPIK exam. It covers advanced grammar points, vocabulary, and writing techniques essential for TOPIK II.
• What to Expect: Grammar lessons, writing templates, and mock tests.
• Recommended Video: “TOPIK II Writing Section Tips and Tricks.”

3. Namuori Korean

• Their podcast-style videos are perfect for intermediate learners. These podcasts cover a wide range of topics, from current events to Korean culture, all in natural, conversational Korean.
• What to Expect: Listening practice, cultural insights, and advanced vocabulary.
• Recommended Video: “TTMIK Podcast – Advanced Korean Conversation.”

4. Yes Korean TOPIK (Especially Writing)

• Why It’s Great: This channel is a goldmine for TOPIK II writing preparation. It provides detailed guidance on how to structure essays, use advanced vocabulary, and avoid common mistakes. You can also find great videos explaining grammar and idioms that you might see on the test
• What to Expect: Writing tutorials, sample essays, and feedback on common errors.

5. YTN, MBC News, and SBS News

• Why It’s Great: Watching news channels like YTN, MBC News, and SBS News is an excellent way to improve your listening skills and stay updated on current events in Korea. The language used in news broadcasts is formal and clear, making it ideal for advanced learners.
• What to Expect: News reports, interviews, and documentaries.
• Recommended Video: “YTN News – Latest Headlines in Korean.”

6. 어피컷 Tube (Movie Summaries in Korean)

• Why It’s Great: This channel provides summaries of popular movies in Korean, making it a fun way to practice listening and learn new vocabulary. The host speaks clearly and uses engaging visuals to explain the plot.
• What to Expect: Movie summaries, cultural commentary, and vocabulary lists.
• Recommended Video: “Summary of ‘Parasite’ in Korean.”

7. 우주하마 (Game Content)

• Why It’s Great: If you’re a gamer, 우주하마’s channel is a fantastic way to learn Korean while enjoying gameplay videos. The casual, conversational style is great for picking up informal language and slang.
• What to Expect: Gameplay commentary, humor, and casual Korean

8. 수탉 (Game Content)

• Why It’s Great: Similar to 우주하마, 수탉’s channel focuses on gaming but with a different style and personality. It’s a great way to expose yourself to different speaking styles and vocabulary.

How to Study Korean with YouTube (For Intermediate to Advanced Learners)

If you’re at an intermediate or advanced level, you’ve probably noticed that finding content tailored to your level can be tricky. Sure, you can search for anything on YouTube now that you have some foundational knowledge, but how do you actually improve and take your Korean to the next level? Here’s what I’ve found helpful:

Set Clear Goals

First, ask yourself what you’re trying to achieve. Are you preparing for a job interview in Korea? Are you aiming for a higher TOPIK score? Do you want to have more natural conversations with native speakers? Or are you just trying to enjoy Korean content more fluently? Your goals will determine the kind of content you should focus on.

• Job Interviews: Search for vlogs by Korean nationals about job hunting or interview tips. You’ll pick up the kind of expressions and formal language used in professional settings.
• Graduate Degree: If you’re planning to study in Korea, find content related to your major. Take notes on recurring vocabulary and grammar used in that field.
• TOPIK Preparation: Focus on channels that specialize in TOPIK questions, especially for writing, reading, and listening. TOPIK is a very structured test, so the more you practice, the more you’ll recognize patterns and find ways to solve questions quickly. News channels are also great for this, as they’ll help you with the more advanced questions in levels 5 and 6.
• Casual Fluency: If you’re just aiming to sound more natural, find content related to your hobbies. Love makeup? Watch Korean makeup tutorials. Into gaming? Find Korean gamers playing your favorite games. I also recommend variety shows, reality shows, or problem-solving shows. Koreans often upload clips from these programs on YouTube, so take advantage of that. If you like multitasking, play these videos in the background while you do chores and try to repeat what the contestants are saying. You’ll be surprised how much you can pick up passively!

Watch Movie Reviews and Summaries: If you’re a movie buff, there are channels that summarize both Korean and foreign films in Korean. It’s a great way to enjoy movies while studying the language. Just search for “영화리뷰 결말포함” (movie reviews with spoilers) if you want the full story.

Speaking of movies, I have to mention Lingopie. It’s an awesome tool for learning Korean in context through TV shows, movies, and you might even find some YouTube videos. They’ve also developed a Google extension that lets you learn with Netflix and Disney. It’s a fantastic way to combine entertainment with language learning.

FAQs About Learning Korean with YouTube

1. Which YouTube channel is best for learning Korean language?

It depends on your level! For beginners, Talk To Me In Korean and KoreanClass101 are fantastic. Intermediate learners might enjoy Wabom Korean for TOPIK prep or Korean Unnie for fun, engaging content. Advanced learners can dive into YTN News or 어피컷 Tube for native-level listening practice. Don’t forget to check out Lingopie for learning Korean through TV shows and movies!

2. Can I really learn Korean by myself?

Absolutely! With resources like YouTube, apps, and platforms like Lingopie, self-studying Korean is totally doable. The key is consistency, setting clear goals, and immersing yourself in Korean content daily. Combine structured lessons with fun activities like watching dramas or listening to K-pop to keep it engaging.

3. What is the popular Korean YouTube channel?

For language learners, Talk To Me In Korean and Go! Billy Korean are hugely popular. If you’re looking for native content, channels like 우주하마 (gaming) or 영화리뷰 결말포함 (movie reviews) are great for advanced learners. For a mix of learning and entertainment, Lingopie is also a fantastic option.

4. Which is the best platform to learn Korean?

YouTube is a great free platform, but for a more structured approach, try Lingopie. It combines language learning with TV shows, movies, and even YouTube videos, making it perfect for immersive learning. Other options include Talk To Me In Korean for lessons and Duolingo for daily practice.

5. What do Korean people watch on YouTube?

Koreans love a variety of content, from gaming channels like 우주하마 to movie reviews like 영화리뷰 결말포함. Variety shows, vlogs, and makeup tutorials are also super popular. If you’re learning Korean, watching these can help you pick up slang and casual expressions. For a curated learning experience, Lingopie is a great way to enjoy native content while improving your skills.

Final Key Tips to Keep in Mind

1. Set Clear Goals: The possibilities are endless, but your time isn’t. Focus on what matters most to you.
2. Make It Part of Your Routine: The more you expose yourself to Korean content—and actively use what you learn—the faster you’ll improve.
3. Make It Fun: Find creative ways to study so that learning Korean doesn’t feel like a chore. Enjoy the process! I’ve found that when I truly enjoy what I’m learning, I’m more motivated to keep going. Life is already full of challenges—let’s make language learning our happy place.

So, whether you’re just starting out or you’re already on your way to fluency, YouTube is an incredible resource. With the right channels and a bit of strategy, you’ll be amazed at how much you can improve. Happy studying, and 화이팅! (Hwaiting!)