Integrated Korean: A Comprehensive Review

Korean language learners, whether self-taught or in a classroom setting, often encounter the challenge of finding comprehensive, high-quality learning materials. One such resource that has gained popularity among students and teachers alike is "Integrated Korean."

What is Integrated Korean?

Integrated Korean is a popular textbook series used to teach the Korean language. It is published by the University of Hawaii Press and was created by the Korean Language Education and Research Center at Seoul National University. The series consists of ten textbooks and workbooks, starting from beginner-level (Level 1) and progressing to advanced-level (Level 10). The textbooks cover various language skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening, and are designed for use in the classroom or for self-study.

Is Integrated Korean Good?

Many students and teachers have praised the quality and effectiveness of Integrated Korean. Here are five things users like about the product:

1. Comprehensive Coverage: Integrated Korean covers a wide range of language skills and topics, making it an ideal resource for comprehensive learning.
2. Engaging Materials: The textbook and workbook are designed with attractive and engaging materials, including images, maps, and cultural notes, to keep learners interested and motivated.
3. Clear Explanations: The explanations in Integrated Korean are concise, clear, and easy to understand, making it accessible to students of all levels.
4. Well-structured: The series is well-structured, starting with the basics and gradually building up to more complex topics, which makes it an ideal resource for language learners at all levels.
5. Affordable: Compared to other Korean language learning materials, Integrated Korean is relatively affordable, making it accessible to a wide range of learners.

While Integrated Korean is generally well-liked by users, there are some aspects that users do not like. Here are three things that users do not like about the product:

1. Limited Audio Resources: Although the textbook comes with an audio CD, the audio resources are limited and may not be enough for some learners.
2. No Online Resources: Integrated Korean does not have an accompanying online resource, making it difficult for learners who are not in a classroom setting to access additional materials.
3. Heavy Workload: The workload required by Integrated Korean can be overwhelming for some learners, especially those who are new to the language.

How a Frequency Dictionary Complements Integrated Korean

For those who are looking to maximize the effectiveness of their Korean language studies, a frequency dictionary can be an excellent complement to Integrated Korean. A frequency dictionary is a resource that lists the most commonly used words in a language, along with their meanings and pronunciation. Using a frequency dictionary can help learners focus their efforts on the most useful vocabulary, allowing them to learn Korean more efficiently. Additionally, a frequency dictionary can provide a reference for learners when they encounter new words, making it easier for them to understand and remember new vocabulary.

In conclusion, Integrated Korean is an excellent resource for Korean language learners. Its comprehensive coverage, engaging materials, clear explanations, well-structured design, and affordability make it a popular choice among students and teachers. However, some users may find its limited audio resources, lack of online resources, and heavy workload to be challenges. To maximize the effectiveness of their studies, learners may consider complementing Integrated Korean with a frequency dictionary.