20+ Best Korean Podcasts to learn Korean (Updated 2024)

Whether you are a K-drama lover or traveling to Korea, one thing common between both of them is learning Korean. Well, I started learning it just for the love of K-dramas. Even after knowing the basics, it was still hard for me to understand what they were saying in the dialogues. Maybe it was because I didn’t know how the native people talk. This was the time I included podcasts in my journey. Believe me, it was the best thing I did to learn Korean. However, it took a lot of my time to decide which podcast I should choose.

I really don’t want you to face such a problem. Thus, I will be sharing some Korean podcasts to learn Korean easily. Surely, you will enjoy them a lot.

List of Korean Podcasts to learn Korean

Podcasts are a great way to develop basic knowledge by just listening to the people. Even learning a new language has become easy with them. As I love K-dramas, I wanted to learn Korean, and I did that by adding podcasts to my journey. Here are some podcasts that become a part of my journey-

1. Talk to me in Korean (Beginners)

(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Offical Website, Soundcloud)

It’s a fun podcast with a new topic each week. The host kept me engaged with the content by giving humorous sentences. There was a lot of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. All the complex concepts were broken down into small pieces. Each episode of it is divided into three levels-

• Beginners
• Intermediate 
• Advanced

The starting two levels will have English as well as Korean explanations. However, in the final section, you will hear the podcast in Korean only. This is the best way to develop Korean listening skills. The thing I liked most, was that it provided additional material like workbooks and textbooks.

2. KoreanClasses101

(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Offical Website, Soundcloud)

Have you checked my Japanese podcast and Italian podcast list? There were some common series in both of them. One of them was the Pod101 series. KoreanClasses101 is by the same team as Pod101. This platform requires a subscription plan which starts at $8/month. This is a website that is wholly created to learn Korean. There are not only podcasts but also video lessons of 15 minutes each. You can either use its website or the app.

3. Choisusu’s Korean Podcasts

(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Podbean)

Want to develop the Korean Vocabulary or grammatical rules? If so, just have a look at Choisusu’s podcast. The episodes are developed for beginner and advanced-level learners. I enjoyed this podcast because it properly labels the episode level. If the episode is for beginners, you will see it in the name of the episode. The free transcript makes it a more worthy podcast.

4. Pimsleur

(Available: Offical Website)

You may know that Pimsleur is not a podcast but a platform that teaches a new language through audio lessons. These audio lessons are like podcasts that I enjoy listening to. The reason behind it is the platform does not focus more on writing or reading skills. It is a perfect choice for those who can not take out time to study the language.

5. Essential Korean 

(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Offical Website)

It is a podcast that gives high-quality content in the form of episodes. I don’t think there is a better way to learn a new language than learning it through an actual teacher. The host, Kay, is an experienced tutor who uses practical scenarios to practice the language. There are a lot of tips on how to practice effectively. Additionally, there is a quiz to check how much you have learned in the episode. However, I really feel sad about the fact that the last episode was released in November 2023. But the 54 episodes of this podcast make it a great choice to start as a beginner. It also provides a transcript if you buy the premium membership.

6. Let’s learn Korean

(Available: Offical Website)

Don’t know the basics? Don’t worry. I got you a podcast website that will make you learn that too freely. There are two parts to this podcast series-

• Let’s learn Korean I
• Let’s learn Korean II

Both the parts are further divided into different sections. If I talk about Let’s Learn Korean I, there are three parts-

• Understanding the Korean language – Teaching basic vocabulary
• Upon arrival in Korea – Teaches how to have basic conversations, what to say when reaching the airport, currency change, etc.
• Living in Korea – It covers the conversations that happen after arriving in Korea. Some examples are inviting people to a birthday party, booking hotels, etc.

The second part has multiple lessons in it. Each lesson has its own vocabulary list and dialogues. I have never seen a podcast website that does such an amazing job. Another advantage of this website is the availability of a base language. I have been using podcasts for a long time when I want to learn a new language. Trust me, I had never encountered one that provided multiple options for the base language. All of them were in English. This is the only podcast, I saw having the options of French, Spanish, German, and other languages as the base language.

7. Namuori Korean

(Available: Youtube, Spotify)

Note: The last episode was released on 6th October 2023. 

It has not launched its new episode since October 2023 but can be an effective way to learn the basics. There are only 11 episodes covering essential phrases, authentic sentences, and even some intermediate-level Korean. Of Course, 11 episodes are not enough to learn Korean properly, but it can be a great way to start. Additionally, there is a Duck character that keeps you engaged with the lessons. When I was listening to the podcast I could focus on it due to this approach. There is also a transcript, but you have to purchase it. 

8. Storytime in Korean

(Available: Youtube, Spotify, Offical Website)

Bored with that traditional way of studying grammar and vocabulary? I have also faced this situation. So I was looking for a podcast that I could enjoy thoroughly. Eventually, I landed on the “Storytime in Korean ” podcast. It was one such podcast that focused on learning the language by giving some interesting stories. Remember when we were kids? Stories were the thing that excited us the most. This is exactly the same concept. The host, Hailey, has so many interesting stories that I listen to them with full interest. Also, the fact that there are a lot of fun games, makes it more interactive. 

9. Tayoni

(Available: Youtube, Podbean)

If you have reached the intermediate level, don’t miss Tayoni’s podcast channel. It could be a perfect way to develop your listening skills. The podcast covers her daily life. Of Course, if you don’t watch daily vlogging, it might be boring for you. But the reason I suggested this is the way she talks. The pace is quite slow and comfortable. As she covers her daily life, there is a lot of cultural knowledge in it. 

10. Hangugeo con AngDuck 

(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Patreon, Podbean)

According to the podcast, it is developed for people who want to learn the basics. Honestly, I didn’t feel the same. The way it was created, I don’t find it like they are teaching the listeners. Undoubtedly, there were the basic topics covered in the podcast like Food, music, etc. But they cover the conversations that can happen between the intermediate learners. However, the episodes are shorter and can be completed within less time. 

11. Survival Phrases podcast

(Available: Offical Website)

Update: It is not an active podcast

Traveling to Korea and don’t know the basics? In such a case, it is important to understand the common phrases. Each episode focuses on a unique topic. Here are a few of them-

• Vocabulary words
• Greetings
• Directions
• National Holidays

Not only this, when you sign up on the website, you can select the learning level. As I was an intermediate learner when I used it, I chose the intermediate level. Not even a single episode was boring. In fact, everything was based on real-world context. However, the only thing that I think was lacking was the availability of the transcripts.

12. Sponge Mind 

(Available: Apple, Spotify, Offical Website, Soundcloud)

What if there is a podcast that has both the English and Korean translations? Where would you categorize it? At the beginner level? Generally, it happens. But this is the only podcast that provides the English translation even at the intermediate level. I genuinely believe there is a simple logic behind it, i.e. the subject matter. Even when a person is at the intermediate level, it is tough for him/her to understand what is going on. By providing the English translation, it made it easy for me to understand what is the subject matter of the podcast. 

13. The Dark Side of Seoul Podcast

(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Offical Website, Patreon)

What is your interest in movies? Horror? If yes, I am sure you will love this podcast. It involves everything related to horror, from ghost tales to real crime stories. In fact, some episodes cover the dark side of Korea. There are instances of why Korea is known for its darkest history. Remember the show Games of Thrones? It is exactly like that. There are scoops from its massacres, betrayals, and blood. I’m sure, it will become an addiction to you from the day you listen to its first story. However, wait till you get to the advanced level to enjoy it fully.

14. Sparkling Korean 

(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Offical Website, Patreon, PlayerFM, Soundcloud, Podbean)

There are only 50 episodes in this podcast but each of them discusses different topics. Some topics included times, dates, seasons, weather, etc. The content is not for the beginners. However, the way the host speaks is so slow that an intermediate can easily understand it. 

15. Twinkling Korean podcast  

(Available: Apple, Youtube, Podtail, LuminaryPodcast)

Another podcast that covers conversations between English and Korean speakers. However, most of the episodes are created in Korean only. Most podcasts are upon medical cures converting a lot of expressions and vocabulary. Despite having English Speakers, it is again for the intermediate learners. There is also a downloadable script. Earlier it was available on different platforms, but currently is only on the Apple podcast app.  

16. Kingka Podcast – K-Drama and Language Learning 

(Available: Apple, Spotify, Offical Website, Podbean)

I started learning Korean because of K-Drama. Was your reason also the same? If yes, here is an amazing platform having a hub of K-drama podcasts. There are so many reviews for different Kdramas on this platform. However, this platform is only for advanced learners. When I was at the advanced level, I took full advantage of it. As I love watching Romantic shows, I checked the reviews of some such shows. There was one show, Decision to Leave. I literally watched it after listening to the review from the platform. Additionally, some k-drama-based stories are created in the form of podcasts. I enjoyed them also.

17. Learn Korean with Hoya

(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify, Offical Website, Patreon, PlayerFM, Soundcloud, Podbean)

It is a podcast YouTube channel that covers a wide range of topics in Korean. At present, there are more than 50 videos. Each video is based on different situations and topics. Some videos were based on regular conversations, whereas, others included Korean phrases and vocabularies. Although I have not checked this channel, one of my friends used it while she was learning Korean. The review was so positive about this channel. It is basically designed for beginners who can learn phrases from it.

18. 뭐말영 (뭐라도 말해보자 영어로) / SSE (Speak Something in Korean and English)

(Available: Apple, Spotify, PodTail)

It is another podcast that may look like it was created for beginners but it is not. This podcast works in a manner where the texts and the content are translated into Korean or English. In this podcast, there is a translation of popular tales like Little Red Riding Hood or Cinderella. It would not be wrong, if I say some translations are not up to the mark. But if your ultimate goal is to practice Korean, go for this podcast. It also has full transcripts available in the description making it easy to understand what is going on. 

19. 몰입한국어 / Immersion in Korean

(Available: Youtube)

Looking for a podcast that naturally immerses you in Korean? This podcast is exactly what you need. There are short stories,  podcasts, etc that help to understand the language. This channel has 2 different Podcasts depending on beginner and Intermediate learning levels. The beginner level has only 2 episodes, whereas, the intermediate level only has 12 episodes. Both of them are worth trying.

20. Korean Story Telling by Coco Mom

(Available: Spotify, PlayerFM)

Learning a new language means having a stressful life. In such a scenario, it is important to get some relaxing podcasts. Yes, I have one. Korean Story Telling by Coco Mom is a podcast hosted by a mother narrating stories to her children. In this podcast, you will often hear her children’s voices. Thus, she translated the meaning into English.

21. Korean True Crime

(Available: Apple, Youtube, Spotify)

Enjoy true crime-related stories? This is a podcast you will enjoy the most. I have already mentioned that Korea is known for its dark history. It is a hub for multiple crimes and killings. Many such stories are not even explored by people. Korean True Crime is a podcast that becomes a way for people to know about them. In fact, there are so many mysteries that are still unsolved there.

Why should you add Podcasts to your Korean learning Journey?

Many people think it is not a way of learning a language. It was my thinking too. But not anymore. When I listened to the first podcast of my life, it gave me a lot of knowledge. After that, I make sure to add it for every language. Here are some of my reasons to use them to learn Korean-

• I can choose from hundreds of podcasts available.
• There is no restriction on time duration. I can hear them any time I want. 
• I choose the pace at which I want to listen to them. 
• It helped me to get the real accent. When I listen to how the native speakers talk, I will try to practice it in a similar manner.

How to use Korean Podcasts to Learn Korean?

Well, I have already discussed why you should add them, here is a quick guide on how to do it-

• The first thing I do is, to see if it was a good choice for me. It was a difficult task. Fortunately, after putting in a lot of effort, I get some good podcasts. 
• After selecting them, I adjusted the speed of it. Try to keep the speed slow in starting and gradually increase it. 
• Make sure to start with the podcasts that have transcripts with them. It will help to understand what is going on in the podcast.
• I didn’t shift to long videos until I could understand the basics. 

Conclusion

Learning Korean requires a basic understanding of how native speakers talk. The best way is by using podcasts. Podcasts have become an important way of gaining information on any niche. Language learning is one of them. They are available at each level, from beginner to advanced level. The beginner-level podcasts may only focus on teaching you the basics, whereas the advanced-level podcasts can help you understand the regular conversations.

FAQs