Complete Korean: Teach Yourself

I'm really enjoying this so far! Without the CD I'm a little bit lost RE: some pronunciations (partly due to the self-teaching I'd attempted prior to buying this book, whereupon some of the things I was taught seem to conflict with the teachings in this, but I'm sure I'll get round it)I've only finished the first unit and already I feel kind of confident in what I've learnt and my ability to construct a simple sentence. Korean is one of the most difficult languages I've encountered so far (most of the languages I've looked at I can usually spot patterns and pick up a phrase or two fairly rapidly) and while this book doesn't necessarily make it EASY, it's definitely smoothing out the bumpy ride, haha. The exercises are interesting and varied, and I appreciate the insistence on using both hangul and romanisation.While I wish it came with the CD (my only real reason for the 4* review, other than the fact I haven't finished the book), the book itself is pretty hefty and handy for the price, and I'll probably pick up the CD at some point later on. It shipped out and arrived as expected. Good item! :)

It seems there's now a new version of this book, but I'll write this anyway. I'll only talk about the book, since I never really used the audio. The book has good and bad points.The main good point is that it does explain things well. You usually understand why something is so.A bad point point is that it doesn't explain things when you need to know about them. You'll read an example dialogue and find a new construct or verb modifier. There won't be any explanation in the chapter of what this new thing is. A few chapters later, this new thing might pop up again and then - ah, finally - there's the explanation. A bit annoying.It does cover of subjects that you quite likely to use if you travel to Korea - good point.Bad point - the romanisation (using the latin alphabet). The version I have was published 2010, but it uses the "old" romanisation, making it a bit jarring if you move outside the book to the real world where everything uses the new romansiation. The new romanisation has widespread use aroubd the turn of the millenium as far as I know, so basically they've just been too lazy to update the book, instead publishing it with an outdated writing system. I try to use the hangeul (한글) when reading as much as possible, but you can't avoid the romanisation completely when learning. I know know if they've finally bothered to update the romanisation in the new edition. If they didn't do it 2000-2010, they might not have done it in 2014.Bad point - the index and the "dictionary" part at the end of the book are woefully sparse. You'll need access to a real dictionary, even if it's just a free online one, even just to help you understand the dialogues.

I bought the product as a complete novice, only knowing a few word but this book is terribly good. Its easy to read and understand, and really leads you through the courses. It goes up from beginner to level 4 so i will be using it for some time and i'd be happy to. One thing, however is that it is meant to be read along with a CD at some points, not enough to be put off and the book explains the text in writing but i believe a version with the CD's would be better for most people.

Good book for anyone learning beginners Korean. Whilst, the romanisation has always been peeve of mine since learning Hangul, I an appreciate this may make it easier during the start for beginner learners. The explanations of grammar points and cultural tips are informative making it all-in-all a great book.

Pretty good but doesn't come with the cd!!! Why? I had to pay another 20quid and Waste even more time to get the cd which really is necessary, my advice is make sure you buy the package with cds, or for this publishing company To stop being such robbing bastards.

This is a good book for beginners and beginner-intermediate students.I would recommend it for other students as well.It would go well with course books like Yonsei Student Books or Sogang Books at Level 1 and Level II

And honestly, who have CD reader these days? So even if I order the CD component, I have no mean to execute them. And the book rely strongly on audio part having exercises based on it. It should be optional and not mandatory. And audio files should be available via subscription on the web.

Totally 5-star for this book and CD. Teach you everything about the korean language. Have been learning for quite a while and I can even watched korean drama without english subtitles. I still have some difficulties in speaking the korean language fluently but this book and cd pack totally teaches you everything. Still, you have to put in determination and practice to enable yourself master the korean language. Cheers