Practical Korean: Your Guide to Speaking Korean Quickly and Effortlessly in a Few Hours (Tuttle Language Library)

by Samuel E. Martin

Initially written for the tourist visiting Korea, Practical Korean is actually a very handy reference for anyone interested in quickly acquiring a working knowledge of spoken Korean. This book provides the basics needed to converse in simple Korean. Intended for beginners, it concentrates only on key grammar and pronunciation points. Most of the lessons include exercises that reinforce vocabulary items and grammatical structures. Phrases and sentences are recycled for long-term learning. Over 200 simple illustrations allow even beginners to express themselves.

Genres: Language

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 10, 2009

Reviews

[Dan Riley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have tracked down an older edition (1971), and determined Timothy Spencer's Amazon review of this revised mess apparently doesn't apply to Martin's edition(s). It is baffling to see so many good reviews. Either they are bogus, or by straight beginners who didn't get far enough before they wrote about it. Here's just a minor example of dozens: on p. 93 the revisor Jinny Kim or a really inattentive proofer altogether omits the special form 'iseueseyo' in the illustrative sentence, but rather only shows the other meaning of 계세욛 (possession).

Martin's original does exactly what the sentence was supposed to illustrate for the honorific.

Finding the older copy was a problem: the title has been completely changed from Martin's "Korean in a Hurry". It's an insult to an esteemed scholar to have cranked out this thing in his name who is no longer with us to defend his integrity. They should have put the revisor's name clearly, right on the cover. Tuttle, you should refund every buyer's money.

[Arlian · Rating 1 out of 5]

I briefly skimmed this book and felt that it seemed like a really old book. Supposedly, it's just from 2009. But it reads like a language book from the 70's or 80s. And turns out--I was right! Apparently this Tuttle edition is actually a "revision" of a 1960s-1970s book. While it's interesting from a historical perspective of studying how people have studied languages overtime, it's not actually a useful book.

Old fashioned, clunky, impractical, and relies on romanization of Hangeul for no dang reason cuz that shit is easy to learn. Avoid this book.

As a side note: books like this reinforce why I tend to avoid Tuttle books. Honestly, their quality is low and their proof reading is usually astoundingly god-awful. Hate to say it, but it's true. Generally speaking, if Tuttle published it it's probably not worth your time or money.

[crochet.drama · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very badly written book. A lot of examples don’t even include korean version, only romanization and translation. Particles are explained poorly, examples include particles that are not listed. Only the highest level of speech is included, and I think it will be awkward to use even as a tourist. I am not at all sure who the audience of this book is, it’s too advanced for a tourist, but too randomly organized for a serious learner. Did not get past lesson 14. Next book I am getting is a Seojeong textbook

[Tope · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some useful lists but riddled with typographical and factual errors that could confuse or mislead someone learning. Constant romanization of hangul (and sometimes romanization in place of/without hangul at all) is also counterproductive to learning to reading hangul imo.

[Miss Ryoko]

Had to abandon this book. Any Korean language learning book that uses romanization over Hangeul is no good. Disappointed

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to own this! It is very informative and gives very practical advice. However, you won't be speaking Korean in a few hours it's a great reference and really simplifies and breaks down some grammar points.