Learning a new language can be an exciting yet challenging journey. The Korean Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP) is designed to help immigrants and foreign residents in Korea learn the language and culture, making it easier to adapt to life in the country.
In KIIP Level 1, Unit 1, the focus is on
basic introductions, countries, jobs, and languages. Whether you're a beginner
or simply reviewing the basics, this lesson lays a strong foundation for
communicating in Korean. Below, we’ll walk through the essential vocabulary and
phrases that will help you make your first introduction in Korean.
Essential Vocabulary
|
Category |
Korean |
English |
|
Personal Information |
이름 |
Name |
|
직업 |
Job |
|
|
국적 |
Nationality |
|
|
Countries |
어느 |
Which |
|
나라 |
Country |
|
|
사람 |
Person |
|
|
한국 |
Korea |
|
|
필리핀 |
Philippines |
|
|
미국 |
USA |
|
|
이집트 |
Egypt |
|
|
중국 |
China |
|
|
방글라데시 |
Bangladesh |
|
|
Occupations |
선생님 |
Teacher |
|
회사원 |
Office Worker |
|
|
영어 강사 |
English Instructor |
|
|
학생 |
Student |
|
|
공장 직원 |
Factory Worker |
|
|
판매원 |
Salesperson |
|
|
주부 |
Housewife |
|
|
초등학생 |
Elementary School
Student |
|
|
Languages |
영어 |
English |
|
한국어 |
Korean |
Key Phrases to Practice
Now that you’ve learned some of the
essential vocabulary, let’s put them into use with these common phrases:
- 안녕하세요? –
Hello.
- 제 이름은 [이름: 수지, 투안]입니다. – My name is
[Name: Suzy, Tuan].
- 저는 [직업: 학생, 영어 강사]입니다. – I am a [Job: Student, English instructor].
- 저는 [나라: 미국, 중국] 사람입니다. – I am from
[Country: USA, China].
- 어느 나라 사람입니까? –
Which country are you from?
- 무슨 일을 하십니까? – What
do you do for a living?
- 직업이 무엇입니까? – What is your
job?
- 저는 영어 강사입니다. – I am
an English instructor.
- 안녕히 계세요. – Goodbye (going
person says)
- 한녕히 가세요. – Goodbye (staying
person says)
By practicing these phrases, you’ll be
able to engage in basic conversations about yourself and others. These simple
introductions can open the door to deeper conversations as you continue
learning Korean.
Grammar Notes:
1. Sentence Structure:
Korean follows a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) sentence structure. For example, "저는 학생입니다" (I am a student) follows this pattern.
2. Use of "은/는" and "이/가":
- "은/는" is used as a topic marker, while "이/가" is used as a subject marker. For example, in "저는" (I), "는" is the topic marker indicating that the sentence is about you.
Please refer to the below link for details:
KIIP Grammar Level 1 -이에요/예요 and -은/는 = 'polite ending' and 'subject marker'
Quiz Section:
Let’s test your knowledge! Try translating
the following into Korean:
- Teacher
- I am from the USA.
- What is your job?
Conclusion:
Lesson 1 of KIIP Level 1 introduces some
of the most essential words and phrases you’ll need when starting your Korean
language journey. Mastering these basics will make it easier to introduce
yourself, talk about your job, and share where you’re from. Remember to
practice these words and phrases with friends, classmates, or even on your own.
Keep going, and soon you’ll feel much more comfortable speaking Korean!