How to Learn Korean with Squid Game

With the release of Netflix’s Squid Game (Season 2) fast approaching, language learners are experiencing a burst of motivation to learn Korean. There is a powerful connection between popular culture, entertainment, and language. Duolingo, for example, saw a 40% spike in Korean learners while the world streamed Squid Game (Season 1). Recently, Duolingo announced a partnership with Netflix, incorporating 40 words and phrases from the series into their Korean lessons. However, are there more effective strategies and resources for learning Korean with Squid Game?

At LingQ, we understand what it takes to really learn a language. Language learning requires consistent, daily practice. You need to engage with content that you enjoy, invest in the right learning tools, and understand what methods are most effective for you as an individual learner. In short, if you want to learn Korean, drilling a handful of phrases isn’t going to cut it. The goal is to consistently immerse yourself in Korean content that you enjoy. Over time, your grasp of Korean will only grow stronger.

How to Learn Korean with Squid Game using LingQ

Let’s say that you want to learn Korean specifically because you’re a huge fan of Squid Game. Why limit yourself to memorizing a handful of phrases when you can convert entire episodes into custom language lessons?

This is possible with LingQ. Use our LingQ browser extension (available for Chrome, Safari and Firefox) to transform the content you love into interactive language lessons.

Through LingQ, you’re able interact with Squid Game on a deeper level:

• Read and listen to the transcript simultaneously
• Automatically translate and save unknown vocabulary
• Review the transcript in its entirety or with sentence-mode
• Track your vocabulary growth, reading speed, and time spent studying Korean
• Take your LingQ lesson with you, as your lesson is synced and available offline on your tablet, smartphone and laptop

For further explanation, watch our step-by-step video tutorial and explanation of how to import episodes of Squid Game into your Korean LingQ Library.

Does my Korean need to be advanced to learn with Squid Game?

Is Squid Game only recommended for advanced learners? In short, no. Not at all. Although it’s important to avoid getting too discouraged, learners at any level can use authentic Korean content like Squid Game to make good progress. Here are some general tips for those who have an intermediate or beginner level of Korean.

1) Just use Squid Game for Immersion

Studying Squid Game as a beginner could be a stretch at first. Just be patient. If you stay with it, you will make progress. Or, if you find it a bit too slow going, simply enjoy the show. All time spent with your target language is a benefit. Your priority with long-form, authentic material should be enjoyment and entertainment. Perhaps you’ll be able to pick out a handful of words here and there. You may notice an improvement in your reading. Regardless, there’s no harm done in just watching the series.

Tip: When reading Squid Game on LingQ, use Sentence View to break the text down sentence by sentence. And, do the sentence review which include word matching, sentence unscramble and pronunciation activities to reinforce each sentence before moving on.

2) Simplify Squid Game

That’s right. With AI, it’s now possible to simplify your lessons on LingQ. Squid Game is a linguistically rich resource. But, depending on your level you may have trouble reading the original text. Another tool in your arsenal on LingQ is to simplify the lesson so that you can learn the same content with more basic vocabulary and phrasing. You can use the simple version then graduate to the original or just watch the original after reading the simple version. Do what feels comfortable.

LingQ can transform your transcript into a more palatable, level-appropriate lesson. Follow the plot and engage with the Korean content that you love, but understand more of what you’re reading and listening to.

3) Engage with Easier Content about Squid Game

Follow your interests when learning a language. If you like Squid Game, but don’t want to study the series itself, let’s find Korean content about Squid Game instead. For example, here is a reaction video to the series, completely in Korean, designed for intermediate learners.

The YouTube channel “Everything About Korea” also released a video for beginners, completely in Korean, breaking down essential phrases in Squid Game.

Also consider searching for Korean-language interviews with the cast. Interviews are easier for a language learner to follow, as the structure of an interview is familiar. Furthermore, each question serves as a new entry point or natural pause to check for understanding. For example, here’s an interview with the Squid Game cast on what to expect in Season 2.

With resources like this, you’re immersing yourself in level-appropriate Korean, but you don’t have to compromise on subject matter.

4) Build a Strong Foundation in Korean While Watching Squid Game

You can watch Squid Game for the sake of enjoyment and increased time with Korean. Meanwhile, for more targeted studying, work with materials that are designed with you in mind. For example, LingQ offers a wide variety of courses with the Korean beginner in mind. Immerse yourself in Korean from the very beginning with interesting, comprehensible material.

In particular, check out LingQ’s Korean Mini Stories. Mini stories are an especially powerful resource because they’re packed with high-frequency vocabulary and basic sentence structures needed to establish a strong grasp of the language. The Korean series consists of 62 lessons and nearly 3,000 essential words.

Squid Game is a great resource to learn Korean, but it’s not necessary to limit yourself to one resource that may be too challenging. Watch Squid Game to maintain your motivation and supplement your learning while studying more comprehensible material.

Final Thoughts

Everyone should be able to enjoy Squid Game. With anticipation building for the release of Season 2, it’s important to take advantage of the heightened motivation. At LingQ, we can provide you with the tools and resources to reach new milestones in Korean. Whether you’re an advanced learner and able to tackle the series in its entirety or you’re a beginner working with more novice material, Squid Game can be utilized as learning material, motivating immersive content, or a mixture of the two.