It is said that the best university in the world is Google.  You can learn anything good, or bad, from Google.  If Google is a university, than the main auditorium used for the biggest lectures would be YouTube.  You can find information about almost anything on YouTube, from how to cook to how to do auto repair.  But what about learning details about a new language or culture?  How effective is YouTube when it comes to learning Korean?  Let’s look at how YouTube is for learning Korean.

Cons of Using YouTube

With YouTube, there are a ton of channels dedicated to Korean things.  It can be easy to get sidetracked by music videos, television shows and other programs that you may not be ready to view at your level of Korean.  With all of the channels out there, it can become overwhelming to find exactly what you need.  If you are going to use YouTube for learning Korean language and culture, you’ll need  to have a goal in mind so that you stay focused.

Also, you have to remember that YouTube channels are often times there for business purposes.  YouTube is a great way to direct people to a website where they can buy products and services.  You must understand that the point of any business is for the owner to make money.  So while most YouTubers that are helping people learn about Korean language and culture really do want to help people, they need to make money at the end of the day.  Please do not be upset when someone on YouTube takes a sponsorship deal or does something with their channel to make extra income for themselves.

Pros of Using YouTube

The fact that there are so many different channels about Korean language and culture can be a good thing for many.  Not everyone learns the same way, and having different channels means you can experiment with which way works best for you.  If you want to learn more about Korean culture, there are channels for that.  If you want to learn more about Korean language, there are channels for that.  If you want to see Korea for the perspective of a #waygookin, there are channels for that.

Korean television, at times, does not always portray things in the most accurate way.  Many people, both Korean and non Korean, have had their stories misrepresented while on Korean television.  This is sometimes due to prejudice against non Koreans, as well as prejudice against Koreans who have married non Koreans.  But YouTube allows users to control exactly how things really are portrayed.  This will be a more accurate portrayal of Korean culture from there perspective.  Also, many companies that help people learning Korean, and are in Korea, will post content to YouTube.  You can use this to sample their services before you spend your money.  Plus, new videos from Korea will have the current way to say things.  You’ll be up to date on your Korean, and you’ll be properly educated on Korean etiquette, but only if you use YouTube properly.

To help with this, I will offer reviews on some YouTube channels that have to deal with Korean life, language or culture.  It will be in the YouTube Channel Review section of this site.  Please leave me a comment or send a message if there is a YouTube channel you would like to have reviewed.  It is my hope that this will help you to weed through channels that won’t be as beneficial for you and your goals.  And as always, if you have any questions, please feel free to #askthewaygookin.