🎙️ My favourite podcasts to listen to Korean
And recommendations to find the perfect podcast for you
Dear reader,
I’ve been struggling to write this letter, because I worried it wouldn’t interest many readers. The main insights I want to share are the key features I’m looking for in my podcasts. Hopefully it can help you even if you’re not learning Korean.
Didi’s Korean Podcast
Didi’s content is available in both audio and video format. In video format, the subtitles make it perfect to get comfortable for beginners. She has a very calm, soothing dictation, which makes it the perfect relaxing activity for me - even when I don’t feel like studying. She talks a lot about cultural differences and answers listeners’ questions, which makes it very relatable and interesting.
Key points
Subtitles in Korean and English
Excellent dictation, clear voice, good microphone
Relaxing narrator
Entertaining and relatable topics
SpongeMind Podcast
I have to mention Jonson’s podcast, which he insists on making entirely free. The transcripts are all available online. What makes this one special, is that Jonson believes in repetition. He creates loops so you can listen over and over again to a short episode, and most of his episodes are available both in English and Korean. This way, Korean natives can also learn English with the same resources!
Key points
Full transcripts in Korean and English
Easy to listen to a short episode on loop
Large range of topics to choose from
Talk To Me In Korean
I was wondering whether I should include them, because they’re such a staple company if you’re learning Korean. But to be honest, I really enjoy their audio content on YouTube (and some podcast platforms). Since they’re professional teachers, they really know how to share natural sounding content while tailoring it to intermediate level learners. They even have some beginner versions, which is not easy to find. The production quality is also at a professional level.
Key points
Subtitles available in Korean and English
Professionally curated content to adapt to lower levels
High production quality
Hopefully this inspires you to include more podcasts in your practise. It’s such a nice way to get away from your screen and still get some comprehensible input while commuting, tidying or running errands.
What do you look for in a podcast? Are they a big part of your learning journey, or more a side activity?
Have a lovely weekend!
Best,
Lou
✍️ Dear language learner
Learn your target language with useful phrases! Here are a few to translate to test yourself. If they’re relevant to you, you can add them to your notes or spaced-repetition system.
🌱 Beginner
I listen to podcasts in the morning.
🌿 Intermediate
Listening to podcasts is a great way to relax in public transport.
🌳 Advanced
I can’t afford to forget my headphones in the morning!
📚 Learn more
Advice for beginners and people who feel stuck in language learning.
A fun and motivating template to find goals that matter to you.
A mini tutorial to have a voice call with AI - for free.
Thank you for reading “I heard from Lou”. It can be hard to find people who share your passion for learning. If you have friends who might like this letter, let them know.