There are possibly 100s of the different ways of learning any new language and it’s a completely different situation for every learner. However in my opinion these are the three best options.
Firstly there is the book approach. This tried and tested method has a reasonable success rate however the main pitfall is the fact that generally the learner is studying alone and therefore can motivation whilst studying. There is also the question of where to start and which book to use, do you use a book aimed at Westerns or do you get a book aimed at young Korean’s. In my experience the latter is better option when studying reading and writing because it eases you though the Korean language rather than the more crash course style you can find in Western focused books. Also they are cheaper at around W6000 compared to around W15000.
The second approach is taking a course. This overall is the best way to learn Korean correctly and quickly as well as possibly earning a qualification at the end of the course. The main down sides are the time commitment and also the cost, a good course doesn’t come cheap however prices range depending on where you are learning and the type of course.
The final recommended approach to learning Korean in Korea is by language exchange, either 1 on 1 or in a group. The obvious problem can be that the other person either can’t teach very well or just wants to learn English from you and has little interest in returning the favour. However it’s a good way of making friends and learning a little conversational Korean is never a bad thing.
I hope you can use one of these approaches to start learning Korean.
Modern Seoul 
I’ve tried all three, and the only one that has consistently worked for me is option 2 ~ paying for classes. I have no initiative to learn on my own (option one was a complete fail), and all my language exchanges have turned into either: a) talking in English for an hour (which is fine ~ I’ve made some good friends that way), or b) avoiding some creepy dude’s phone calls after meeting once.
But YBM in Jongno has been awesome. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes the structure of going to class several times a week. And you’re guaranteed to speak Korean.
Great site! 🙂
I really find your blog so interesting, especially that I’ll be returning in Korea March next year and I’m really eager to learn more the language.
I actually have a lot of books here. And you’re right. When I bought these, I just randomly chose them thinking that they may be enough to help me learn the basics. One that I bought which helped me a lot to learn vocabs was Self-Learning Korean the Easy Way by Keycho Choi. I think the approach of this book was more of like a young Korean learning the language that’s why it’s easy to comprehend.
I can write and read. And I can go on in a Korean conversation too, but not that much. We did the exchange thing you’re talking about. I taught them English and they taught me Korean. It was fun.
I’ll follow your blog. I know it can also a big help in understanding more Korea, especially the language.
Thank you. 감사합니다