1. Learn Hangul.
Hangul is one of the easiest Asian "alphabets" to learn. If you've tried memorizing Japan's Hiragana before, or tried learning Chinese, you'd know what I'm talking about. You could google for hangul charts.
Each syllable is written per syllable.
ㅂ (b) + ㅏ (a) = 바 (ba)
ㄷ (d) + ㅏ (a) = 다 (da)
ㅎ (h) + ㅕ(eo) + ㅇ(ng) = 형 (hyeong / "hyung")
ㄱ (g/k) + ㅣ(i) + ㅁ(m) = 김 (kim)
NOTE: If the syllable starts with a vowel, you have to use a "filler" in the beginning, which is "ㅇ(eung)"
ㅇ + ㅏ(a) = 아 (a)
ㅇ + ㅡ (eu) + ㄴ(n) =은 (eun)
A good way to practice one's hangul reading skills is by reading kpop lyrics in Korean.
Note that the consonants change their reading depending on where they are in the syllable (initial/final).
For more information, check out the detailed hangul entry on wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hangul
For hangul lessons, try visiting this blog: http://hangulfangirl.wordpress.com/tag/hangul/
2. Learn Korean Grammar: (Visit TTMIK)
Grammar is very, very important in learning Korean and the best site for learning Korean for free is TTMIK. That's talktomeinkorean dot com. (http://www.talktomeinkorean.com/)
At TTMIK, you can learn Korean grammar one step at a time! Here's TTMIK's curriculum.
Korean Grammar is different from English Grammar.
So, accept this syntax: Subject + Object + Verb
(내가) 널 사랑해. (Naega) neol saranghae.
나/내 nae = I; 가 (subject marker);
내가 naega = I (doer / subject)
너 neo (you); 를 reul (direct object marker / receiver marker);
너를 neoreul ->널 neol (you + direct object / receiver marker)
사랑 sarang (love), 사랑하다 saranghada (to love);
+어요 eoyo/아요 ayo (verb ending. present tense)
사랑해(요) saranghae(yo)
NOTE: Subject/Doer doesn't necessarily have to be in the sentence.
That is why I omitted "내가" (Naega) = I.
As you know, most people just say "사랑해" (Saranghae) = I love you.
You can't really use your grammar if you don't have much vocabulary. This is where your memorization skill comes in. Don't worry, you'll remember a lot of words even without memorizing as long as you watch Korean dramas or listen to Korean songs (and check the lyrics).
DOWNLOAD THIS PDF: the most frequently used korean words.
4. Practice: Listen. Read. Write. Speak.
What's the use of learning a bit of grammar if you don't practice?
(1) LISTEN: Watch Korean dramas/movies & Listen to Korean Songs
Some Korean phrases, words or expressions may be familiar from watching way too many Korean dramas. It's best to study and expose yourself to the language so Korean would sink in well.
(2) READ: Sing along Kpop songs by reading the lyrics in hangul!
Never look at romanized lyrics to Korean songs ever again. From now on, try to sing along your favorite kpop songs with the lyrics printed in Hangul. That way, you'll remember the words better. You could also check the translation of the song and try to check the dictionary for the meaning of the words. Use dictionaries and the vocabulary pdf I gave you for the words and TTMIK for the grammar.
You can also read the Korean brands of those Korean food in the "Asian/Foreign Goods" section in the supermarkets or Korean stores.
If you have Korean friends on facebook, try to read their posts. It's usually hard to understand posts by Koreans since they use 반말/Panmal (Casual Form), but it's a good way to practice your hangul reading skills.
(3) WRITE: Install a Korean keyboard and start posting in Hangul.
Post in Korean, install the Korean Keyboard. If your OS (OPERATING SYSTEM) is Windows, just go to the Control Panel then to Regional / Languages / Keyboards.
Post in Korean in SNS (fb,twitter etc.).
Get your Korean corrected by posting at: http://lang-8.com/
Also practice writing traditionally: write your idol's names, write Korean sentences etc in Hangul on your paper, notebooks etc. Just don't write on walls okay? Vandalism is very bad.
(4) SPEAK: Sing in Korean, say phrases/expressions in Korean
5. Study Past TOPIKS
You can download all the past TOPIKs from this site: http://koreatopik.co.kr/board.php?code=down
TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is a test you need to pass if you want to study, work or live in Korea. By answering the past TOPIKs, you can improve your Korean. If you're just a beginner, practice the Elementary TOPIK. If your goal is to study in Korea, practice the Intermediate TOPIK.
The TOPIK has 6 Levels.
Elementary (Level 1 and 2)
Intermediate (Level 3 and 4)
Advanced (Level 5 and 6)
NOTE: You need to pass at least Level 4 if you want to study in a Korean university.
6. Practice More
Immerse yourself in all things Korean, especially Korean TV shows and Korean songs.
