New to Lang-Wich? Find out about our level system and where you fit in.
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What you need to know about our level system
What does 'Level One' mean?
Learn new words
Graded readers are written to help introduce new vocabulary and grammar in context at each level which allows you to expand your vocabulary gradually.
This approach helps you internalise new words and phrases in context, improving your retention and recall.
We try to limit the new words per book and per chapter. We know that too many new words is off-putting but not enough and it's quiet boring. Finding the happy medium, we have used footnotes for anticipated new words and woven them into the story as often as possible so you actually learn those new words by the end of the book.
Simple Grammar
Using grammatical structures that are appropriate for your level, you will see Korean grammar in context. This is more effective than rote memorisation as you see how the grammar is used, making it easier to grasp and apply when you use it in Korean.
We include grammar lists at the back of the graded reader so you can see what you have been practicing. We leave this at the back of the book because we know some people just want to read for entertainment while others may want to apply what they're reading to what they have studied. Either way, we have tried to cater your learning needs.
Cultural Insight
Language and culture go hand-in-hand which is why you will find cultural elements scattered throughout our graded resources. We have included culture, history, and societal norms to increase your engagement and appreciation of the Korean culture.
All of our books include cultural information that is useful for you if you live in Korea or enjoy the culture.
Reading Fluency
Practising reading with graded readers helps improve reading speed and comprehension in Korean.
We have made the chapters in our graded readers, for example, to be a read in one sitting so you can complete one chapter as part of your studies - or if you're super eager to keep going.
As you grow in confidence, you will have the ability to understand more complex text, making a smoother transition to native-level materials.
Motivation and Confidence
Having a starting point in reading in Korean has been our main goal. We've seen that there are lots of reading materials but without a clear direction as to what is expected of you by the end of the course.
We aim to start you with simple text and gradually increase the difficulty with the goal of boosting your confidence in your language abilities as a Korean-language learner.
We aim to help you achieve fluency in reading without being dependent on translators or dictionaries.
Our current focus is on High Beginners
What makes our books suitable for high beginners?
You know the basics
Once you have learned the basics such as learning to read Korean, blend sounds together and associate the meaning of these new words, you will want to apply those words to a broader context.
As a high beginner, you can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance for example, personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment, and likes and interests to name a few. Naturally, you will want to progress to the next stage within your grasp.
The way we designed these books
We have designed our book series to to use vocabulary and grammar you are familiar with but in story form.
Research-based
We have researched textbooks, courses, TOPIK proficiency tests in search of the common vocabulary and grammar. We have also compared our vocabulary to other proficiency tests such as the Mandarin Chinese test (HSK), the Japanese-language test (JLPT) and lastly the British English proficiency test (IELTS).
We combined this information to provide resources for you that are easy enough to work through on your own but with a slight challenge too. There can be new vocabulary or longer sentences to start to get you into the practice of reading and understanding the text beyond what you are comfortable with from your studies.
Our books are written entirely in Korean
If you have never thought you could read entirely in Korean, our books are here to guide you to becoming more confident in achieving this huge goal.
We use lots of repetition throughout our resources so you really get a chance to know the new words by the end of story.
Other Features
All of our books are accompanied with audio to make sure you can hear a native Korean reading the story. It's important to hear the pauses, intonations, tone of voice as these all contribute to speaking and listening practices as you learn more Korean.
As you are doing everything in Korean - reading, comprehending, visualising, processing - the first few times will feel a little tiring. But practicing daily, you can see the results of reading and re-reading our stories in Korean. All of our novels are illustrated to give you a visual sense of what you are reading.
Skill Area
By the End of A2, Learners Should Know
A rough guide
Vocabulary
A vocabulary of around 800-1,500 words including everyday expressions, basic verbs, adjectives, and nouns relevant to daily life (e.g., family, hobbies, directions, shopping)
Grammar
Basic grammatical structures including present, past, and future tenses, basic sentence construction, the use of particles, and an understanding of honorifics.
Reading Comprehension
How to understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g., personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment)
Writing
How to write short, simple notes and messages relating to immediate needs. Able to write simple texts about familiar topics or personal interests.
Listening Comprehension
Able to follow very short, simple texts and understand the main points of clear, slow speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
Speaking & Pronunciation
Able to communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Able to describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment, and matters in areas of immediate need.
Sounds like what you have been looking for?
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