How to Prepare for Your First Korean Lesson
→ Jump to booking your first Korean lesson
Your first Korean lesson goes far better with ten minutes of prep. You don't need to know any Korean — you just need to tell the tutor what you want, get your tech sorted, and have a way to take notes. Do that and the tutor spends the whole lesson teaching you, not figuring out where you're starting from. Here's the simple checklist.
The short version
Arrive ready, not fluent
Before the lesson
1. Message your tutor your level and goal
2. Test your tech early
3. Have a way to take notes
4. Learn one or two phrases (optional)
What to prepare vs what to leave to the tutor
| You handle… | The tutor handles… |
|---|---|
| Telling them your level and goal | Choosing what to teach first |
| Working camera, mic, quiet space | Pacing the lesson to your level |
| A notebook or notes app | Correcting your pronunciation |
| Showing up a few minutes early | Suggesting a study plan and frequency |
A general guide — every tutor runs a first lesson a little differently, so follow their lead once you start.
During the first lesson
Speak up and judge the fit
Ready to start? Browse Korean tutors, watch a few intro videos, pick one whose style looks right, and message them your level and goal before your first lesson.
Browse Korean tutors on italkiFrequently asked questions
How should I prepare for my first online Korean lesson?
Message your tutor your level and goal beforehand, test your camera, mic and internet a few minutes early, keep a notebook handy, and optionally learn a phrase or two to introduce yourself. The aim is to arrive ready so the tutor spends the time on you.
What should I tell my tutor before the lesson?
Your level (complete beginner or can read Hangul), your main goal (travel, TOPIK, K-pop, conversation), and how often you plan to study. A short message a day before helps them prepare relevant material.
Do I need to know any Korean first?
No. Beginner tutors expect students who know nothing and often start from the alphabet. Learning a greeting and your name helps the start feel easier, but it isn't required.
What should I have ready technically?
A quiet space, stable internet, working camera and mic, and headphones to reduce echo. Open the video tool early and keep a notebook or notes app ready.
How do I introduce myself in Korean?
A greeting and your name is plenty — say annyeonghaseyo for hello and je ireumeun followed by your name. Your tutor will help with pronunciation, so just attempting it is enough.