Introduction

Originally published in 2003, the You Speak Korean (YSK) series was one of the first full-color Korean textbook series developed specifically for learners with no prior background in Korean. This second edition has been substantially revised to meet the needs of contemporary learners and reflect modern language pedagogy, integrating proficiency-based learning, backward design, and task-supported instruction. Developed over five years through a multi-institutional collaboration in the United States, the series now offers a coherent four-volume sequence bridging beginning and intermediate proficiency.

To support both classroom instruction and independent study, this edition is structured across three integrated components:

• Textbooks: Core instructional units designed for guided or self-paced learning.

• Workbooks: Structured practice activities to reinforce foundational skills.

• Communicative Task Books: Real-world communication prompts focused on interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational modes, alongside intercultural competence.

As an Open Educational Resource (OER), the series features a wealth of practice activities, original illustrations, and interactive content accessible to anyone—whether you are learning in a formal classroom, studying solo, or practicing with a tutor. The complete series is hosted across twelve dedicated websites—providing tailored digital hubs for each of the four Textbooks, Workbooks, and Communicative Task Books.

Please visit the following link to access the complete You Speak Korean series: https://web.sas.upenn.edu/ys-korean/

Organization — Textbook

Books 3 and 4 comprise eleven chapters each, shifting focus toward more complex personal and social transactions—such as navigating college clubs, roommate searches, job interviews, end-of-year gatherings, and house hunting. Furthermore, these volumes extend to broader socio-cultural domains, including environmental recycling, holistic well-being, traditional holidays, and regional festivals. An overview of lesson topics for each volume is provided below:

Book 3

Book 4

Each chapter consists of the following segments:

Learning Goals 학습 목표

As the YSK series is organized using the backward design approach, each chapter begins with clearly stated end learning goals that are performance-based. These goals are also aligned with the target proficiency level (Intermediate Low/Mid for Books 3 and 4) and the 2017 NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements.

Setting Up 들어가기

This section provides a lesson focus that outlines the key elements to be covered in each chapter. Following the lesson focus, you will find a short dialogue introducing the key grammar items and functions of the chapter. To facilitate learning, an accompanying audio file is provided for students to listen to and practice along with the dialogue. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on how the new grammar and expressions are utilized within a contextual conversation.

Ingredients 단어

In this section, essential vocabulary is introduced through thematically organized expressions, complemented by original pictures that reflect both contemporary Korean language learners and Korean culture. Vocabulary notes and exercises are also included. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with new vocabulary items before the start of each lesson, utilizing online vocabulary practice apps (a link to which is provided on the website).

Recipe 문법과 표현

This section presents key grammar patterns, beginning with a sample dialogue accompanied by audio, allowing students to listen to and think about the target grammar and function in context. It is followed by easy-to-understand explanations and examples carefully chosen to illustrate the grammar point’s usage and semantic nuance. Subsequently, grammar exercises are provided, starting from more straightforward, controlled tasks like conjugation exercises to more complex, open-ended activities, such as dialogues and interviews. These allow students to apply the target grammar in various contexts.

Let’s Cook 해 봐요! 

This section presents real-life tasks that enable students to combine and apply their acquired vocabulary and grammar expressions. These authentic scenarios provide a platform for integrating language skills and promoting creative and meaningful language use. The section is divided into three categories: Interpretive (Listening), Interpretive (Reading, Writing), and Interpersonal/Presentational (Speaking, Presentation) Tasks. Primarily designed for oral practice in pairs or groups, these activities can also be adapted for extended practice or homework assignments, helping learners consolidate their understanding and skills.

Korean Flavors 한국 언어와 문화

This section provides students with useful information on Korean linguistics and culture, enabling them to deepen their understanding of the language and effectively engage in communication to successfully perform the intended tasks in the Korean language.

I Got This! 할 수 있어요!

This section presents the learning goals of each chapter again, allowing students to self-evaluate their learning and take steps to reinforce it, as needed. The listening script and PDF version of the chapter are also presented here.

Now You Try! 스스로 해 봐요 

As students are now prepared to work independently, they are guided to practice and apply the new elements of the Korean language in various contexts by completing workbook exercises and engaging in real-world tasks. To access additional practice materials, students can click on the links provided in the section.

How to Use This Book in the Classroom

This textbook is designed so that each chapter can typically be completed in one to two weeks, depending on learners’ needs and proficiency.