Korean-Only vs Bilingual Text In a Korean Novel: Which Is Better for Learning Korean?
작은 부탁을 하나 해도 될까요?
May I ask a small favor?
저는 지금 한국어 학습자를 위한 새로운 소설 시리즈를 쓰고 있는데요.
I'm currently working on a new novel series for Korean learners.
한국어 텍스트만 담은 페이지를 추가하려고 해요.
I'm considering adding Korean-only pages to the books.
그런데 그 페이지를 어디에 넣을지 고민 중이에요.
However, I'm still deciding where those pages should go.
So I'd love to hear your thoughts. 😊
As you know, my novels are written in a bilingual format. They feature Korean text with English translations underneath (see the image "Bilingual" below).
I'd also like to include Korean-only pages so you can try reading without relying on the English translations.
Which option would work best for your Korean learning, and why?
1) Korean-only versions of all chapters at the beginning of the book
2) Korean-only versions of all chapters at the end of the book
3) A Korean-only version of each chapter before its bilingual version
4) A Korean-only version of each chapter after its bilingual version
의견을 주시면 더 좋은 책을 만드는 데 큰 도움이 될 거예요.
Your feedback would greatly help me create better books for Korean learners.
저는 항상 한국어 학습에 최고로 도움이 되는 책을 만들고 싶어요.
I always want to create books that are as helpful as possible for learning Korean.
독자분들이 제 책으로 한국어를 재밌고 빠르게 배웠다고 할 때마다 기분이 정말 좋아요.
It always makes me happy when readers tell me they've learned Korean faster—and had fun doing it—with my books.
몇몇 독자분이 제 기존 소설 시리즈에 한국어 텍스트만 있는 섹션이 있으면 좋겠다고 하셨는데요. 이번 업그레이드가 모든 독자분의 마음에 들었으면 좋겠습니다.
Some readers have told me they would love to have Korean-only sections in my existing novel series. I hope this new feature will make the reading experience even better for all of you.
P.S. The bilingual Korean novel, I See Your Heart (너의 하트가 보여), is planned as a three-volume K-drama-style novel series for Korean learners. Volume 1 is coming this summer, and I can't wait to share it with you. Stay tuned for more updates! 💙
정말 고맙습니다!
Written by Saehee Um
Saehee Um is the creator of ToonToon Korean and the author of illustrated novels for Korean learners. Her books combine binge-worthy storytelling, real-life dialogue, and cultural insights to make learning Korean engaging and fun.
She writes Korean learning novels presented in a K-drama-style script, helping learners improve their Korean through dramatic stories and immersive dialogue.
