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[Korean Textbook Review] Ewha Korean Level 1 & 2 이화 한국어

I’m not going to repeat myself on how the Ewha books are generally like; you can refer to my review of the Ewha Korean Level 4 and also the workbook review here.

The format of the books are pretty consistent across levels, although the level 1 – 2 books do contain slightly more pictures. In this review, I’ll be reviewing the books in terms of how well they can fit a total beginner in Korean and a self-studier. ^^

Ewha Korean 1 – 1

Some books give off that ‘omg it’s going to be so difficult’ vibe but I think that the Ewha book gives people the sense of assurance that one won’t be thrown into the deep end of the pool and that things will go step by step. A friendly feel?

Book 1 – 1 is totally structured to give you a good foundation of Korean. It really touches the basics of basics, with no particular fancy grammar structures. It deals with the basic sentence endings, major particles, tenses, time, weather and other basic conjugation rules. Looking at it makes me feel like a self studier and total beginner can actually understand and learn the language from this series, instead of taking a beginners class.

I love how there are a lot parts that have accompanied audio files – even more so than the upper levels. This shows that the book and its authors know the importance of input, especially at the beginners stage

Another awesome thing is that the book uses IPA only for the beginning part of introducing Hangeul and Chapter 1 starts without any romanization. 😀

And I like that they acknowledge that ㄱ can be pronounced as both [k] and [g] at different places, instead of just assuming that it’s [k] like some textbooks do.

Ewha Korean 1-2

Noticeably thicker, the book jumps into the grammar structures. To give you an idea, here are some of the grammar structures covered

  • 에게 / 한테
  • (으)러 가다
  • ㄹ게요
  • 기 전에
  • 아/어도 되다
  • (으)면

Just so that you know what level to get! A wide variety of vocabulary is introduced and the reading passages get a little more substantial. Around 200-300 words. Unlike certain beginners textbook, the Ewha series is less focused on culture and more focused on the modern life. The dialogues are usually modern and normal situations and the culture bits are in a separate section. It’s a good thing. Sometimes I get annoyed with dialogues that is soo… culture-based. -___- Like every other dialogue is about some important festival in Korea or that the conversations take place in the palaces or something. I’m glad the Ewha books have a good balance!

Ewha Korean 2 -1 

If the level 1 books are just play pool, book 2 is like a real size pool -.- Okay bad analogy. Around 5 – 6 grammar points are covered in each chapter and there seems to be a slightly larger jump from the level 1 -2 book. Nevertheless, nothing too challenging. A lot of new vocabulary are introduced. Okay, I admit that I even saw a word or two that I didn’t know. in LEVEL 2. FML

If you are curious to know, they are 충치 (decayed tooth) and 덧나다 (to worsen). I feel like a failure now…. ㅎ

In any case, you guys should know by now that I’m a fan of the Ewha Series. So… BUY BUY BUY!!!

Level 1 -3 consists of two books in each level and they are available in a few languages. So.. remember to look carefully which versions you are buying!! You won’t want to end up with the Japanese version or something… ^^

16,000 won per book, CD included 

I am very happy with my Level 6 book and have been studying from it every now and then!

For those who own the books too (no matter which level), leave a comment and let the others know what you think!

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79 Comments

  • Reply
    piaochong
    22 November, 2012 at 1:44 PM

    Hi, I finished the College Korean book and I study now the Intermediate College Korean. I want to by the Ewha books to use it parallel with Intermediate College Korean, but I do not know which level and I have to order online. Which level would you recommend? I totally agree with your review of the college korean books, I like them 🙂

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      22 November, 2012 at 3:56 PM

      mmm i’m not too sure, i think level 3-2 will work!

  • Reply
    Kim
    22 November, 2012 at 3:09 PM

    Hi!
    What is the meaning of 1-1, 1-2, 2-1?
    Does 1-1 means that the first book to use for level 1? Or they have it like textbook and workbook?
    Do you mind to help us to order the book and we pay you back? As it is quite difficult to get the book here in my place. Btw, I live in Malaysia! 🙂
    and I really love yr book reviews which stated the details of the books so clearly. 😀 Helped us a lot in making decisions lol

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      22 November, 2012 at 3:55 PM

      glad you enjoyed the reviews!
      It means that for the lower levels in the series, there are two books in each level. They do have a separate workbook series.

      Nope I don’t do orders as of now (:

      • Reply
        Kim
        22 November, 2012 at 4:04 PM

        wow you replied real fast! 😀

        Then is there any place that we can get the book in Singapore?

        • Reply
          hangukdrama
          22 November, 2012 at 4:22 PM

          you can get it from kinokuniya bookstore (:

  • Reply
    Sara
    22 November, 2012 at 10:42 PM

    Is ewha 1 better than yonsei korean 1?

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      23 November, 2012 at 10:48 PM

      ermm both are super good but i think that the ewha books may be more self studying-friendly (:

    • Reply
      Joyce chan
      28 January, 2013 at 12:05 AM

      Hi! after readin ur review I really bought ewha book level 1-2 . I found it easier to self study compare to sogang ! Is well recommended ! Anyway I’m from Malaysia and I bought it from gmarket too.. I will definitely get the rest of the book. Thank you so much !!

  • Reply
    zw
    25 November, 2012 at 1:07 AM

    Is there any grammar book out there which explains complicated or similar grammar points such as ~고서, ~고나 서, 해서, 으니까 and ~는 대로, 자마자 and ~으면 ~는다면 .. Tried finding these grammar differences online but was unable to be convinced by the explanations. Thanks in advance. 🙂

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      25 November, 2012 at 12:46 PM

      mm you can try the Korean Grammar for International book 😀 the best explanation, of course, is still in a korean grammar dictionary (written entirely in korean)

  • Reply
    Courtney
    25 November, 2012 at 6:48 AM

    ZW, the best books I’ve found with explanations in English are published by Darakwon. “Korean Grammar in Use Beginning to Early Intermediate” ISBN 978-89-5995-198-7 and “Korean Grammar in Use Intermediate” ISBN 978-89-277-3078-1 are both really useful. They have expanations, examples, and some exercises for practice (with the answers at the back of the book). You might want to check them out.

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      25 November, 2012 at 12:46 PM

      ooh haven’t seen this book yet! shall try to find it 😀

      • Reply
        zw
        25 November, 2012 at 6:41 PM

        Thanks Courtney. I have seen the grammar in use and do have grammar books that is similar to that. However, the explanations between different grammar points sometimes, are identical.

        Shall try finding the korean grammar dictionary. Hopefully, online sites have it.

  • Reply
    jl
    25 November, 2012 at 8:47 PM

    Hi, I would like to know which website do you normally order your books from?

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      25 November, 2012 at 8:57 PM

      gmarket~

  • Reply
    SY
    25 November, 2012 at 10:09 PM

    Where can you get the level 1/beginners book? I’ve searched gmarket and Kino’s online website to no avail. Could you give me the link or address of where you bought the books? Thanks in advance. 🙂

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      27 November, 2012 at 9:17 PM

      mmm type in 이화 한국어 1 and you will find a whole list on gmarket

  • Reply
    skrwitch
    26 November, 2012 at 5:49 AM

    What’s the integrated korean equivalent of ewha. Let’s say after I finished High Advanced 2, what ewha level should I be on?

    • Reply
      reflectia
      27 November, 2012 at 1:32 PM

      For the gmarket korea website, go to the “Books, CDs and DVDs” category and under the subsection, click on the “Korean and foreign language” link. Search for “이화” and you will see the list of ehwa textbooks 🙂

  • Reply
    Alicia
    28 November, 2012 at 11:51 PM

    hello Shanna, really love your blog especially the many textbook reviews!
    I was just wondering if you could list the grammar covered in level 2? i’m not sure which level I belong to…

    감사합니다~

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      2 December, 2012 at 12:00 PM

      ahh i’m sorry i don’t have the books with me already. D:

  • Reply
    Neena
    1 December, 2012 at 11:41 AM

    Would you recommend buying the work books with them also? I found it, but they’re in Korean (the work books). Is that alright for the first couple books that they’re in Korean only for a novice like I? Thank you!

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      2 December, 2012 at 12:00 PM

      mmm it’s really up to you. i’m not a workbook kind of person but if it helps to solidify your learning and give you more practice, it’s still worth it! It will help to anchor your learning (: And workbooks are definitely in korean but they will be aligned to the standard of the learner. nothing too difficult or challenging should appear in the beginner books (:

  • Reply
    Nasia
    1 December, 2012 at 8:20 PM

    Hi! : ) Your blog is awesome!I really like your articles…Very interesting and helpful…May I ask if all the Ewha workbook series have the answers to the exercises? : D
    Thank you very much!

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      2 December, 2012 at 11:58 AM

      thank you! i think so! i did a workbook review too! you can check out that post

  • Reply
    skrwitch
    2 December, 2012 at 10:29 PM

    What would be the best beginner textbook for me? I’ve just finished Integrated Korean beginning 1 and I learn through sentences. Integrated Korean have hardly any useful example sentences. What are some good textbooks that do? Does ewha? If so, which ewha book should I get?

    • Reply
      skrwitch
      2 December, 2012 at 10:40 PM

      If this helps, here are the grammar points I have learnt:

      N1은/는 N2이다

      아니다
      이/가
      에 있다
      ~어요/아요
      N이/가 있다/없다
      ~(으)세요
      을/를
      에서
      ~(으)러
      N(으)로
      었/았/ㅆ
      ~(으)ㄹ 거에요
      무슨 vs 어느
      ~고
      지요?
      이/그/저
      습니다/ㅂ니다

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      3 December, 2012 at 5:21 PM

      mm I found integrated Korean intermediate and above to be pretty useful. i think you can use ewha 2-1 ^^

    • Reply
      Nasia
      7 December, 2012 at 12:56 AM

      Your review wah really helpful! I was going to buy the Sogang Series but after reading your review I think I’m going to buy the Ewha series : D

  • Reply
    Ben
    7 January, 2013 at 6:05 PM

    Hi there.

    This is Ben, I commented on your About Me page awhile back.

    I took your advice and bought the Ewha series all of 1 and 2 and I have to say, I’m very impressed with this series. Compared to the Yonsei textbooks, which were needlessly heavy, this one is very light and easy to take around. In addition, there were a lot more instructions which made it ALOT easier to learn the content. I’m only a few weeks in but I can already write a few basic paragraphs now!

    Thanks for the recommendation!

  • Reply
    Haley
    18 January, 2013 at 6:25 AM

    Wanted to order these books ASAP – have been trying to learn on my own on and off for a while using the Integrated Korean book but I was just not grasping the information (also becuase I was not spending enough time doing it). I was getting the book from the library and that is a pain and waiting lists and ugh.

    Anyways…are you aware of websites where this is available to order online?? I tried hanbooks but shipping is almost the same cost as a book!!

    Really wanna get a textbook of my own to really start learning so I am not stumbling my way through Korea like a lost Canadian puppy.

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      18 January, 2013 at 11:49 AM

      mmm try seoulselection? I know they ship in the US, but sure if they will ship to Canada. ><;;

  • Reply
    Ryan
    16 February, 2013 at 2:45 PM

    Where can I get the Level 1 and 2 Ewha textbooks at an affordable price?

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      16 February, 2013 at 3:44 PM

      try gmarket

  • Reply
    Kitty~
    19 February, 2013 at 1:33 PM

    I bought the Level 1-2 book after reading your review and I really love it! The only problem is the cd doesn’t work on my computer so I’m not able to do the listening parts of the chapters ;~; Did you (or any of your readers) have problems like this or have any tips to get it to work? My computers a relatively new Macbook Pro. I love the book so much, I wish it’d work!

    Also, love your blog! Your hard work is inspiring. :p

    • Reply
      piaochong
      19 February, 2013 at 2:50 PM

      I have the level 3 and 4 books and the cds work on my computer (windows) . Can you ask a friend or use another computer to copy the files on it and take it to yours?

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      19 February, 2013 at 3:20 PM

      Glad you liked the books!! 😀 😀 mmm I don’t remember if the files worked or not ><;; try what Piaochong suggested ^^

      • Reply
        Kitty~
        19 February, 2013 at 11:49 PM

        I definitely will try what Piaochong said. Thanks guys! :p

  • Reply
    Kate
    28 February, 2013 at 12:53 PM

    I just wanted to say thank you for your reviews! My university used the Sogang textbooks which I found HORRIBLE now that I’m self studying. I bought the level 3 and 4 textbooks for Ewha while in Korea, and I think they’re the perfect balance for me. The grammar points are concise, and I like how the workbooks include the answers (rather than downloading them like Sogang). Although, I really wish the Ewha books had a separate vocab/grammar handbook like Sogang’s did.

    Thank you for all of your work and good luck with your studying!

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      2 March, 2013 at 3:23 PM

      Thanks Kate!! 😀 Glad you find the textbooks suitable!

  • Reply
    Debi
    9 March, 2013 at 3:57 AM

    Hi! I would like to say that your ebook helped me a lot… I started to self-study korean a while ago and your ebook just helped me to fix how I was going through it. I live in Brazil and it’s so difficult to find courses and resources here, so I had to spent so many days searching and researching for good things online. Your site made my life easier, thanks you. Do you know where can I buy this series in America? It can be any online shopping, ’cause if I buy from any shopping in Asia, this would take so long to get here. Hope you can help me.

    • Reply
      Kate
      10 March, 2013 at 4:31 AM

      Debi, I have used both koreanbookcenter.us and hanbooks.com to ship to my house in the United States. I know Hanbooks ships internationally but it does seem a bit pricey 😉

      • Reply
        Debi
        10 March, 2013 at 10:23 PM

        oooh, thanks you. i will give it a try.

  • Reply
    Panda
    28 March, 2013 at 7:13 PM

    Hi! I just started learning korean and from all your reviews i really want to buy this series but im not sure whether or not i should buy the workbook. Do you think its possible to still learn without it?

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      28 March, 2013 at 7:51 PM

      yes it is! ^^

      • Reply
        Yufina
        14 April, 2013 at 7:52 PM

        I have Ehwa 1-1 workbook and I need to say that it is definitely worth of it. No stupid drills. You will be missing a lot without it.

  • Reply
    fangorn
    1 April, 2013 at 11:36 PM

    Hi! I went to learn Korean at a Korean language school in Malaysia. The class ended and I think I won’t be continuing my next level so will self-study from now on. My school uses the Sogang book (finished Sogang 2A). I don’t think I will use the Sogang book for self-study …while searching for suitable books, I came across your article here. If I wish to continue my study, which ewha book that I should buy?

  • Reply
    Eminson
    19 August, 2013 at 7:50 PM

    I just finished studying level 1 at Ewha this summer, I love their textbooks and workbooks, it has a good balance of reading, speaking, listening, & writing. And both the workbooks and textbooks come with CDs, so you can listen to it even outside class time. I have to go back to my country for school so I won’t be able to go to Ewha for level 2, but I will definitely buy level 2 textbooks and workbooks and learn it myself when I go back home =)

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      20 August, 2013 at 12:13 PM

      wow it must have been a fun summer! 😀 I love the Ewha books too!

  • Reply
    schedule | korean@hwarang
    14 September, 2013 at 3:50 PM

    […] from a bookstore at the korean airport. it is more structured with grammar lessons (helpful review here) but unfortunately not sold in US (to my […]

  • Reply
    Zoe
    4 June, 2014 at 9:54 AM

    Hi Shanna! You are a great motivation for me! As previously I was contemplating between self-studying and lessons at SKIS. However, reading many post of yours. I agree that self-studying is possible with loads of discipline!

    I have read your Korean resources, and i noticed on one part I read it is good to start off online with TTMIK, how about books wise. Initially I wanted to purchase TTIMK’s textbook and workbook but then again I saw your personal favourite was Ewha.

    So.. which do you recommend? I would really like to start from the basic. As good fundamentals would be better for my future studies.

    Thanks in advance, continue being a motivation for like-minded Korean learners all around the world!

  • Reply
    Andre
    19 July, 2014 at 4:58 PM

    Hi, I am planning on buying the Ewha Korean 2-1 and 2-2. Do you think it is essential to buy the workbooks 2-1 and 2-2 as well or can I learn with the textbooks only?

  • Reply
    Mook
    1 June, 2015 at 5:55 PM

    Hi! Thanks for the review.
    Do you mind if I ask how do you learn grammar by yourself? Because, for me, the book doesn’t give a concrete explanation. I finished level 1 at school and want to start level 2 by self-study but I find it difficult to understand all the grammar on my own. Thanks in advance. 🙂

    • Reply
      Hangukdrama
      6 June, 2015 at 7:49 PM

      Hello! Mmm I use quite a number of books and resources when I first started. College Korean intermediate is a good resources, together with Integrated Korean!

  • Reply
    Jennifer
    13 August, 2015 at 10:23 AM

    I recently took Korean 1 at SNU for their SNU ISI program and we used the Active Korean 1 textbook. Grammar points we learned were N 은/는, N -이에요/예요, 네/아니요, V-(으)세요, N 주세요, counting units (개, 병, 잔), N하고N, N 이/가 있어요/없어요, 이거/그거/저거, 이 N/그 N/저 N, -아요/어요, N 을/를, N 에 가다/오다, 안 A/V (negation), N 이/가 A, 그리고, telling time, S-지만 S, V-(으)ㄹ까요, telling the date, A/V-았어요/었어요, N 에서, location/position words , N 이/가 있어요/없어요, N(으)로 가다/오다, and N까지, where N = noun, V = verb, S = subject, and A = adjective. Based on this, which level of the Ewha book should I get to continue my Korean studies?

    • Reply
      Hangukdrama
      14 August, 2015 at 9:36 PM

      Erm you can get level 3 first and if it’s too difficult, you can look at level 2. I don’t remember all the grammar points covered in book 2 and / or 3

  • Reply
    Ewha Study Guides for The Self Learner
    18 August, 2015 at 10:55 AM

    […] might have remembered that I’ve done a quick review on Ewha Level 1 & 2 books before. I bought it on behalf on my friend, so couldn’t hold on for it for too […]

  • Reply
    Barbara
    5 September, 2015 at 8:02 PM

    hi hi, I will be going Korea next week. May I know where I can get the books including the study guide?

    • Reply
      Hangukdrama
      5 September, 2015 at 8:12 PM

      Can go to kyobo bookstore!

    • Reply
      Hangukdrama
      5 September, 2015 at 8:13 PM

      Can go to the outlet at Gwanghwamun (it’s connected via underpass from the subway station)

      • Reply
        Barbara
        6 September, 2015 at 11:41 PM

        Thank you so much!

  • Reply
    [Review] Ewha Study Guide 1-1
    17 October, 2015 at 11:56 AM

    […] I’ve briefly reviewed the Ewha Textbook Level 1&2 series so today I’m going to focus more on the study guide and how it complements the textbook. I […]

  • Reply
    lani
    16 December, 2015 at 1:31 PM

    I was really excited about getting these books especially after reading your reviews, but when I saw the shipping I was a little discouraged and then even more when I read that they will sometimes go missing and you wont be able to get a refund. Did you ever have any problems with shipping? And is the shipping always that high?

    • Reply
      lani
      16 December, 2015 at 1:41 PM

      Also, I live in the US and i’m talking about twochois.com !

    • Reply
      Hangukdrama
      16 December, 2015 at 1:44 PM

      Mm I’ve never had an issue with shipping, always fast and reliable. ^^ they will give u a number to track the package too. I Guess EMS would always be expensive esp since they ship from Korea

  • Reply
    [Review] Ewha Korean 1-1 Textbook / Workbook
    27 December, 2015 at 11:24 AM

    […] [KOREAN TEXTBOOK REVIEW] EWHA KOREAN LEVEL 1 & 2 이화 한국어 (short review) […]

  • Reply
    Merel
    28 December, 2015 at 2:33 AM

    Where can I buy these Ewha books online, other than Ebay or Amazon :)?

    • Reply
      Hangukdrama
      28 December, 2015 at 3:43 AM

      er.. One alternative is Twochois.com (links in blog post) ^^

  • Reply
    Merel
    28 December, 2015 at 2:37 AM

    Where can I buy these Ewha books? And if you buy an Ewha book (around the $25 dollar I saw), is that only the book or can you buy a packet with book, workbook and studybook??

    • Reply
      Hangukdrama
      28 December, 2015 at 3:46 AM

      You can google for retailers but I do recommend twochois.com. ^^ eh I think the books are sold separately but perhaps if you Google, you might find package deals. Not too sure ^^

  • Reply
    [REVIEW] EWHA KOREAN 1-2 TEXTBOOK / WORKBOOK
    5 January, 2016 at 10:02 AM

    […] [KOREAN TEXTBOOK REVIEW] EWHA KOREAN LEVEL 1 & 2 이화 한국어 (short review) […]

  • Reply
    Ariadna
    1 March, 2016 at 1:13 AM

    I’m starting to learn Korean and I don’t know which books to buy. I’m thinking about Ewha 1-1 textbook and workbook, but everyone seems to recommend Integrated Korean (beginning 1, in my case) books. I like both, but does Integrated Korean cover more “aspects” on Korean grammar than the Ewha ones? Should I combine them?

    I’ll be waiting for your reply! Despite reading all of your reviews, I still can’t decide! I hope I can get some help, because you’re more experienced and know the books better.

    • Reply
      Hangukdrama
      1 March, 2016 at 9:49 AM

      They are both good series, so I Guess in the end it’s a matter of personal preference. I like to use several textbook series as I learn, so you can also combine them! (:

  • Reply
    Gen
    11 March, 2016 at 1:53 PM

    Hi do u know anywhere to get second hand ehwa books in Singapore?

  • Reply
    Cha
    19 March, 2017 at 4:25 PM

    Hello there! Thank you very much for reviewing these books! It helps me a lot!
    I am using “Korean from Zero 1” and I would like to ask whether it makes sense to use an Ehwa Textbook afterwards or not. And if, which level would it be? Do you think it’s better to stick to “Korean from zero”-series? Or would you rather recommend the Ehwa books? What are your favorite korean self-studying books? Also, if possible, could you review “Korean dem zero” as well? Thank you very much! 🙂

    • Reply
      Hangukdrama
      23 March, 2017 at 8:32 AM

      Haven’t seen “Korean from Zero” so I can’t comment 🙂 my fav self learning textbooks are Ewha series, SNU newest series, the Yonsei reading series and the Sogang writing series. ^^ of course there are many good standalone or grammar books etc, but in general these are the series of textbooks I like

  • Reply
    XP03
    17 May, 2017 at 3:25 PM

    Hi, your reviews helped a lot! Would like to ask if the price of the book still remains at 16,000 won for this year or would you know if it has increased? Planning to go over to Korea to get it. 🙂 Thank you!

  • Reply
    여름
    11 August, 2018 at 9:12 PM

    Hi^^ I have a question! After finishing Ewha 2-2 what level of korean I will be on??? How much is the progress after finishing 2-2??

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