4) Take lessons on italki or in the real world (ITRW, whoa matrix much?) because you want the correct foundations first. Even community tutors are a great way to start. If money is an issue, I would use 'howtostudykorean.com" or "talktomeinkorean.com" as a syllabus guide. 5) Do more things that involve Korean, so maybe watching TV dramas (if your into that stuff) listen to music, read webtoons on Naver (오빠 왔다 = is great, short and simply also this is how Koreans speak naturally, very helpful). The more things you are interested in the better. 6) Speak to other friends learning ANY language, even speak to Koreans and how they're learning english. The more knowledge you have of how others learnt, the better! 7) read, read and read. I have found by reading, even if i didn't know the word meaning, at least i could recognize it and hear it if spoken. Once you are aware of something, you will be able to recognize it easier. 8) I know you probably don't want to hear this, but being fast doesn't equate to you being better. Just remember that your learning something somebody acquired over decades, you will attempt to learn in less than half that

Hello Tiffany, I'm surprised no one has answered your question yet :( I will give it shot :) 1) what's your goal/s? if you have a clear idea than this will help. Just saying 'be fluent' isn't enough, because when do you know when you will be fluent? when you can hold a conversation or not make errors? Be specific and then work from there. And remember that native speakers make mistakes too, no need to be perfect! 2) Get a hold of "Korean Grammar in use: Beginner - Ahn Jean-Myung" i'm not endorsed by them, the book has been around for ages, it is all the grammar points you really need to know to be able to start reading and speaking in Korean. Grammar is important! plus i love grammar....i'm strange...and a linguist so..... 3) moving on ;) Focus on quality and effective materials not quantity. What I mean, is try a variety of different techniques to learn: flashcards, substitution drills, conversation practice etc. See what works for you, since everyone is different, everyone has a different learning style, find yours!

I realize now, that i haven't answered your question, i just gave you tips....sorry i got carried away. How did i learn? Well i took lessons on italki, twice a week. I was working so i could do so. I continued to do so for a year straight. Each lesson i learnt a few grammar points and then i made example sentences with them. Eventually, i learnt hundreds of grammar points along with vocabulary. Of course not all of it was relevant and i know struggle to remember the vocab, but it's all good, i'm not intending to win a spelling bee :). Recently i decided to cutback on the formal lessons and take conversational classes and start getting better at speaking and listening. And i'm doing well, room for a lot of improvement, especially listening, but i will get there! And that's it. I have a couple of language exchange partners, but i mainly text them, so it's like old school penpals. It's very helpful especially since we text how we speak! great way to learn vocab. And that's it! whoa this took a while, hopeful my rambling is helpful! and have fun, never forget that it should be fun, if it's not...somethings up! good luck 화이팅!!

I'm sorry this is sooooo long!