The easiest way to start either language is the same: learn the writing system first, then study a little every day, using the dramas, anime and music you already enjoy. Korean’s alphabet, Hangul, can be learned in days. Japanese takes longer to read because it uses three scripts, but its sounds are close to Indonesian.
This guide explains how to learn Korean and how to learn Japanese step by step, how long each realistically takes, and how to learn through entertainment. It also covers what you need if you’re learning for work, including EPS-TOPIK and the requirements to work in Japan.
Korean or Japanese: which is easier to start?
Neither is “easy”, but each is easier in different ways for Indonesian speakers.
| Korean | Japanese |
Writing system | One alphabet, Hangul: 14 basic consonants and 10 basic vowels | Three scripts: hiragana, katakana and kanji (Chinese characters) |
Time to read simple words | Days | Weeks for hiragana and katakana; years for kanji |
Sounds for Indonesian speakers | More vowels and consonant contrasts that Indonesian doesn’t have, such as ㄱ, ㅋ and ㄲ | Five vowels, a, i, u, e, o, close to Indonesian; fewer difficult sounds |
Word order | Subject, object, verb: “I rice eat” | The same: subject, object, verb |
Politeness | Speech levels change verb endings | Polite and casual forms, plus honorific language |
Common tests | TOPIK; EPS-TOPIK for work | JLPT; JFT-Basic for some work routes |
In short, Korean is quicker to start reading, and Japanese is usually easier to pronounce. Indonesian speakers already know formal and informal registers (Anda and kamu), which helps with politeness in both languages.
If you’re choosing one: start with the language whose shows, music or job opportunities you care about most. Motivation matters more than which is technically easier. If you want both, get to a basic level in one before starting the other, so you don’t mix up similar grammar.
How to learn Korean: step by step
1. Learn Hangul in your first week
Hangul letters combine into syllable blocks. For example:
- ㅎ (h) + ㅏ (a) + ㄴ (n) = 한 (han)
- ㄱ (g) + ㅜ (u) + ㄱ (k) = 국 (guk)
- Together: 한국 (Hanguk), meaning “Korea”
Spend a day on the basic vowels, a day on the consonants, and a few days reading simple words aloud, such as signs, menu items or song titles. Hangul was designed to be learned quickly: it was created in the 15th century under King Sejong.
2. Practise the sounds Indonesian doesn't have
Pay attention to the three-way difference between plain, aspirated and tense consonants, such as ㄱ (g/k), ㅋ (k with a puff of air) and ㄲ (a tight k). Listen and repeat with short audio clips rather than relying on romanisation.
3. Learn survival phrases
Korean for beginners usually starts with phrases you’ll hear in every drama:
- 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo): hello
- 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida): thank you
- 저는 학생이에요 (jeoneun haksaengieyo): I’m a student
4. Learn the core grammar patterns
In 저는 학생이에요, the particle 는 marks the topic (“as for me”), and 이에요 is a polite way to say “am”. Learn topic and subject particles (은/는, 이/가) and the polite -요 ending early, because you’ll use them in almost every sentence.
5. Build vocabulary with spaced repetition
Use flashcards that show you words just before you’re likely to forget them. Ten to twenty new words a day adds up quickly.
6. Speak early
Read your sentences aloud, record yourself, and find a language exchange partner, for example a Korean speaker learning Indonesian.
How to learn Japanese: step by step
1. Learn hiragana first
Hiragana has 46 basic characters and is used for grammar and native words. Two to three weeks of daily practice is enough for most beginners. Start reading straight away: こんにちは (konnichiwa) means “hello”, and ありがとう (arigatou) means “thank you”.
2. Learn katakana next
Katakana writes foreign words, so it’s full of words you already know. For example, コーヒー (kōhī) means “coffee”. Like the Indonesian kopi, it comes from the Dutch koffie.
3. Learn kanji gradually, through words
Japanese uses thousands of kanji; the official list of everyday characters has 2,136. Don’t try to memorise them in isolation. Learn them inside words you’re studying, such as 学生 (gakusei, “student”), and a few each day.
4. Learn particles and polite forms
In 私は学生です (watashi wa gakusei desu, “I’m a student”), は marks the topic and です is the polite “am”. Notice how the structure mirrors the Korean example above. Learn the polite です/ます forms first; they’re safe in almost every situation.
5. Use the five Indonesian-like vowels to your advantage
Japanese pronunciation is one of its easier parts for Indonesian speakers. Focus instead on long and short vowels (おばさん, “aunt”, vs おばあさん, “grandmother”) and double consonants, which change meanings.
How long does it take to learn Korean or Japanese?
For English speakers, the US Foreign Service Institute places both languages among the longest to learn, estimating around 2,200 class hours to reach professional working ability. There’s no equivalent estimate for Indonesian speakers, but the same pattern holds: reading basics come quickly; real fluency takes years.
A rough guide for someone studying about 30 minutes to an hour a day:
| Milestone | Korean | Japanese |
| Read the script | 1 week (Hangul) | 1–2 months (hiragana and katakana) |
| Simple everyday phrases | 1–3 months | 1–3 months |
| Beginner test level | About 6–12 months for TOPIK I | About 6–12 months for JLPT N5 |
| Comfortable conversation | Typically 2+ years | Typically 2+ years |
These are estimates, not guarantees: they depend on how much you study, how much you listen and speak, and whether you have a teacher.
Learning through K-dramas, anime and music
Entertainment works best as practice, not as your only method.
- Rewatch, don’t just watch. Choose one episode or scene and watch it several times: first with Indonesian subtitles, then with Korean or Japanese subtitles, then with none.
- Shadowing. Pause after a line and repeat it, copying the rhythm and intonation.
- Sentence mining. Save one or two useful sentences per episode to your flashcards.
- Song lyrics. Read the lyrics in Hangul or kana while listening; it trains reading speed.
- Notice the register. Dramas and anime use a lot of casual speech. It’s useful for listening, but use polite forms with people you don’t know.
WHAT DRAWS YOU TO KOREAN OR JAPANESE?
Share why you’re learning, whether for dramas, anime, music, travel or work, with Panel Station.
Learning Korean or Japanese for work
If you’re learning for a job abroad, language tests are part of the application. Requirements change, so always check the latest official information.
Korea: EPS-TOPIK
The EPS-TOPIK test is the Korean language test for workers applying through Korea’s Employment Permit System, which recruits workers from partner countries including Indonesia for sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and fisheries. In Indonesia, registration goes through the government agency for migrant workers. The test focuses on everyday and workplace Korean, especially listening and reading, so the steps above, plus workplace vocabulary and safety terms, are the right preparation.
Japan: requirements to work in Japan
To work in Japan you need a job offer and the right visa (status of residence) for that job. Language requirements depend on the route:
- Specified Skilled Worker (SSW): a Japanese language test, such as JFT-Basic or JLPT N4, plus a skills test for the sector.
- Trainee programmes: basic Japanese training is usually part of preparation. Japan has announced changes to its technical intern programme.
- Professional and office jobs: visa requirements usually focus on your education or experience, but many employers expect higher Japanese levels, often N2 or above, depending on the role.
Avoid recruitment scams
Be cautious of agents who promise guaranteed jobs or visas in exchange for large fees. Check that any agency is officially licensed, and use government channels where they exist.
A 30-minute daily routine
Consistency matters more than long weekend sessions. A routine you can follow at home:
- 10 minutes: flashcard review and a few new words.
- 10 minutes: listening: one short scene, podcast segment or song, with shadowing.
- 10 minutes: output: write three sentences or say them aloud using today’s words.
Once a week, take a longer session for grammar, a short lesson or a conversation with an exchange partner or tutor.
Where to learn Korean and Japanese in Indonesia
- Self-study: free videos, podcasts and flashcard apps cover the beginner stage well.
- Language institutes: the Japan Foundation in Jakarta and King Sejong Institute branches in Indonesia offer structured courses.
- Cultural centres: the Korean Cultural Center Indonesia runs classes and cultural events.
- Universities: several Indonesian universities offer Korean and Japanese studies or short courses.
- Tests in Indonesia: both TOPIK and JLPT are held in Indonesia. JLPT is usually held twice a year.
- Exchange partners and communities: local and online groups where learners practise together.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Relying on romanisation instead of learning Hangul or kana in the first weeks.
- Learning only from entertainment, without grammar or vocabulary practice.
- Studying in long, irregular bursts rather than a little every day.
- Avoiding speaking until you feel “ready”.
- Starting both languages at once before either has a solid base.
Start this week
- Pick one language, learn its script this week, and set up a 30-minute daily routine using content you enjoy. If you’re aiming for work, add the relevant test, TOPIK, EPS-TOPIK, JLPT or JFT-Basic, as your goal, and check the official requirements early.
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FAQs
1. Do I need to learn kanji to speak Japanese?
Not to speak it, but you do to read it. You can hold basic conversations using only what you hear and say. Signs, menus, messages and most written Japanese use kanji, though, so start learning a few through the words you study and build up gradually.
2. Should I use romanisation when I start?
Only for the first few days. Romanised spellings such as “annyeonghaseyo” or “konnichiwa” help you get started, but they hide sounds that matter and slow down your reading later. Switch to Hangul or kana as soon as you’ve learned them.
3. What are TOPIK and JLPT, and do I need a certificate?
They’re the standard proficiency tests for Korean and Japanese. TOPIK has two parts: TOPIK I for beginner levels and TOPIK II for intermediate and advanced levels. JLPT runs from N5, the easiest, to N1, the hardest. You don’t need a certificate to learn, but it’s useful for scholarships, university applications and many jobs
4. Can I learn Korean or Japanese for free?
Yes, to a good beginner level. Free videos, podcasts, flashcard tools, textbooks from libraries and language exchanges cover the basics. A teacher or paid course becomes more valuable for speaking practice, correcting mistakes and preparing for higher test levels.
5. Is EPS-TOPIK the same as TOPIK?
No. TOPIK measures general Korean proficiency for study, work and personal goals. EPS-TOPIK is a separate test for workers applying through Korea’s Employment Permit System, focused on everyday and workplace Korean. Check which one your goal requires before you start preparing.
6. How do I stay motivated when progress feels slow?
Set small, visible goals, such as reading a menu, following a scene without subtitles or passing a beginner test, and track them weekly. Studying with friends or an exchange partner helps, and so does tying practice to something you enjoy, like learning the lyrics of a favourite song.
