Question 1

What is HangeulMate?

Accepted Answer

HangeulMate is a free, AI-powered Korean learning app. It offers 65 structured units across 4 levels — from Hangul basics to confident conversation — plus 63 dialogue scenarios, K-pop/K-drama expression learning, handwriting practice, and AI voice chat.

Question 2

Is HangeulMate free?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The free plan includes full Hangul lessons (Level 0), 20 conversation scenarios, daily review with spaced repetition, and 1 lesson per day. Pro and Premium AI plans unlock additional content and features.

Question 3

What devices can I use HangeulMate on?

Accepted Answer

HangeulMate works on any device with a modern web browser — phone, tablet, or computer. No app download is needed.

Question 4

Do I need an account to use HangeulMate?

Accepted Answer

You can start learning without an account. However, creating a free account (via Google) lets you save your progress across devices and access all features.

Question 5

What's the recommended learning order?

Accepted Answer

Start with Level 0 (Hangul) to learn the Korean alphabet. Then progress through Level 1 (Survival Korean), Level 2 (Basic Conversation), and Level 3 (Confident Speaker). Practice conversations in the Chat section alongside your lessons.

Question 6

How much time should I study per day?

Accepted Answer

We recommend 10–15 minutes per day. Consistency matters more than duration. The app tracks your streak to help you stay motivated.

Question 7

Does HangeulMate work offline?

Accepted Answer

Lessons and reviews work offline once loaded, but you'll need an internet connection to sync progress, use AI features, and load new content.

Question 8

How does pronunciation practice work?

Accepted Answer

HangeulMate uses your browser's speech recognition to listen to your pronunciation and give instant feedback. For more accurate results, Premium AI users can connect OpenAI Whisper.

Question 9

What's the difference between Free, Pro, and Premium AI?

Accepted Answer

Free: Hangul lessons, 20 chat scenarios, 1 lesson/day, spaced repetition. Pro ($9.99/mo): All content, unlimited lessons, K-pop/K-drama explore, flashcard review, no ads. Premium AI ($19.99/mo): Everything in Pro plus AI conversation tutor, voice chat, AI pronunciation, and scene practice.

Question 10

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Payments are processed securely through Stripe. You can pay with credit/debit cards. Subscriptions are billed monthly.

Question 11

Can I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you're not satisfied, contact us within 7 days of purchase for a full refund. Email support@hangeulmate.com.

Question 12

How do I cancel my subscription?

Accepted Answer

Go to your Profile page and manage your subscription there. You can cancel anytime — your access continues until the end of your billing period.

Question 13

Is my progress saved?

Accepted Answer

If you're signed in, your progress syncs automatically to the cloud. You can pick up where you left off on any device.

Question 14

Can I use HangeulMate on multiple devices?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Sign in with the same Google account on any device and your progress will sync automatically.

Question 15

How do I delete my account?

Accepted Answer

Email support@hangeulmate.com with your account email and we'll delete your account and all associated data within 48 hours.

Question 16

Speech recognition isn't working

Accepted Answer

Make sure you've allowed microphone access in your browser. Speech recognition works best on desktop Chrome — mobile browsers have limited support. Try speaking clearly in a quiet environment. Note: single-syllable words may not be recognized — try full words instead.

Question 17

Audio isn't playing

Accepted Answer

Check that your device volume is on and not muted. If pre-recorded audio isn't available, the app uses text-to-speech as a fallback. Try refreshing the page if issues persist.

Question 18

The page is loading slowly

Accepted Answer

Try clearing your browser cache and refreshing. A stable internet connection is needed for initial loading. We recommend using WiFi — audio files and lesson content may use mobile data. Once loaded, most features work quickly.

Question 19

Which browser works best?

Accepted Answer

We recommend Chrome on a desktop or laptop for the best experience. Speech recognition, audio playback, and overall performance are most reliable on desktop Chrome. Safari and Firefox work for lessons but may have limited speech recognition support.

Question 20

Does HangeulMate use a lot of data?

Accepted Answer

Audio files and lesson content are loaded on demand, which can use mobile data. We recommend using WiFi when possible, especially for audio-heavy lessons and conversation practice. Once content is loaded, it's cached by your browser for faster access.

Question 21

What is the AI tutor?

Accepted Answer

The AI tutor (민지/Minji) is a conversational Korean practice partner available to Premium AI subscribers. It can hold free-form Korean conversations, correct your writing, and adapt to your level.

Question 22

Is there a daily limit for the AI tutor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Premium AI users can send up to 10 messages per day to the AI tutor. The limit resets at midnight.

Question 23

Do I need an API key for the AI tutor?

Accepted Answer

No. The AI tutor is fully managed by HangeulMate — no API key or extra setup is needed. Simply subscribe to the Premium AI plan and start chatting right away.

Question 24

What is the Explore section?

Accepted Answer

Explore lets you learn real Korean through K-pop lyrics and K-drama dialogue expressions. Browse 137 K-pop and 112 K-drama expressions organized by category, with native audio and quizzes to test your understanding.

Question 25

What are Drama Quotes?

Accepted Answer

Drama Quotes features 30 iconic lines from popular K-dramas like Squid Game, Goblin, and Descendants of the Sun. Learn the meaning, pronunciation, and context of each quote through interactive quizzes.

Question 26

What is AI Scene Practice?

Accepted Answer

AI Scene Practice (Premium AI) lets you roleplay famous K-drama scenes with the AI tutor. Pick a scenario and practice speaking Korean in context — like ordering at a restaurant from a drama scene.

Question 27

Is Explore content available for free?

Accepted Answer

Free users can access beginner-level K-pop and K-drama cards and take up to 3 quizzes per day. Pro users unlock all expressions, unlimited quizzes, flashcard review, and favorites.

Question 28

What is Writing Practice?

Accepted Answer

Writing Practice lets you practice handwriting 24 Korean characters (14 consonants + 10 vowels) on a canvas. Each character includes stroke-order animation and two modes: Trace (guided) and Copy (reference alongside).

Question 29

What is the Typing Game?

Accepted Answer

The Typing Game helps you build Korean typing speed by matching Korean jamo (consonant and vowel characters) on your keyboard. It's a fun way to practice the Korean keyboard layout.

Question 30

Do I need a Korean keyboard for typing practice?

Accepted Answer

No. The typing game works with any keyboard — it uses a virtual Korean keyboard layout shown on screen. However, you can also use a physical Korean keyboard or your device's Korean input method.

Question 31

What level can I reach with HangeulMate?

Accepted Answer

Completing all 4 levels (L0–L3) brings you to approximately CEFR A2+ (upper elementary) / TOPIK I Level 1 readiness. You'll be able to handle everyday conversations, read simple Korean texts, and communicate basic needs. Full conversational fluency requires additional practice beyond the app.

Question 32

Can I prepare for TOPIK with HangeulMate?

Accepted Answer

HangeulMate helps you build the vocabulary and grammar foundation needed for TOPIK I Level 1. Level 3 includes a dedicated TOPIK preparation unit. However, HangeulMate alone may not be sufficient for passing — we recommend combining it with official TOPIK study materials.

Question 33

What is Voice Chat?

Accepted Answer

Voice Chat (Premium AI) is a real-time Korean speaking mode where you talk with the AI tutor using your voice. It uses voice activity detection to know when you're speaking and responds with natural Korean speech — like having a conversation partner available 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Learning & Content

Pricing & Plans

Account & Data

Technical Issues

AI Tutor

K-Content & Explore

Writing & Typing

Proficiency & Goals

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