Seyo: Speak Korean Confidently

I’m still very new to the Korean language so getting to use something that could build up my confidence in speaking and enforcing knowledge is a very big must. I see a lot of potential with the app, especially with the pronunciation registry that helps build tone and clarity with words. On the other hand, I can also see where it can use a little more detail. For example the way the app tries to catch my voice isn’t often very good. It seems to pause too long, almost glitching, and sometimes even disappearing all together with the little green face. Also it’d probably be good to make the little green face more apparent to when it is recording the voice as it’s rather hard to tell when it is and isn’t. This is just the coding so it can be fixed. The other thing I’d like to see is a little more connection with other things. The simplicity of the app is very nice but I don’t see a lot of correlation with what we’re being taught with the Seyo conversation starters/role play given to us. And what is being taught isn’t really being enforced past the initial lesson. Still, it’s a new app so there is plenty of room for development!

I have enjoyed TTMIK podcast for awhile and was very excited about the app. As a Korean language beginner I’ve been looking for a more authentic, efficient and simple way to learn. While I found the initial unit helpful and efficient in its content, it wasn’t very clear on what or how the activities should be done. I feel more clear directions would make it easier. In the speaking exercises the option to hear a sentence more slowly wasn’t much different than the initial speed and still difficult to understand. The AI voices didn’t convey the nuance I’d hoped either. I did not get to experience more than the first unit before I hit the app paywall. So while I did enjoy overall what I was able to experience, I felt a longer trial would’ve been necessary and helpful to see if the app would be worth my investment. Pronunciation is what I want to focus on and the voices were the weakest part of the app I was able to experience. I hope that this improves and if it is improved those that have completed the first unit can experience it again to see if it fits their needs. I tried to go back to see if it had improved and I was not allowed to.

I’ve been using SEYO, TTMIK’s Korean learning app, and overall, I’m enjoying it. It has a lot of potential, but there are some areas where it could improve to become a standout app on the market. First, the speech recognition needs work. I’ve found myself saying answers correctly, but the app doesn’t pick up on them and marks them as wrong. This can be frustrating, especially when I know I’m speaking correctly. Second, the AI voices feel unnatural. For learners, it would be more beneficial to hear real people speaking. Natural voices would help users develop a better sense of Korean pronunciation and speech patterns. Third, the lessons feel a bit too “by the book.” While the structured approach works, it can sometimes feel rigid and repetitive. Incorporating more interactive and enjoyable elements, like video lessons or roleplaying real-life situations, would make the learning experience more engaging. You could even draw inspiration from the excellent video content on your website! That said, the app interface is fantastic. It’s clean, user-friendly, and easy to navigate, which makes learning feel less intimidating. With some improvements in content and functionality, SEYO could easily become a 5-star app. However, as it stands, there’s still room for growth. Right now, I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5. (Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! I can tell you really care about this app, so I’m gonna toss in an extra star for how urgently you fixed the issue.)