Ok, I’ve decided that I’m going to get back into my Martial Art. However, this time I’m also hoping to learn Korean, so that I can be a step up or two on my 2-3rd degree testing…
I have a good ear.
I’m not interested, yet, in learning to read/write the language.
What is the best way for ME, to learn Korean? Outside of immersion. I’m sure if I spend a year in Korea, I would learn, but that’s just not possible.
Dang it.
Advice? Pros and Cons?
Here’s what was told to me when I was struggling with Spanish. Get a Spanish/Latin boyfriend, or just a friend (it works better if you already know someone who is a native speaker - looks less like you’re using them) who is a native speaker. Make them speak the language to you, slowly enough, and explaining things where necessary. It does help with picking the language up.
This may not work if you have no background in the language at all - I was trying to move from being able to carry on a conversation to fluency (I’m still not quite there), and it did help. I am much more comfortable now than I ever was, at least with speaking the language.
Of course, I need to be able to read it too, so I’m taking a basic grammar class next semester, since it’s been 12 years since I even remotely considered the grammar.
Start with the basics, and make sure that you understand that first. In many languages, more advanced study builds upon what you have already learned. It is something which needs alot of effort. You must be prepared to set aside time on a regular basis to study. As you do things, think to yourself “What is this called” or “How would I say that” in another language. Get good books or Internet resources on the language and learn these by heart. If you really want to learn it, and punish yourself by studying hard, you will be able to learn it.
If you want to get really into it but not take classes, the recorded lessons from Pimsleur are good (I haven’t done the Korean, though). Amazon has it.
It would be helpful if you could get a hold of a basic desciptive grammar of the language. Something that covers word order, phrasal construction, phonemic inventory, etc. This is the sort of thing that might, but only might, be coverd in one of those “Learn Language X in Five Easy Steps” books.
To echo Lsura’s statement, conversational exchange is a good way to practice and can provide very helpful cultural input. Another thing to consider is getting a hold of some Korean music (with lyrics). Depending on prior experience, it may take a while to get your head around it but it’s a great way to develop your ear. Along the same lines, dubbed movies could be of help but bear in mind that thier translation may be loose.
Good luck
If you’re already typing the language, IM is a great way to practice. 
My opinion is that you should at least learn to read the alphabet. It’s not difficult–I learned the basics of it from a book, during my first 10-hour flight to Korea. All the Romanization systems I’ve seen are hopelessly inadequate for representing Korean sounds, just as Hangul is hopelessly inadequate for representing English sounds.
I don’t mean you have to read books and newspapers, but at least consider spending a little time to learn the phonetic alphabet. Other than that, no real advice, sorry. But good luck!