Korean uses an alphabet, known as "Hangul", which you can learn in two days. This is a very attractive feature of the language for prospective learners, but you have to realize that to read advanced material, such as newspaper, the Korean alphabet will not be enough. You will have to master at least 1500 "Hangas", ideograms derived from the Chinese characters.

However, this should not discourage the learner as there is quite a lot you can do with the alphabet. Most computer work, emails, administrative forms and modern litterature are written using the alphabet. But do not forget that newspapers, serious non-fiction books, historical plates, street signs all use Hanga characters.