60% of Korean words are derived from Chinese loan words. Learning to read and write Chinese characters is not necessary for most Korean students given that they are used infrequently in modern Korean texts but learning the sound and meaning of the characters will help you improve your vocabulary similar to how students of English can benefit from learning Latin and Greek roots.

사람의 성 김, gold; metals in general; money (8)
쇠 금
물가 포, 갯가 포, bank of river, shore; surname (10)
빌 공, empty, hollow, bare, deserted (8)
물 갈라질 항, 항구 항, 뱃길 항, port, harbor; small stream; bay (12)
金浦空港 김포공항 Gimpo airport