The study investigates the effectiveness of the keyword approach. The keyword learning strategy was applied to the experimental group and the traditional learning approach for the control group. After the applications of the two learning strategies, the two groups were given immediate and delayed post-test to identify and compare their achievement. The results indicated that the experimental group achieved higher at the immediate post–test. The experimental group also achieved noticeably higher after two weeks of delayed test. The survey showed the experimental group with the keyword approach expressed more positive opinions. This study has verified that the keyword approach can an efficient learning strategy. The study also suggests the adaptation of the keyword learning approach can be explored further for its benefits for Korean English learners.