Where To Find Korean Language Classes and Programs in Korea

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Korea International School

This article contains a comprehensive list of Korean language classes and programs in Korea offered by different institutions, organizations, or universities.

Most expats in Korea have had the grand idea of learning the local language when they arrive or at least picking up enough phrases to get by.

But at some point, we may come to feel something along the lines of what John Huer wrote in a recent editorial in the Korea Times (“Why Is Korea So Strange?” Jan 30th):

“Linguists and anthropologists the world over routinely list the Korean Language as one of the most difficult languages, if not the most difficult, to learn. . . as a blessing, the language has protected Korea’s identity like a secret code.”

Koreans themselves are openly shocked to see foreigners who can stumble through a basic greeting. It is tempting to think of it as impenetrable, perversely complicated, and perhaps impossible.

The truth, however, is that Korean may not be as difficult as you’ve been thinking. First of all, the writing system, although completely new to you, is surprisingly easy to learn. It is phonetic and has only 24 basic characters.

korean language classes

And Koreans themselves are possibly some of the most gracious listeners on the planet. Even the slightest effort at using their language will result in either profuse compliments at your superb Korean, or guttural laughter at how you used that expression so well and so unexpectedly. (Granted, there may be occasional laughter if you use it wrong, too.) Koreans are also enthusiastic about teaching their language, which is why there are so many wonderful places to get Korean lessons for free all over this country.

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Presuming that you don’t live in the middle of nowhere, you ought to be able to find something appropriate from the massive list of Korean language exchange clubs, free classes, cheap classes, not-so-cheap classes, and immersion programs you’ll find below.

And even if you can’t find anything nearby, get creative. Call or visit the nearest university, local churches, the YMCA, the city office, and community centers and ask about Korean classes. Often they will simply arrange volunteers to teach you regardless of whether there are already organized classes going on.

Finally, check out the list of Korean language resources at the end of the article to find ways to carry on your studies by yourself. Whether through a class, a book, or a website, you can take the first step on your Korean journey today.

Korean Language Programs In Seoul

Classes offered by Organizations

Sookmyung Korean Education Volunteers

Location: Sookmyung Women’s University campus, Sookmyung Women’s University Station (line 4)

Time: 3 – 5 pm each Saturday

Cost:  ₩1,000 per class, ₩4,000 for textbooks

Extra: Cultural day every 3 months (e.g. Visiting museum, Playing traditional games, Cooking traditional foods)

Visit their page: Facebook

Hannam/Itaewon Global Village Center

Location: Itaewon Station (line 6), exit 2

Registration: Must be done in person

Time: Mon&Wed OR Tues&Thurs, 1 and a half hour between 9:00 am – 5: 50 pm (Class time varies depending on your level)

Cost: Free (textbook excluded)

Visit their page: Itaewon Global Village Center

Korean Class at the Galwol Community Welfare Center

Location: near Sookmyung Women’s University Station (line 4), exit 2

Time: 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm each Saturday

Cost: ₩1,000 (recommended donation)

Extra: after class, teachers and students usually go out for dinner and drinks

Visit their page: Kongbubang

Korean Language Exchanges

Global Seoul Mates (GSM) Korean Gym Class

Location: One in Gangnam, next to Sinnonhyeon Station (line 9). Another in Hongdae near Hongik University Station (line 2)

Time: Schedulable to your needs

Price: ₩10,000 for 1 hour class (2 drinks included) and you can join the 4-hour language exchange afterwards. You can pre-register on their website.

Visit their page:  Global Seoul Mates

Korean Language Institutes

LEXIS KOREA SEOUL

Location: Gangnam Station, near Exit 5

Time: 9am – 3:30am, 5 days a week

Cost: Depending on the program, it ranges from ₩ 215,000 to ₩ 320,000 (registration fee excluded)

Extra: Lexis offers interesting afternoon classes like Korean kitchen, K-drama class, K-pop class, book club, Korean etiquette class

Visit their page: Lexis Korea

Ganada Korean Language Institute

Classes are carefully designed to suit students’ schedules and needs.  Offered classes are Regular classes, Conversation classes, Business classes, TOPIK classes, Private classes, etc.

Location:

Hongdae: Hongik University Station (line 2)

Gangnam: Gangnam Station (Line 2) Exit 1, Gangnam Station (Sinbundang Line) Exit 3

Yongsan: Yongsan Station (Line 1, Gyeongui-Joongang Line) Exit 1, Sinyonsan Station (Line 4) Exit 2 Ichon Station (Line 4, Gyeongui-Joogang Line) Exit 1

Cost: ₩180,000 – ₩480,000

Visit their page: Ganada Korean

Seoul Korean Language Academy

Offers regular classes, TOPIK preparation classes, business classes, short-term intensive programs, private tutoring, etc.

Location: Gangnam Station (line 2), exit 7

Cost: ₩180,000 ~ ₩440,000

Visit their page: Seoul KLA

Metro Korean Academy

This academy offers a wide range of programs (regular class, private class, business, TOPIK preparation, intensive course,etc.)

Location: downtown near Gwanghwamun Station (line 5), exit 7.

Cost : Ranging from ₩190,000 to ₩680,000

Visit their page: MKA

University Language Programs

Yonsei University Korean Language Institute

Location: Sinchon Station, Seoul Subway Line #2

Time: 9 am – 1 pm or 2 pm – 5:50 pm, 5 days a week

Cost: ₩1,730,000 per semester (registration fee excluded, textbook included)

Extra: evening programs, short-term classes, and other programs are also available

Visit their page: Yonsei Korean Language Insitute

Sogang University Korean Language Education Center

Location: between Sinchon Station (line 2) and Daeheung Station (line 6)

Time: 9 am – 1 pm or 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm, 5 days a week

Cost: ₩1,770,000 each semester (registration fee, textbook excluded)

Extra: Evening classes (6:50 pm – 8:40 pm) run three days a week

Visit their page: Sogang Korean Language Education Center

Seoul National University Language Education Institute

Location: Seoul National University Station (line 2)

Time : 9 am – 1 pm or 1:30 pm – 5:20pm, 5 days a week

Cost : Regular morning class quotes at ₩1,650,000

Extra : SNU offers various courses for foreigner in Korea (evening, intensive, summer programs, etc.)

Visit their website: SNU Language Education Institute

Ewha Women’s University Institute of Language Education

Location: Ewha University Station (line 2)

Time: 9 am – 1 pm or 2 pm – 5:50 pm, 5 days a week

Cost: ₩1,720,000 (registration fee, textbook excluded)

Extra: intensive and short-term programs are offered, male students are welcomed

Visit their page: Ewha’s Institute of Language Education

Sookmyung Women’s University’s LinguaExpress

Location: Sookmyung Women’s University Station (line 4)

Time: 9am – 1pm or 1:10 pm – 5pm, 5 days a week

Cost: ₩1,450,000 for Morning Class, ₩1,350,000 for Afternoon Class (registration fee excluded)

Extra: Saturday classes by volunteer group as mentioned above, (Sookmyung Korean Education Volunteers), Evening classes, TOPIK classes are also offered

Visit their page: LinguaExpress

Korea University Korean Language and Cultural Center

Location: Korea University Station (line 6)

Time : 9 am – 1 pm or 1:45 pm – 5:45 pm

Cost : ₩1,750,000 for Morning class, ₩1,750,000 afternoon class (admission fee and teaching materials not included)

Extra : research class, short term intensive program, customized program, etc.

Visit their page: KLC

Korean Language Programs In Busan

Korean Language Classes offered by Organizations

Busan Foundation for International Cooperation (BFIC)

Location: BFIC (Exit no. 2, City Hall Station, 13th floor, Busan National Pension Building)

Time: Weekday, 09:30-11:30 or 18:30-20:30

Cost: ₩10,000 (textbook excluded)

Extra: private classes are offered, only Foreign residents who have permission to stay in Korea for more than 3 months.

Visit their page: BFIC

Korean Language Institutes

KLIFF: Korean Language Institute For Foreigners

Location: Haeundae and PNU (Pusan National University)

Time: weekday and Saturday classes availableStudents: 3-5 per class

Cost: standard group class is around ₩80,000 per month, with 8 class a month

Extra: Intensive class, TOPIK preparation class, business class, private class.

Visit their page: KLIFF

LEXIS KOREA BUSAN

Location: 6th Floor, DS Tower. Between Seomyeon station and Jeonpo Station

Time: 9 am – 3:30 am, 5 days a week

Cost: Depending on the program, it ranges from ₩ 215,000 to ₩ 320,000 (registration fee excluded)

Extra: Lexis offers interesting afternoon classes like Korean kitchen, K-drama class, K-pop class, book club, Korean etiquette class

Visit their page: Lexis Korean

University Language Programs

Pusan National University: Institute of International Language Education

Location: Busan National Uni. Station – Gate #3 Language Education Institute

Time: 5 days a week, 9 am – 12:50 pm

Cost: ₩1,400,000 (textbook included)

Extra: private and small group classes are available upon demand

Visit their page: PNU’s Institute of Language Education

Korean Language Programs In Daegu

Classes offered by Organizations

YMCA Classes

Location: go north from Banwoldang Station, exit 14, and it’s on the left  

Time: Each course have a different schedule, it is best to check on their FB page.

Cost: ₩150,000

Extra: Private tutoring and intensive class available

Application procedure: ymcatg@naver.com or visit the YMCA to fill out the application

Visit their page: Facebook

University Language Programs

Kyungpook University Korean Language Program

Time: 9 am –  1 pm, five days a week

Semester: 10 weeks, 200 hours

Cost: ₩1,300,000 a semester

Extra: scholarships are available for top achievers in class

Visit their page: KNU’s Korean Language Program

Daegu University Korean Language Program

Location: Daegu University, Gyeongsan campus

Time: 9:10 am – 1 pm.

Cost: ₩1,100,000 (registration fee, textbook excluded)

Extra: Daegu University offers reasonably-priced dormitory accommodations for all international students wishing to stay on campus.

Visit their page: DU’s Korean Language Program

Korean Language Programs In Daejeon

Classes offered by Organizations

Daejeon International

Along with counseling, culture classes, and a lounge, the DIC has been offering free Korean classes to foreigners residing in Daejeon.

Location: The DIC is outside of Daejeon Station, exit 2

Time: weekdays and Saturdays, time varies by level

Cost: free (textbook not included)

Visit their page: DICC

University Language Programs

Chungnam University Korean Language Program

Location: near Daejeon World Cup Stadium

Time : 9 am – 12:50pm or 1:30 pm – 5:20 pm

Price : ₩1,300,000 for 10 weeks

Extra : Chungnam university proposes housing for ₩390,000 for 10 weeks

Visit their page: CNU’s Korean Language Program

Korean Language Programs In Gwangju

Classes offered by Organizations

Gwangju International Center

Location: Get off at Geumnamno 4-ga station Exit 4, Samho Center 1-2F (Behind SK Broadband building)

Time: Tuesday and Thursday, 18:30-20:30 or Saturday, 10:00-13:00

Cost: ₩130,000 (textbook excluded)

Extra: Intermediate levels only offer classes on Saturday

Visit their page: GIC

University Language Programs

Chonnam National University Language Education Center

Location: close to Gwangju Station

Time : 9 am – 12:50 pm or 1 pm – 4:50 pm

Cost : ₩1,300,000 for one semester

Extra : Special language course, TOPIK preparation class and University lecture preparation class

Visit their page: JNU’s Language Education Center

Korean Classes at Chosun University

Chosun University offers the international students a 1-year basis program (40 weeks in total) that starts from March and ends February of the next year.

Location: Near Dong-Gu District Office

Time: 4 hours every day

Cost: 40 weeks 4 semesters ₩5,000,000 (textbook excluded)

Visit their page: CU’s Korean Language Program


Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments!