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.
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.
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)
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 available. Students: 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
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
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