coursework in korean

Free Online Korean Language Course

Welcome to our FREE online Korean language course. If you’re just starting to learn Korean, and you want to learn online at your own pace, then you’ve come to the right place. Each lesson includes easy-to-follow explanations, lots of examples, and a free PDF so you can study Korean anytime, anywhere.

Level 1: (20 Lessons)

Lesson 0: How To Read Korean Lesson 1: 은/는 예요/이에요 (to be equal to) Lesson 2: 이/가 있어요/없어요 (to have / there is) Lesson 3: 아/어/여요 (present tense) Lesson 4: 에 (location/time particle) Lesson 5: 을/를 (object marking particle) Lesson 6: 이/가 + adjective Lesson 7: 안 (not) Lesson 8: 았/었/였어요 (past tense) Lesson 9: 에서 (location) Lesson 10: 부터/에서 ~ 까지 (from ~ to ) Lesson 11: 하고 (and/with) Lesson 12: (으)세요 (please do) Lesson 13: (으)ㄹ까요 (shall we) Lesson 14: 고 싶어요 (want to) Lesson 15: 요일 (days of the week) Lesson 16: Sino-Korean Numbers Lesson 17: Date Lesson 18: Native Korean Numbers Lesson 19: Korean Counters Lesson 20: Time

Level 2: (20 Lessons)

Level 3: (20 lessons).

Lesson 41: (이)지요, 지요 (Question Tags) Lesson 42: 아/어/여도 돼요 (may / allowed to) Lesson 43: (으)면 안 돼요 (may not / should not) Lesson 44: (으)ㄹ게요 (will/going to) Lesson 45 : 아/어/여요 2 (Let’s) Lesson 46: (이)네요, 네요 (Expressing Surprise) Lesson 47: 때, (으)ㄹ 때 (at/during/when) Lesson 48: 후에, (으)ㄴ 후에 (after) Lesson 49: 전에, 기 전에 (before) Lesson 50: (으)면 (if/when) Lesson 51: (으)ㄴ+N (Noun Modifier) Lesson 52: 는 것 (changing verbs to nouns) Lesson 53: 동안 (for/during) Lesson 54: 한테/에게, 에 (to) Lesson 55: 한테서/에게서, 에서 (from) Lesson 56: 쯤/정도, 한/약 (about/approximately) Lesson 57: 보다, 더 (comparing things) Lesson 58: 제일, 가장 (the most / the best) Lesson 59: 거 / 게 / 걸 / 건 Lesson 60: Sickness And Symptoms

현재 사용중인 브라우저는 지원이 중단된 브라우저입니다. 원활한 온라인 서비스를 위해 브라우저를 최신 버전 으로 업데이트 해주시길 바랍니다.

• Admissions Information

Admissions / Korean Language Course

Korean Language Course /

Korean Language Course Program

The Korean Language & Culture Program (KLCP) was first developed in 1969 by SNU's Language Education Institute to provide intensive Korean language training to foreign students admitted to Korean universities and to others interested in learning about Korean language and culture. Since then, over 28,000 students from more than 90 countries have graduated from the KLCP, and the program has grown to annually enroll about 3,000 students. Many graduates go on to serve the public and private sectors by engaging in work related to Korea or the Korean language.

For more information, please visit the Korean Language Education Center website. If you are currently residing in Korea, you may visit the Center office at Seoul National University, Bldg. #137, Room 101.

Regular Program

SNU’s Korean Language Education Center offers ten-week sessions to foreigners or students from overseas. Students may begin the program in any session. All students are required to take a placement test, so that they can be assigned classes according to their command of the language. Students who are accepted into the Korean Language Program are eligible to apply for either a General Short-Term Visa (C-3) or a General Student Visa (D-4). The Center provides housing for its international students, but on a first-come, first-served basis.

Teacher Training Program

The Center offers the Korean Language Teacher Training Program which aims to foster experts who will provide Korean language education at home and abroad, thus contributing to the internationalization of Korean and the enhancement of the quality of Korean language education provided domestically and globally. See the Center’s website for detailed information on application processes.

Short-Term Program

The SNU Korean Language Education Center offers short-term classes for those who wish to learn Korean for everyday usage. No prior knowledge of Korean is necessary at level one, and those who have mastered the basics can enroll in levels two and three. Visas cannot be obtained on the basis of acceptance to these shorter programs.

Last updated in 2020

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14 Best Korean Courses: We’ve Tested Them

Korean culture has captured the hearts of many. From the global phenomenon of K-Pop and its fans from all over the world, showcasing the universal appeal of Korean music and entertainment, the mouthwatering Korean food classics like kimchi and bulgogi that captured the taste buds of millions around the world, up to K-dramas and movies that continues to hook and make Korean culture an irresistible and influential force on a worldwide scale.

There are a lot of reasons to learn Korean, and there are just about as many ways to learn it. Whether you’re looking to enjoy Korean literature, understand K-drama without subtitles, or simply engage more deeply with the culture, there’s a course that will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to achieve your goal. With the extensive selection available, there’s a course that will fit your budget, learning style, and goals.

Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Table of best courses to learn korean.

Links below will send you to the course websites, and the course details are down below.

OVERALL BEST

A Quality Course with Straightforward Instructions: 90 Day Korean

Well-Structured Audio Lessons for Aural/Verbal Learners: Pimsleur

Best for Picking Your Own Class: Verbling

BEGINNER’S COURSES

Best Beginner Course with Engaging Stories: Korean Uncovered

Thorough and Gamified Introductory Course: Lingodeer

Phrase-Based Practice for Beginners: Mango Languages

READING AND LISTENING

Tons of Listening Practice: KoreanClass101

Read Your Favorite Content: LingQ

Pricey but Serves a Purpose: Glossika

SPEAKING AND WRITING

Best for Speaking Korean from Day 1: Pimsleur

POV-Style Conversation Practice: Teuida App

Good for Intermediate Students Wanting to Practice Speaking: Glossika

Best for Improving Korean Pronunciation: Speechling

VOCABULARY ACQUISITION

Phrase-Based Learning with Lots of Grammar Practice: Assimil

Free Flashcard Platform and Official Korean Courses: Memrise

TUTORS AND LANGUAGE EXCHANGES

Tutoring Help for a Range of Ability Levels: italki

Great Way to Find Tutors and Classes: Verbling

Best Way to Find Language Exchange Partners While Taking Its Audio Lessons: HelloTalk

Overall Best Korean Learning Courses

Welcome to our carefully curated list of our favorite Korean courses. In this section, you’ll find the most comprehensive and effective courses designed to help you embark smoothly on your journey toward Korean language fluency.

A Quality Course with Straightforward Instructions

90 Day Korean

$ 35.00/month

A QUALITY COURSE WITH STRAIGHTFORWARD INSTRUCTIONS

At first glance, this may seem too good to be true. After all, no one’s going to become fluent in 90 days, right? Luckily, this course isn’t promising the impossible. Instead, it breaks the overwhelming goal of learning Korean into four 90-day modules. This more manageable timeline makes for a less intimidating study plan and can do great things for daily motivation.  The modules in this course do an excellent job of providing in-depth coverage of grammar and vocabulary concepts. The lessons are presented one week at a time, though you can proceed to the next week’s material whenever you feel comfortable doing so. The course benefits from straightforward explanations and challenges that push you to apply what you’ve learned in practical situations. For a higher subscription price, there’s the option to have access to coaching, which means you’ll get feedback from a Korean tutor as you progress through the course.

• Explanations are clear and easy to understand
• Challenges give you the opportunity to use what you’ve learned
• Great course structure
• There are less expensive options

See our Super-Detailed 90 Day Korean Review

Well-Structured Audio Lessons for Aural/Verbal Learners

Pimsleur Korean

Subscriptions start at $14.95/mo

TRIED-AND-TRUE AUDIO LESSONS

Pimsleur is one of the most popular and longest-standing resources out there for learning a foreign language. Its courses place a strong emphasis on aural and verbal communication skills, which is ideal for Korean learners who want to start speaking quickly.

• The lessons are structured well and are an appropriate length.
• There are both male and female native speakers.
• Lessons build on each other nicely.
• The platform is easy to navigate and visually appealing.
• There’s very little visual content.
• Lesson speed isn’t customizable.

Holiday Sale! 20% off the Annual All Access Subscription. That’s like getting 5 months free compared to regular price! See details on the website. Offer ends on 12/24/24.

See our Super-Detailed Pimsleur Korean Review

Best for Picking Your Own Class

ONLINE CLASSES WITH HELPFUL REVISION TOOLS

Verbling  is an online language-class marketplace where you can take lessons with teachers of your choice. It has some student-friendly extra features, including a built-in online classroom, flashcards, homework calendar, and a filing system for lesson materials. There are also useful but disorganized forums where you can discuss languages, share writing for critique, and do free language drills and exercises.  The lessons are generally high quality and well structured, plus the filters make it easy to find teachers who specialize in everything from accent reduction to interview preparation.  

• You can quickly find great teachers
• The platform’s extra features, such as teacher-made, personalized flashcards, help you review the material learned in each lesson.
• It seems focused on long-term progression as well as immediate student satisfaction.
• You don’t have to give out your contact details, thanks to the classroom technology.
• Some teachers don’t use the platform’s flashcards and materials system.
• There are fewer languages available than on italki.
• You can only pay in US dollars, plus there’s a hidden fee.
• The forums need more moderation.

See our Super-Detailed Verbling Review

Best Korean Beginner’s Courses

Explore our handpicked selection of the best Korean beginner’s courses, the perfect starting point for your Korean language journey. These courses are tailored to ease you into the language and provide you with a solid foundation in Korean.

Best Beginner Course with Engaging Stories

StoryLearning Korean

LEARN KOREAN THROUGH READING AND LISTENING TO A STORY

StoryLeaning Korean Uncovered comes from Olly Richards, the creator of the super popular polyglot blog. It’s quite a bit different than most courses as it revolves around an engaging story. It can be a bit more challenging than other courses, as you begin reading somewhat long texts right off the bat. Overall, I found it to be a more fun way to approach language learning that will be great for some but not ideal for others.

• Centering the lessons around a story makes learning more fun.
• Good clear instruction with lots of opportunities to practive what you’ve learned.
• Gets students to actively participate and take control of their own learning.
• Too many unrelated grammar points are included in the grammar lessons.
• The review quiz is too short.

See our Super-Detailed StoryLearning Korean Review

Thorough and Gamified Introductory Course

THOROUGH AND GAMIFIED INTRODUCTORY COURSE

There’s certainly no shortage of language-learning apps out there, but Lingodeer stands out in terms of quality. This is especially true for Asian languages like Korean, which are often neglected by other popular apps. Lingodeer combines gamification and app-friendly, convenient practice with a well-structured course to provide something truly valuable. Lessons build on each other nicely, and it’s a great place to get a solid foundation in Korean. Interactive practice activities test how much you’ve retained from the lessons and keep things interesting. Keep in mind when considering Lingodeer that there isn’t as much material available for advanced learners. It’s also probably not the best place to improve your conversational skills.

• Great for engaging, convenient practice
• Well-structured lessons
• Not much practice for learners past the intermediate level
• You’ll need to look elsewhere to fully develop conversational skills

See our Super-Detailed Lingodeer Review

Phrase-Based Practice for Beginners

Mango Languages

$ 11.99-119.99

PHRASE-BASED PRACTICE FOR BEGINNERS

If you aren’t afraid of a little language drilling — okay, a lot of drilling — Mango Languages could be worth checking out. It won’t be very useful to learners beyond the intermediate level, however, as there’s just not much in the way of advanced content. The design of the Mango Languages app is appealing and makes for more enjoyable practice, and you’ll be exposed to lots of Korean phrases. Learning new words this way is helpful in getting used to the way the language works in context and how to use it yourself. Lessons build on each other nicely and will provide you with loads of speaking practice by prompting you to repeat what you hear. This is something that could become overly repetitive for some. You also won’t get in-depth grammar practice or explanations here. If you’re interested in Mango Languages, be sure to check whether it’s available for free in a public library near you.

• The design is appealing and easy to use
• There are useful cultural notes
• Learning full phrases will help you understand common language structures
• There isn’t much in-depth grammar practice
• Phrase drilling can become overly repetitive
• Learners at higher levels will have to look elsewhere

See our Super-Detailed Mango Languages Review

Courses to Learn Korean Reading and Listening

In this section, we have carefully picked courses that focus on honing your Korean reading and listening skills. These courses are tailor-made to help you become a more adept and confident reader and listener of the Korean language.

Tons of Listening Practice

KoreanClass101

TONS OF LISTENING PRACTICE

It wouldn’t be easy to find another resource with as much listening material as you’ll find with KoreanClass101. There are thousands of listening lessons here, and they’re accompanied by transcripts, quizzes, extra notes, and some videos.  While the amount of content is certainly a good thing, there is a lack of clear structure to the course. This might be nice if you’re the type of learner that likes to skip around as you please, but some might end up feeling lost and without enough guidance. The bulk of the huge lesson library is most-suitable for learners at the beginner to pre-intermediate levels — advanced learners won’t find as much relevant practice material. This is also probably not the best resource if you’re looking for a course to really strengthen your speaking or writing skills.

• There is a great deal of listening content for learners at the beginner and intermediate levels
• Accompanying lesson notes are useful
• There isn’t as much content for advanced learners
• There isn’t a clear course structure
• It isn’t the right place to get speaking, writing, or advanced practice

See our Super-Detailed KoreanClass101 Review

Read Your Favorite Content

EXTENSIVE READING MADE EASY

LingQ is a language-learning platform that focuses on extensive reading for over 30 different languages. You can import your own content or choose from the community library of books, articles, podcasts, YouTube videos, and more. The app highlights unknown words across every lesson and makes them reviewable via different types of SRS flashcards. The more you read, the more accurately you will be able to identify content that is suitable for your level.

• I can easily import almost any material I want to study.
• I can use SRS flashcards to quiz new words from a specific page.
• Each lesson in the library displays the percentage of known and unknown words based on my reading history.
• There are many dictionaries to choose from for definitions.
• Reviewing words is chaotic. Every word you look up gets added to a huge queue that quickly becomes unmanageable.
• The extra features are overpriced and can be found other places for cheaper.
• Very little of the content is original. Much of it was uploaded by users from other places.
• The free version is extremely limited.

See our Super-Detailed LingQ Review

Pricey but Serves a Purpose

$16.99-$30.99

NOT CHEAP BUT USEFUL

Glossika  has learning resources for over fifty languages that impressively range from Armenian and Czech to Icelandic and Tagalog. While not suitable for absolute beginners, lower intermediates could use the resource to familiarise themselves with sentences in their language of choice using Glossika´s intuitive approach. Listening to native speakers and repeating what they say can help learners to improve their comprehension skills and spoken fluency. While it is amazing that so many languages are included, learners would have to use numerous other resources alongside it. The cost is unjustifiably high.

• There are lots of languages available, including many that are rarely covered by other resources.
• The subscription gives you access to all of the languages making it possible to study one language and review another at the same time.
• It will force you to speak the language which will improve your confidence and prosody.
• As all of the languages cover the exact same material, the diversity of the languages and cultures are reduced to a simple formula with no cultural context involved in their teaching.
• There are a fair amount of errors in the materials.
• The cost is excessively high compared to other resources.
• There are no explanations of grammar.

See our Super-Detailed Glossika Review

Courses With Korean Speaking and Writing Emphasis

This section is dedicated to courses that place a strong emphasis on developing your Korean speaking and writing skills. The courses below are designed to empower you to communicate effectively and express yourself with confidence in both spoken and written Korean.

Best for Speaking Korean from Day 1

Pov-style conversation practice.

$9.99/month

POV-STYLE CONVERSATION PRACTICE

Teuida isn’t your standard language resource. It’s full of super engaging conversation practice where you take part in POV-style videos, responding when prompted. You’ll find yourself in a variety of situations and will be tasked with responding in real-time to your video conversation partner. Lessons in Teuida build on each other nicely, and each culminates with a video conversation that tests what you’ve learned in the corresponding unit. This type of practice is highly interactive and is great for building speaking confidence. It could be especially useful for learners that are intimidated by the prospect of speaking to real people at their current level. While Teuida is fun to use and provides good listening and speaking practice, it won’t teach you much grammar or how to read and write. It’s also not a very good option for learners that are beyond the beginner stage.

• Video conversation practice is highly engaging
• You’ll get practice with realistic, practical language
• It provides lots of speaking practice
• There isn’t material for intermediate and advanced learners
• You won’t get in-depth grammar practice or learn to read and write
• Review opportunities are limited

See our Super-Detailed Teuida App Review

Good for Intermediate Students Wanting to Practice Speaking

Best for improving korean pronunciation.

$ 0.00-$19.99

BEST FOR PRONUNCIATION FEEDBACK

Speechling is a website and app that makes it easy to improve your speaking skills in several languages. The free version is an incredbily valuable resource that makes it easy to practice mimicking native speakers. The Unlimited Plan provides unlimited corrections of your recordings by a teacher.

• An excellent method to improve your speaking abilities and get feedback from a real teacher.
• Answer the Question, Describe the Image, and Freestyle mode are great for higher levels.
• You can switch languages at any time. I like seeing translations in my second language while studying my third language.
• Truly unlimited recordings with quick feedback.
• Absolute Beginners should learn the basics elsewhere first.
• You’ll need to learn how to make the sounds of your target language on your own.
• The amount of time given to record sentences can be too short.

See our Super-Detailed Speechling Review

Learn Korean Vocabulary and Grammar

This section focuses on courses that focuses on enriching your Korean vocabulary and grammar. Whether you’re aiming to expand your word bank or enhance your grasp of grammar, these courses provide the tools and knowledge necessary to help you on your language learning journey.

Phrase-Based Learning with Lots of Grammar Practice

TRANSLATION-BASED LEARNING WITH GREAT DIALOGUES

Assimil is a French company that has been selling language-learning resources since 1929. Assimil materials are available as books, CDs, and downloadable e-courses; there are a variety of available course types, and instruction is based on interacting with phrases in the target language. The popular  Sans Peine  or,  With Ease,  courses are for absolute or false beginners that would like to reach the B2 level, but we think you’ll need to incorporate some other study materials to make this happen.

• The audio quality is great.
• The culture notes add a lot of value.
• There are plenty of grammar explanations, but they aren’t a focus.
• The mobile app isn’t super intuitive.
• The pronunciation feedback method could be better.
• The exercises aren’t especially engaging.

See our Super-Detailed Assimil Review

Free Flashcard Platform and Official Korean Courses

$35.99-$324.99

FREE FLASHCARD PLATFORM AND OFFICIAL KOREAN COURSES

This incredibly popular resource helps users learn languages largely through its Spaced Repetition System (SRS) and flashcards. Part of the reason it’s so popular is that much of the material is free to use. Anyone can create their own flashcard decks on Memrise, and these user-created courses are totally free to use.  The quality of the courses varies, but you’ll be able to find tons of different topics to study, such as Korean slang, the 1000 most common Korean words, grammar concepts, and more. While all of these courses benefit from SRS, some will have audio, pictures, words, and example sentences, while others will only have some of these. If you’re looking for material that will reliably be of higher quality, you’ll want to check out the official Memrise courses. These include quality audio, pictures, and even some videos, but you’ll have to pay a subscription fee to get full access.

• SRS is great for efficient practice
• Practice is enjoyable
• There’s a great deal of available content
• You’ll need more than Memrise to learn to communicate effectively in Korean
• The quality of user-created courses may vary
• The premium version doesn’t offer much more than the free version

See our Super-Detailed Memrise Review

Tutors and Korean Language Exchange

Discover Korean courses, classes, and lessons that provide access to tutors and Korean language exchange opportunities that will give you a personalized and interactive learning experience. Tutors offer tailored lessons, and language exchange partners provide conversational practice with native speakers. Connect with knowledgeable tutors and language partners to enhance your speaking, listening, and cultural understanding.

Tutoring Help for a Range of Ability Levels

BEST FOR FINDING AN AFFORDABLE TUTOR

italki is the most flexible and affordable place to find a tutor for the language you’re learning. They have a huge number of teachers offering classes to students of over 100 different languages. As a learner, you’ll be able to find a tutor that best fits your learning style, schedule, and personality. Teachers are able to set their own prices and make their own schedule.

• There are large numbers of teachers available even for less common languages.
• You can find skilled teachers even at low prices.
• The flexibility to schedule lessons whenever convenient. The huge number of teachers guarantees you’ll find someone to fit your schedule.
• The extra features in the italki Community make it easy to ask questions, get your writing checked, and find a free language exchange partner.
• Community features are only available through the app.
• You may need to try several tutors before finding one that fits your learning and personality style.
• It’s easy to not take classes as often as you should.

See our Super-Detailed italki Review

Great Way to Find Tutors and Classes

• You’ll quickly find great teachers.

Best Way to Find Language Exchange Partners While Taking Its Audio Lessons

MAKE FRIENDS & PRACTICE LANGUAGES

HelloTalk is a mobile app for language learners interested in language exchange. It facilitates communication between native speakers and those learning their language with the use of built-in language tools. It also offers audio lessons in 10 languages as part of a separate subscription.

• It’s exciting to practice communicating with real people
• The built-in language tools are helpful
• It’s easy to pick up and put down whenever you like
• It’s too easy to rely on google translate
• It can be hard to find good partners
• The paid audio lessons probably aren’t worth it

See our Super-Detailed HelloTalk Review

Maybe Try These Korean Learning Courses

In case you haven’t found your favorite yet or you just want to diversify your learning experience, below are Korean classes, lessons, and courses that did not make it to our top favorites but may pique your interest and might work well with your learning style.

Live Lingua

Live Lingua is an online language school that connects learners of 11 different languages with teachers for one-on-one or group classes. It stands out from similar resources like  italki  or  Verbling  by taking more of a personalized approach: by registering with the platform, you’ll be assigned your very own class coordinator who will pair you with a teacher that best fits your needs. This teacher will develop a curriculum to help you achieve your personal language goals. The three types of lessons currently available are standard Korean, exam prep, and group lessons. The exam prep lessons are the most expensive, and you’ll have to get in touch with Live Lingua to get the group lesson price. While there are cheaper ways to take live lessons online, Live Lingua could be worth the price if you want a dedicated teacher that understands your goals, past experiences, and learning style. Some potential downsides are that you’ll have to use a third-party video call platform for lessons and that scheduling happens via email.

Black Friday Sale! Get up to 45% off Live Lingua’s private lessons. Languages include Spanish, English, French, Portuguese, German, Italian & Japanese. See details on the website. Offer ends on 12/1/24.

See our Super-Detailed Live Lingua Review

Assimil is a French company that has been selling language-learning resources since 1929. Assimil materials are available as books, CDs, and downloadable e-courses; there are a variety of available course types, and instruction is based on interacting with phrases in the target language. The popular Sans Peine or, With Ease, courses are for absolute or false beginners that would like to reach the B2 level, but we think you’ll need to incorporate some other study materials to make this happen.

Udemy is a platform with online courses in every subject, and there’s a fair amount of Korean content available. The quality of content you’ll find on Udemy varies significantly from course to course since anyone can add a course. However, that does also lead to some interesting and unique options you won’t find elsewhere. Not surprisingly though, the majority of courses are aimed at beginners in the language. Be sure to check through the reviews and watch any sample lessons before making a purchase.

Rosetta Stone Korean

Rosetta Stone is one of the most well-known resources for learning languages. It takes an immersive approach to teaching and is widely used by corporations and individuals alike. High levels of repetition and an absence of translations or explanations are hallmarks of the course.　A Rosetta Stone course could be most suitable for learners who don’t mind repetitive exercises and prefer to learn from pictures and context rather than translations and explanations. It’s probably not a good option for anyone wanting to significantly improve their speaking or writing skills, or those looking for an engaging course.

ALR Readers Exclusive Holiday Deal!! Get the Lifetime Subscription for 25 languages for $179 (everywhere else it’s $199 right now!). See details on the website.

See our Super-Detailed Rosetta Stone Korean Review

Best Free(mium) Courses for Learning Korean

Explore affordable and free Korean courses in this section. Our Bargain Basement offers budget-friendly and no-cost options to begin your Korean language journey without breaking the bank.

Comprehensive Video Lessons

The Cyber University of Korea

COMPREHENSIVE VIDEO LESSONS

The Cyber University of Korea (CUK) offers an impressive amount of thorough content for free. Material is presented in the form of free video lessons that are accessible through a number of video platforms, including YouTube. There are four levels of lessons in the CUK library. The first two levels deal largely with basic communication skills related to everyday activities, and levels three and four teach casual conversation skills. By completing level four, CUK hopes students will be able to achieve a 3.5 score on the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK). Many of the lessons include teachers, slides, animations, and dialogues, and you’ll get pronunciation practice by responding to speaking prompts. The material in the third and fourth levels of the CUK course are slightly less engaging, as they don’t include animations or images, but there’s a lot of learning to be had here for free.

• Lots of free content
• Video lessons are especially engaging at lower levels
• Instruction is clear and well thought out
• It’s especially good for beginners
• Lessons at higher levels aren’t quite as engaging

Entertaining, Free Practice

Talk To Me In Korean

ENTERTAINING, FREE PRACTICE

Since 2009, Talk To Me In Korean (TTMIK) has offered both free and paid content to Korean learners that is often engaging, fun, and entertaining. The main educational content revolves around grammar concepts presented in audio lessons, but there are also some video lessons. Additional practice involves sentence-building and learning various idiomatic expressions. TTMIK usually does a great job of striking a balance between educational and entertaining, and the assortment of interviews and drama breakdowns are great for learners looking for learning material that’s more lighthearted.  It’s worth noting that their content occasionally strays too far into entertainment, providing less educational value as a result. You also might not find as many opportunities to put what you’ve learned into practice with this resource. That said, it’s hard to beat the amount of material that’s available for free here.

• There’s a ton of free content
• Lessons are more entertaining than many alternatives
• Some lessons focus more on entertainment than educational value
• There aren’t many opportunities to practice what you’ve learned

See our Super-Detailed Talk To Me In Korean Review

A Thorough Guide for Beginner and Intermediate Learners

How To Study Korean

FREE, ADD-ONS START AT $5

A THOROUGH GUIDE FOR BEGINNER AND INTERMEDIATE LEARNERS

With 175 in-depth Korean lessons, each accompanied by audio recordings, grammar explanations, and quizzes, How To Study Korean is a resource with enough material to keep you busy for quite some time. Its fairly academic approach may not appeal to those that prefer gamified, interactive practice, but the price tag isn’t likely to turn anyone away. At the beginner level, lessons come with YouTube videos that provide extra sentence practice as well as dictations and reading practice. There are also additional materials available for purchase at each level. These include workbooks, vocabulary lists, short stories, and more. Each lesson includes 20 or 30 vocabulary words that have all been placed into  Memrise  decks, making for super-efficient practice. Another benefit of this course is that the materials at lower levels offer instruction in a number of different languages. 

• Thorough grammar explanations
• Vocabulary is available for practice in Memrise
• Instruction is available in multiple languages
• It isn’t the best option for those looking for interactive, gamified practice
• The grammar explanations may be too in-depth for some

Learn Korean with a Chatbot

FREEMIUM, PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTIONS START AT $17.99/MONTH

LEARN KOREAN WITH A CHATBOT

If you’re looking for a unique, casual way to learn Korean, Eggbun certainly fits the bill. Practice takes place in short lessons where you chat with Lanny, an enthusiastic, animated egg bun. It’s cheeky, fun, unintimidating, and contains a surprising amount of content.  The format may be bizarre, but the content is of pretty high quality and covers multiple aspects of the language. Absolute beginners will be able to start with learning Hangul and will be typing it by the end of the first lesson. The course also includes cultural notes, dialogues, and interactive exercises like multiple-choice questions, role plays, and fill-in-the-blank activities. This app is mostly useful for beginners, but lesson topics are varied and provide a wide range of quality information. You’ll get to experience both formal and casual Korean while learning about pronunciation, verb conjugations, and more. 

• It’s got a great design and is fun to use
• It’s a good option for those that prefer more casual study
• There’s a variety of practice activities
• It doesn’t have as much useful material for more advanced learners
• Some learners may not enjoy the chat-based learning format
• The premium subscription is more expensive than alternatives

Most Useful Free Flashcard Vocab Builder

THE GO-TO SRS FLASHCARD APP

It is the go-to app for free (except on iOS) Spaced Repetition System (SRS) flashcards. It has a simple user interface with various features that more hard-core users can dive into if they choose. Your flashcards will appear according to your natural forgetting curve; the app will test you in increasingly spaced out intervals, with more difficult cards appearing more than once in a session, while easier cards spacing out over weeks — or even months and years. An SRS system is the most effective way to drive information into your long-term memory. The cards can sync between the web, desktop app, and mobile versions to keep your flashcards updated and with you at all times. You can add images and audio clips to your cards and change the text formatting (if you use it on your computer). One feature unique to Anki, as opposed to other SRS flashcard apps, is the “Cloze deletion” function, which allows you to block out parts of your card and create a “fill-in-the-blanks” type card format. If you want a resource for how to make effective flashcards, check out the book, FluentForever. The author leaves a whole section dedicated to understanding how to use your Anki deck to advance your skills quickly.

• Offers a wide range of features.
• Allows synching across multiple devices.
• Anki’s interface may be a bit intimidating for beginners.
• The aesthetic isn’t very appealing

See our Super-Detailed Anki Review

Dated, but Free and Thorough Courses

DATED, BUT FREE AND THOROUGH COURSES

The Foreign Services Institute (FSI) has developed a number of language courses, including for Korean. These courses were originally developed several decades ago and were designed to help get diplomats to a professional working proficiency in a language as quickly as possible. Given their origin, the FSI language courses definitely err on the dry side of things and are far from the most engaging options out there. They consist of PDF scans of typewritten pages and come with accompanying audio. If you can get past the lack of color, pictures, and games, however, you’ll find yourself with an extremely thorough course. It’s worth noting that you won’t get exposure to the most modern Korean usage, but it should still provide you with a fully usable foundation.

• Well-structured, comprehensive courses
• They’re free
• Courses aren’t very engaging
• The material is dated

Courses created by the Defense Language Institute (DLI) are similar in that they’re exceptionally thorough but also dated. One difference between the two is that the DLI courses have a slight emphasis on military terms at higher levels.

See our Super-Detailed DLI Review

Convenient, Gamified Practice for Beginners

FREE AND ENGAGING PRACTICE

Duolingo is a super popular free language-learning app. It’s available for desktop as well as mobile and offers over 90 different language courses in over 20 different languages — there are currently 35 languages with English instruction. The Duolingo approach is gamified and easy to use, but the bite-sized lessons don’t offer much in the way of in-depth practice. The Duolingo tag line is “Learn a language in just five minutes a day.”

• The short lessons are ideal for quick, convenient practice
• The game-like features make the exercises engaging and fun
• The community aspect is motivating
• There’s no opportunity to create your own sentences
• Grammar instruction isn’t part of the lessons
• Text-to-speech audio is sometimes low quality

See our Super-Detailed Duolingo Review

So, What is the Best Course for YOU to Learn Korean?

Every learner is unique and has individual preferences and goals. Whether you’re looking for in-depth academic instruction, practical conversational skills, cultural immersion, or specific language components like reading, listening, speaking, or writing, we hope we helped you find the course that aligns with your learning style and objectives.

Frequently, courses and other resources are more effective when paired with other learning approaches. With the abundance of options available for the Korean language, you’ll easily be able to leverage taking advantage of multiple resources and discover one or more that work for you. If you’re interested in exploring more Korean learning resources, check out our list of the best apps to learn Korean and the best Korean podcasts . For more tips on the most effective methods to learn Korean, be sure to visit our Beginner’s Self-Study Guide .

If you’re still having trouble choosing your preferred course, take a look at what makes a good Korean program , to help you narrow down your course options.

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Application deadline: 15.12.2024, 10 best courses in south korea for international students.

• April 1, 2024
• Destination , South Korea

What are the best courses in South Korea for international students?

For many years, South Korea has been among international students’ favorites. It is constantly among the top ten Asian nations , favored explicitly for its dynamic global influence in technology, music, fashion, health, and beauty.

If you are all set for your Korean adventure but still confused, we made a list of the best courses in South Korea for international students.We will also introduce the impressive reasons for enrolling in the country, plus the easiest and most affordable way to enroll in South Korea in 2024!

Benefits of studying in South Korea

Before we discuss the best courses in South Korea for international students, here are what to expect upon arrival in the country:

High Quality of Life

South Korea and its famous student cities ( Seoul and Busan ) offer the utmost comfort and topnotch quality of life. Your necessities are within reach, thanks to 24-hour convenience stores. Student accommodations are also near reliable transportation, allowing efficient travel from your place to universities and other stimulating places.

Impressive Education System

Universities in the country focus on providing a modern and well-structured curriculum, producing the best courses in South Korea for international students. Additionally, they also offer assistance to global enrollees in finding housing, visa applications, and more.

Learn the Korean language through immersion

Korean is one of the most essential languages for personal and professional growth. Enrolling in the nation initiates that privilege as you can interact with locals and fellow students. More importantly, speaking and understanding Korean enable you to learn new values and principles.

Access to global companies

Enrolling in the best courses in South Korea for international students opens doors to possible internships at global companies. Aside from highlighting your resume, you will learn about impressive work ethics and deeply understand your preferred industry.

School breaks are fun!

Vacations are memorable in South Korea, as you can visit thrilling cultural and scenic areas. Some of the most favored include Bukchon Hanok Village, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jeju Island, and Seoraksan National Park.

Expect to experience more advantages once you are enrolled in the best courses in South Korea for international students!

Best courses in South Korea for international students

After the benefits, below are the top programs you must consider for a satisfying and progressive career ahead.

1. Computer Science and Information Technology

As the digital age progresses, computer science and information technology are among the best courses in South Korea for international students to consider. The demand for qualified employees is increasing, ensuring you have a wide selection of possible employers after graduation.

You may specialize in:

• Data Science
• Cybersecurity
• Computer Graphics
• Network Administration
• System Administration
• Database Administration
• Information Security
• Web Development
• Artificial Intelligence

2. Engineering and Technology

The country is one of the most advanced Asian regions, focusing on improving its citizens’ and people’s lives through innovations. Enrollees can rely on the best courses in South Korea for international students to instill modernized learning and broaden their knowledge.

• Aeronautical Engineering
• Automotive Engineering
• Robotics Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Nanoengineering
• Software Development

3. Korean Language and Cultural Studies

Enrolling in Korean Language and Cultural Studies is ideal for those who want to gain in-depth knowledge of Asia’s most influential nation. Aside from learning Korean culture, your communication skills will also improve, providing access to jobs in the country.

• Korean Translation and Interpretation
• Korean History
• Korean Cinema
• Korean Literature

4. Health and Medical Sciences

Advancements in health research are happening globally, and the country has impressive facilities for studying various concerns. In addition, enrolling in the best courses in South Korea for international students opens possible internships with established pharmaceutical companies like Celltrion Inc., SK Bioscience Ltd, and more.

• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Anatomy and Physiology

5. Business and Management

Aside from its impressive economy that attracts global learners, South Korea offers top-notch business education from the best universities in the country . Enrolling in the best courses in South Korea for international students will teach distinct business cultures specializing in entrepreneurship and innovations.

• Human Resource Management
• International Business
• Management Information System
• Operations Management

6. Economics and International Trade

South Korea’s remarkable economic climb to success is one motivation to consider. Imagine absorbing the country’s strategies to improve its global position and modifying it for your self-improvement.

• Global Marketing
• International Trade
• International Finance
• International Business Law
• International Logistics

7. Hospitality and Tourism Management

Guest services, travel, and leisure are essential industries in countries generating massive income yearly. It is one of the best courses in South Korea for international students, and it also covers human resources management, marketing, hospitality law, etc., to mold learners’ proper skills in hospitality.

• Hospitality Management
• Tourism Management
• Event Management
• Luxury Hospitality Management
• Spa and Wellness Management

8. Design and Media

Design and Media programs are among the best courses in South Korea for international students, as seen by their exceptional international impact worldwide. Enrollees will also have an inspiring educational journey courtesy of modern facilities and an updated curriculum.

• Graphic Design
• Fashion Design
• Product Design
• Interior Design
• Photography
• Video Editing

9. International Relations and Political Science

International relations and Political Science are among the best courses for international students, as you will have multicultural viewpoints on essential issues. These programs will also equip you with knowledge of human rights, international trade, internal law, and more.

• Global Governance
• Regional Studies
• International Security
• International Political Economy
• Political Theory
• Comparative Politics
• Public Policy

10. Life Sciences and Biotechnology

Life Sciences covers a vast topic of all living organisms, while Biotechnology delivers valuable processes and products from biological information. These two essential courses make beneficial contributions to our environment and health.

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Environmental Biotechnology
• Bioinformatics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Genetic Engineering

Top Universities in South Korea for International Students

Global learners are guaranteed to receive the best and reasonably-priced education, courtesy of topnotch learning institutions below:

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS)

Aside from being a top international university offering the best courses in South Korea for international students, HUFS provides a supportive learning community where you can interact with individuals with the same mindset and goals.

Hanyang University

Innovations, technology, and entrepreneurship are some of Hanyang University’s areas of expertise. It is recognized as among the best Korean learning institutions, creating the best CEOs in the nation. More importantly, students have access to over thirty different educational options, which are considered some of the best courses in South Korea for international students.

Dong-A University

Dong-A University has three main campuses, offering degrees in Business Administration, Natural Sciences, and more. Aside from world-renowned programs, modern learning facilities, a welcoming student community, etc., its breathtaking location is genuinely inspiring.

The easiest and fastest way to enroll in the best courses in South Korea for international students

Asia Exchange , Europe’s most significant international study abroad organization, can help you enroll in the best courses in South Korea for international students.

Since 2007, we have assisted more than 10,000 global learners from 100+ countries with a successful educational journey in Asia , Europe , and Latin America .

Apply now and start your educational adventure towards achieving global qualifications! You may schedule a free Zoom meeting to discuss your concerns.

In a nutshell

The best courses in South Korea for international students are guaranteed to mold you into a professional capable of delivering outstanding results consistently. Take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and bulletproof your career!

To learn more about South Korea, visit our Blog Section . We cover thrilling topics such as the Korean Grading System , Affordable Korean language courses , How long does it take to learn Korean? , and more .

Finally , learn ways to make your educational adventure engaging and productive by reading our Student Stories ! You can also gain valuable advice through our “ Ask Former Students ” service.

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The Fastest Way to Learn Korean Online, Guaranteed!

The Inner Circle is a structured online Korean course for beginners that gives you hand-picked Korean lessons with only the essential parts of the language, all explained using psychology and stories so you can’t forget them (even if you tried).

Level 1: Beginner 

Course Duration: 3 months (90 days)

Result: Have a 3-minute conversation in Korean 

Be able to maintain a 3-minute conversation with a Korean! Learn to order in restaurants, take taxis, talk numbers and money, write Hangeul (Korean Alphabet), ask and answer questions and make small talk with Koreans.

Level 3: Intermediate

Result: Have a 1-hour discussion in Korean

Learn the ins and outs of the language, including slang and other forms of communication, and impress all of your friends. Understand all of your favorite dramas and lyrics, be able to talk about everything going on around you, and become an engaging Korean extrovert!

Level 2: Beginner High

Result: Have a 30-minute conversation in Korean 

Hone in and upgrade your abilities – adding more subtely and precision to your communication. Sit down and chat with a Korean about your unique past, what you're doing now in the present and your exciting plans for the future. Expand your communication and interact just like a local!

Level 4: Intermediate High

Result:  Be conversationally fluent in Korean

Delve more into the subtleties of Korean and improve your speaking skills! Be a polished presenter in the way you communicate - whether it be in the office, the classroom, the streets or your own home! Armed with this knowledge, bring your Korean level to new heights.

Learn the ins and outs of the language including slang and other forms of communication so you can impress all of your friends, understand all of your favorite dramas and lyrics, be able to talk about everything going on around you, and become an engaging Korean extrovert!

Want to know your Korean skill level?

Want to know your, korean skill level.

The 90 Day Korean Inner Circle Course will help you speak Korean fluently in 12 months and have a 3-minute conversation in just 90 days. To reach fluency, you'll need a native Korean coach to practice and guide you.

Choose your plan:

Course Overview

Course Overview

The course is a structured, step-by-step program to teach you how to have a 3-minute conversation in the first 90 days. You can follow our suggested pace of completing the first course in 90 days, or you can go faster or slower. It’s up to you; the program is flexible. No need to worry about a minimum attendance policy , too.

If you already have Korean language experience, you can jump ahead to precisely where you need to focus. But if you're not sure which level you belong to, you can take our online you can take our placement test (online Korean Level Test) first. There are four Korean courses that last 90 days each. By the time you complete all four courses, you'll be conversationally fluent in Korean.

Course Structure

We have 4 online Korean language courses that start from the absolute beginner level and will take you to the upper intermediate level. Each course is called a “level” and lasts for 90 days if you follow our suggested pace. However, you can go as slowly or as quickly as you’d like. The first level will teach you real-world Korean skills that will allow you to have a 3-minute conversation in Korean . We focus on teaching you practical Korean. For example, you’ll learn words and sentences you’d most need when traveling to Korea, ordering at restaurants, watching K-Dramas, interacting with Korean in-laws or family members, singing along to your favorite K-pop songs, understanding the culture, or comfortably living in South Korea. Once you complete Level 1, you can move on to levels 2, 3, and 4. Each level builds on the previous course material and helps you build a strong foundation of Korean language skills. By the time you finish Level 4, you will be conversationally fluent in the language .

Course Progression and Content

This course is structured as a progressive, step-by-step program designed to help you achieve conversational fluency in Korean over four levels. Each level spans 90 days, but you can adjust the pace according to your needs. We also send you course lesson reminders on a weekly basis to help you stay on track with learning new content regularly. You can turn the lesson reminder feature off or on at any time. From the basics to more advanced topics, you will learn practical Korean relevant to everyday situations such as traveling, dining out, understanding popular culture, and living in Korea.

Unique Features of the 90 Day Courses

We use a structured, step-by-step approach to make learning a language easy. It’s like painting by numbers for learning the Korean language. It’s a simple strategy, and it works. We also use psychology and stories to help make it easier for you to retain new information. And if you join with VIP membership, you’ll be able to take advantage of our native Korean language coaches and homework graders.

Membership Options

You have two types of memberships to choose from, and you can switch between memberships at any time.

Standard: You have full access to all the online Korean lessons and community interaction from day 1. This membership level does not include personal coaching. It is exactly the same as VIP membership except for the personal coaching support.

VIP: With this membership, you have all the same features as Standard membership plus 1:1 personal coaching. For the coaching, you will be assigned a Korean native coach and have your own personal 1:1 coaching thread inside the member’s area.

We ensure that our members get premium quality support throughout their membership, especially for things such as personal coaching.

You can cancel your membership at any time without any minimums or penalties. It’s easy to cancel with just a few clicks inside the members’ area. You also get a 100% money-back guarantee if you don’t love the program.

Learn Korean using our fun and easy method with the 90 Day Korean App for Android and iPhone

Learn Korean using a fun and easy method with the 90 Day Korean App for Android and iPhone

Free app available for smartphone and tablet

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1) why is it called "90 day korean".

If you follow the curriculum as we've laid it out, then at the end of your first 90 days of study you should be able to hold a 3-minute conversation in Korean. We call it 90 day Korean because each of our main Inner Circle courses can be completed in 90 days if you follow our suggested pace. You get full access to everything in the members area from day 1. The courses are broken down into weekly lessons, so you can go as fast or slow as you'd like. If you want to complete one of our main courses faster than 90 days, then you can advance to the next set of lessons anytime. If you get busy, you can take your time on the current week of lessons and resume whenever you have time. We have 4 main courses that will take 90 days each to complete at our suggested pace. You can follow that schedule or change at any time. As long as your membership is active, you have full access to everything in the members area.

Q2) What is the 90 Day Korean Inner Circle?

The 90 Day Korean Inner Circle is the main set of courses inside of the Members Area. The main structured course in the Inner Circle is made up of 4 courses that are 90 days each. Since they each take about 3 months (90 days) at our suggested pace, the entire program can be completed in 12 months. However, since you have full access right from the beginning, you can go as fast or as slow as you'd like. It's a simple step-by-step program. The Inner Circle is a 12-month training program (4 courses of 90 days each) for Korean that teaches the language using stories and psychology and gives you the clarity and confidence to speak, read, write, and understand Korean. We’ve picked out the most important parts of the Korean language, what we call the 80/20. The material is focused on the 20% of the language that will give you 80% of the results. In other words, no time wasted on Korean that isn't used often. After having gathered that material, we then took the combined backgrounds of education and psychology and distilled the grammar points and lessons down into the key points and strategies that will make all the difference for your success. And when you apply this method of learning, you’ll spend less time on rote memorization and boring studies, less stress and a lot more time applying it to your everyday life and interacting with those that matter to you.

Q3) What is included in 90 Day Korean Membership?

We have everything you need inside 90 Day Korean membership. Once you register, you get full access to the guided, week-by-week main Inner Circle courses. Trade stories and talk about Korean dramas in the My Community forums, and have quick study workouts with short courses in the Korean Gym. The member's area is also optimized for your mobile device, so you can learn anywhere, whenever you feel excited! Pick up exactly where you left off in your studies at any time from any device. It's learning Korean made easy. You get all of the resources you would get in Korean classes with the flexibility to do everything online at your own pace.

Q4) How is the Inner Circle different from other courses?

This is the only Korean study course that is based on years of best practices and learning principles from a mixed team of native Korean and English speakers who have learned the language themselves. It’s the accumulation of strategies and experience from Korean teachers and psychology experts distilled down into a blueprint for rapid Korean learning. Learning other languages in general can be overwhelming so we made sure that it focuses only on the most relevant parts of the language and uses psychology and stories to make everything stick! In short, it's fun. You don’t have to experiment to hopefully find something that works. Just follow the blueprint. It’s been proven to work over and over again.

Q5) Is the Inner Circle for me?

Our members range from absolute beginners who may not know anything about the language yet to experienced learners who want additional practice, guidance, and support with a fresh spin on the materials to help it stick. Many 90 Day Korean members are Korean drama fans, K-Pop listeners, people with Korean spouses/significant others, people with family in Korea they want to reconnect with, working professionals doing business with Koreans, and people moving to or living in South Korea. Other members are just interested in the Korean culture or want to add a fun and reliable way to learn Korean. If you'd like a proven plan to guide you along the way, then the Inner Circle is for you. If you're unsure, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Try out the membership, and if it isn't for you, just let us know, and we'll give you a prompt and courteous refund. There's zero risk!

Q6) How can I access the members' area?

All the course materials, downloads, coaching, and forum access are provided on a members-only website. Inside, you’ll be able to follow a structured program that offers flexibility. Thanks to our Smart Lesson Reminder Emails, you can get weekly lesson reminders or speed up your studies and learn at your own pace if you want. Each Inner Circle level takes 90 days to complete if you follow our suggested pace. The lessons consist of written text, integrated audio, games, matching activities, and flashcards. This will help you retain everything you’ve learned while keeping it fun. We also have printable lesson exercises that you can download and send to your personal coach for grading. If you like to learn on the go, the member's area is optimized for mobile so you can learn on any device you like.

Q7) How much time will it take to go through the course?

This is totally up to you, we can support you as long as you need us. The main Inner Circle levels are 90 days each if you follow our suggested pace. We have four courses, so at the standard pace, they should take one year to complete. However, you can go as slowly or as quickly as you'd like. Most students find it takes about 7 hours to go through each week of materials, for a total of around 90 hours per level. Alongside the Inner Circle course, we also have Korean Gym courses you can use to pick up skills such as Korean word memorization or how to master different aspects of Hangeul. These are great mini-courses that you can use along with the main Inner Circle course. Maybe you want to take a day course on a popular Korean Drama, or you want to focus on vocabulary words related to travel. The Korean Gym is a great place for that. As you're learning, you may want to apply your learning skills to the real world by watching a Korean Drama without subtitles. Head over to the K-Drama Lounge and see what community members are recommending. Think of the Inner Circle online courses as the main vehicle to get you to where you want to be with your Korean language skills, with plenty of sights to see along the way to make your journey even more rich and memorable.

Q8) Is there support as I go through the course?

You bet--and plenty of it! The 90 Day Korean teaching system is very step-by-step, but it’s natural to have questions as you progress. That’s why we’ve gone to great lengths to ensure you’ll be supported the whole way. The VIP Membership gives you full support from a Korean coach that you can ask questions or have them check over your work to make sure you're on the right track. They'll act as a motivator and mentor. If you already have a Korean tutor or someone who can grade your work, then you can get the Standard Membership without a Korean coach. This is about you building massive momentum… and we're not going to let any questions hang you up from getting results. So as you go through the materials and have questions about the lessons or your writing, you’ll be able to get the clarity you need for applying everything you are learning. Plus, if you’re ever stuck and need an immediate answer, you’ll be able to refer to our My Community Forums. Many common questions have already been discussed, so you can get your question handled right away. Got a new question? Post it in the My Community forums and get replies from either the 90 Day Korean team or one of our supportive community members. The team is in the forums everyday to help give you the support you need. This is available with both Standard and VIP Memberships. We're going to take good care of you.

Q9) What are my payment options?

You can pay with a credit card or through PayPal. You can choose between monthly and annual membership options. We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you're unhappy with your membership, you can get a refund. No questions asked! It's zero risk to you.

Q10) When do I need to register by?

There is no deadline for the registration, so you can register for the membership whenever you're ready.

Q11) What is your refund policy?

If you don’t love the 90 Day Korean Membership, just email us within 30 days of signing up for a full refund. No questions asked, and we’ll be happy you tried our Korean language program. It’s easy to contact our Customer Support team. Just click on the blue circle in the bottom right corner of any page to send us a message.

Q12) What is the total cost? How many payments do I need to make?

You can choose from two different membership types: Standard Membership and VIP Membership. The Standard Membership is just $35/month or $299/year. You can choose to pay monthly or annually. Membership includes full unlimited access to all of the Inner Circle courses, the Korean Gym, and the My Community Forums. It does not include personal coaching or grading. The Standard Membership type was created for DIY members who can check their own work or who already have a Korean tutor, spouse, friend, or family member who can help them with corrections and answer questions. The VIP membership is only $59/month or $500/year. You can choose to pay monthly or annually. It includes everything in the Standard Membership, plus personal 1:1 coaching from a native Korean. VIP membership is the best choice if you would like to have your homework graded by your personal coach. The Inner Circle was originally created with coaching to go along with it, so this is the recommended membership type. These rates are guaranteed as long as your membership is active. There are no hidden fees, no extra charges, and you can cancel anytime. **Note: All prices are in USD

Q13) Can I change to the annual rate if I already signed up at the monthly rate?

Absolutely! If you already signed up at the monthly rate but decide you'd like to upgrade your plan, just send us an email at [email protected] . Our staff will help get you set up so your membership will be changed over to the annual plan.

Q14) Can I change plans from Standard Membership to VIP Membership or vice versa later?

You sure can! If you already registered for the Standard Membership and want to get coaching with the VIP Membership, just send us an email at [email protected] . You will keep all of your course progress and settings. Piece of cake!

Q15) What is the cancellation policy?

We're easygoing here at 90 Day Korean, so you can rest assured knowing you can cancel at any time inside the member's area or by sending us an email. No hassle, and we'll part as friends, happy that you gave us a try!

Q16) What is the difference between the VIP Membership and Standard Membership?

Both memberships give you complete access to all of the lessons in the Inner Circle courses, the My Community Forums, and the Korean Gym. The difference between the two memberships is access to personal coaching and homework grading. The Standard Membership includes full unlimited access to all of the Inner Circle courses, the My Community Forum, and the Korean Gym. The Standard Membership is the same as the VIP Membership, except there is no coaching or homework grading included. You can self-check your homework and ask the other community members for feedback inside the My Community forums. This membership is best for students who are Do-It-Yourselfers. The VIP Membership includes everything that's inside the Standard Membership, plus your own personal coach. Your coach will check your homework, give you feedback on your progress, and keep you motivated so you stay on track. This membership provides the most support. The Inner Circle courses were designed to have a personal coach.

Q17) What level can I reach once I finish all 4 of the 90 Day Korean Inner Circle Courses?

You will be at an intermediate level once you finish all 4 of the courses. Your actual skill level will depend on what you want to focus on. Some reasons that members have for learning with us are 1) to communicate with the locals on their next trip to Korea, 2) be able to watch Korean Dramas without subtitles, 3) live or work in Korea, or 4) talk with family in Korean. These are all different skill sets and focuses. The course will teach you the foundations, and we can support you by guiding you on how to hit your target skill sets with the Korean language.

Q18) Will your program help me pass the TOPIK Korean proficiency test?

The Inner Circle is designed to give you practice Korean knowledge that you can start to put to use right away. It is not designed as a prep course for academic tests. While the knowledge you get from the Inner Circle can help you with passing the TOPIK, we wouldn't recommend it as the sole preparation method.

Q19) Can I get a certificate when I complete the course?

Absolutely! Just send an email to [email protected] after you complete one of the levels, and we'll issue you a certificate of completion.

Q20) In a Standard Membership, will there be answers to the homework and activities inside the Inner Circle courses for self-checking?

Many of the lessons have different activities and games to help you test your understanding of the material. They will have answers so you can check them yourself. Not every lesson has a quiz. If they do have a quiz, there will be answers that you can use for self-check. At the end of each week of lessons, there are Challenge activities. The Challenges are open-ended missions that test your knowledge of what you learned from that week. They require someone to grade them, and this is usually done by our coaches with VIP members. Some members have Korean family members or friends that check these for them, so they don’t require a coach and opt for the Standard membership. To summarize, the exercises and quizzes within the lessons all have answers, so you can check them yourself. However, the Challenges at the end of the week require a native Korean speaker if you want them checked. There are no set answers for the Challenges.

Q21) Can two people share a membership?

We do not support membership sharing for a single account. Personal coaching is meant to support one Korean learner per membership.

Q22) Do you have a family plan for membership?

Yes, we have a family plan available where two or more people from the same household can receive 25% off any memberships. If you're interested, please email us at [email protected] , and we can help out with that.

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14 Best Online Korean Courses

In today’s high-tech era, recreating an authentic immersive Korean experience using online tools is absolutely within reach—if you know where to look.

Depending on your language level and the type of experience that you’re looking for, online programs can make a real difference on your journey to learning the Korean language.

1. Best for Quick and Easy Learning: Udemy

2. best for immersive, on-the-go learning: fluentu, 3. best for intensive beginner lessons: hanyang online korean courses, 4. best for audio-based learning: pimsleur, 5. best for accessible, global learning: king sejong institute, 6. best for a classroom-like experience: hills learning.

• 7. Best for the Traveler’s Needs: Loecsen
• 8. Best Value: Talk to Me in Korean

9. Best for Weekly, Thematic Learning: Lexis Korea

10. best for beginner-level education: first step korean, 11. best for listening practice: quick korean, 12. best for learning hangul: how to study korean, 13. best for structured, school-like learning: 90 day korean, 14. best for learning conversational korean: conversational korean.

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Price: Free to $199.99

Certificate available: Yes

Udemy offers several Korean courses , and some are free! My favorite is the entirely video-based Korean Foundations course called “Learn Korean! Start Speaking Korean Now!” .

I recommend this course if you’re not one to study with a book and prefer (virtual) human interaction. It covers the basics of Korean communication to get you conversant quickly and without much effort.

This clever series of 63 mini-lectures guides you through the Korean language step by step using mnemonic images and useful tips with over 5 hours of video content . You’ll learn the structure of a Korean sentence, basic pronunciation, essential words and expressions as well as some cultural insights.

• Learn at your own pace
• Very beginner-friendly
• Choose to learn what you want
• Courses tend to be brief
• Limited scope of content

Price: Free trial; paid subscriptions available

Certificate available: No

FluentU takes real-world videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons .

Here's a quick look at the variety of video choices available to you:

Each word in the interactive captions comes with a definition, audio, image, example sentences and more.

Access a complete interactive transcript of every video under the Dialogue tab, and easily review words and phrases from the video under Vocab .

Don't stop there, though. You can use FluentU’s unique quizzes to learn the vocabulary and phrases from the video through fun questions.

FluentU even tracks your progress and remembers all the words you've learned, making for a 100% personalized experience .

Review sessions use video context to help embed the words in your memory. The best part? You can access the full FluentU video library with a free trial!

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

• Available as both a web-based course and an app ( iOS and Android )
• Utilizes a variety of real Korean media and mainstream content, with many engaging topics applicable to everyday life
• Provides language learning tools to help you follow along with authentic videos and remember the vocabulary and phrases you learn from them
• No certificate currently available

Price: $240 for 3 weeks, $700 for 10 weeks

The Hanyang University of International Education’s online beginner Korean courses (levels 1 and 2) target learners who want to get a comprehensive foundation of the language. 

If you’re at least familiar with the Korean alphabet, this could be the course for you. The video lessons are based on the institution’s own elementary Korean textbook and cover vocabulary and expressions with a strong emphasis on grammar.

Along the way, you can ask your instructor questions or interact with other students in the online community. The full course lasts 10 weeks (with the option to sign up for just the first 3) and lessons are split up into 5 units. Hanyang University also offers additional courses on the FutureLearn website . 

• Plenty of focus on grammar
• Ability to choose a shorter term
• Currently only for beginners
• Requires a financial investment

Price: $150 per course, monthly subscription also available

Pimsleur is a popular choice for language enthusiasts. It follows its own tested method of learning, which emphasizes spaced repetition and recall of information.

Each level of Pimsleur features 30 Korean lessons at 30 minutes each that focus largely on vocabulary, listening and speaking skills. You’ll learn the essentials of conversation and become confident in navigating through everyday scenarios.

Because they’re all in audio format , you can easily pop in your headphones and start learning whenever and wherever.  Pimsleur uses little tricks to make sure you’re paying attention like repetition, mental imagery and nudges for you to repeat what you hear. Check out our full review of Pimsleur here . 

• Portable lessons
• Focus on pronunciation, core vocabulary and common conversation
• Use of an effective, consistent learning method
• No writing and few reading lessons
• Somewhat pricey

Price: Free

The King Sejong Institute is a well-known and highly-respected establishment , providing resources for learning both the Korean language and culture.

They provide several options for online learning. You can sign up for an e-class hosted by the institute or affiliates, apply for a time-limited course (and wait for approval) or go the self-study route and take advantage of the institute’s many online resources.

The class levels range from beginner to advanced . Much of the content will be derived from King Sejong Institute’s own textbooks. The length of the different classes vary, but most will last a number of weeks. In addition to language courses, the institute also provides Korean culture classes.

• Course variety
• Platform provides supplemental learning materials
• Some courses are not always available
• Website is somewhat hard to navigate
• Not much information about online courses

Price: $379 ($335 for early registration)

Hills Learning is an accredited Asian language center that offers online lessons. Although it’s virtual, the system works quite like a real class.

You’ll be taught by a dedicated Korean teacher and have fellow classmates join you in your learning. If you thrive best with a classroom experience, then I recommend this course for you.

You can take Korean language classes at different levels from beginner to advanced. Each class runs for 8 weeks with 90 minutes of lessons per week . The school aims to utilize Korean for about 90% of every lesson, which will ensure that you’re being kept on your toes.

• Provides a classroom-like experience
• Dedicated instructor
• Opportunities for getting feedback and assessments
• Limited spots
• Class schedule may not work for you

7. Best for t he Traveler’s Needs: Loecsen

I recommend Loecsen if you’re preparing a trip or just looking to cover the basics quickly . The course offers a good introduction to Korean with all the essential words and sentences.

Using multimedia tools and effective word association techniques , Loecsen helps you quickly learn new words (and how to pronounce them correctly!) by matching them with their Korean writing, drawings and audio. You can also use the app and download the files right onto your phone for offline learning.

The  17 lesson themes range from everyday expressions, feelings and directions for taxi drivers to things like medical terms and getting in trouble. The site presents terms using English, Hangul and Romanization of Korean characters. 

• Great for learning essential travel words and phrases
• Synonyms provided for vocabulary
• Content is somewhat rote
• Korean language isn’t deeply analyzed

8. Best V alue: Talk to Me in Korean

Price: $16.99 monthly plan

This site boasts a strong curriculum using a variety of multimedia content for purchase to facilitate your Korean learning experience.

Structured into 9 levels of 30 lessons each , the site expertly covers all the essentials, from must-know words and idioms to simple grammar structures as well as essential phrases you’d hear (and use!) every day.

Ranked by topic and using a step-by-step approach, each lesson consists of an mp3 file or downloadable podcasts with free supporting PDFs and practice exercises, if you want to purchase their textbooks.

• Extra lessons beyond the standard curriculum
• Supplemental study resources provided
• Limited free resources

Price: Roughly $52 to $174 weekly

Lexis Korea, a school that’s previously won awards for educational achievement, now offers a virtual version of its on-campus Korean language course .

These virtual classes aim to help overseas learners rapidly progress in the language. There are full-time, part-time, evening and weekend courses available, as well as a one-to-one option for personalized attention. 

The school does show a lot of sympathy toward learners with differing time commitments, so if you’re schedule-conscious but eager to learn Korean, I suggest you give these courses a try!

• Can join on any given week
• Caters to different time commitments
• Unenforced schedule

Price: Free or $49 with a certificate

Certificate available: Yes (paid)

Yonsei University, one of the most prestigious universities in South Korea , offers a popular and highly-rated beginner’s Korean course held on the Coursera platform. 

The course consists of 5 lessons with 4 units , covering fundamental concepts in reading, writing, speaking and listening while offering additional exercises to supplement your learning. It’s estimated that the full course takes about 18 hours to complete, depending on your study pace. 

A forum is available where you can interact with fellow learners and moderators, so you can feel free to ask questions or practice certain concepts. I recommend this course if you enjoy learning with an instructor and a class simulation.

• Highly structured lesson plans
• Forum for questions and interaction
• Currently tailored to beginners only
• Somewhat brief and lacking in grammar teaching

The Cyber University of Korea offers a course on the basics of Korean. Just sign up with your email and you can access the whole course for free .

The content is split into 4 levels of difficulty . Level 1 teaches you the basics of communication. The higher levels build upon that foundation so that by level 4, you should be able to freely speak on a multitude of topics.

Because much of the content is based on communication and is provided in lecture-style videos in Korean (with optional subtitles), learners tend to get a lot of pronunciation and listening practice.

• Completely free, no strings attached
• Multi-language support
• Focuses on strengthening communication skills
• Supplemental self-study likely needed
• Somewhat lacking in grammar and vocabulary content

Price: Free with paid supplemental resources

How to Study Korean is heavily focused on grammar, which is essential for upping your reading and writing skills . It takes learners from the basics of reading Korean to upper advanced fluency.

The lessons include auditory guides and videos from their YouTube channel so they’re more like dynamic textbook learning experiences.

You can also supplement the lessons with their bonus references available for purchase , including vocabulary lists, workbooks, themed lessons and short stories. 

• Multilingual lessons
• Lessons are available in PDF format
• Option to learn Hanja
• PDF lessons, workbooks, vocab lists and other supplemental resources cost extra
• Content is less engaging

Price: Free content available; $35-$47/month or $239-$327/year

90 Day Korean is an online course where native-speaking language coaches let you in on the secrets of learning and remembering Korean for the rest of your life.

This course is divided into 4 modules that last 90 days , with weekly lesson plans. All 4 modules can be completed within a year, but you can take as much or as little time as you like. 

The Standard Plan gives you access to the Inner Circle community and all the courses, while the VIP plan includes personal coaching and homework grading . All members also gain access to live monthly virtual meetings for additional language training.

• Regular check-ins from mentors to keep you accountable
• Contextual lessons for better language retention
• Weekly lessons with flexible options to learn at a faster pace
• Mainly for beginners

Price: Free with options to support through donations and merch

Conversational Korean is a YouTube channel hosted by Suntae Kim. He provides excellent Korean instruction for beginners and anyone else looking to boost their confidence in speaking skills.

You can ask questions and receive immediate feedback during his livestreams. Or check out his Korean Pronunciation playlist where he breaks down the proper mouth and tongue movements to improve your accent, diction and intonation.

You can find grammar clips and full-length vocabulary lessons . Listening practice is also covered with the “Mooky the Parrot” series and Korean Listening Tests . If you love learning through videos, this is definitely the course for you!

• Strong focus on proper pronunciation
• Wide variety of content with different video lengths
• Option to join live streams
• Intermediate lessons available but mostly caters to beginners

We hope you have a lot of fun with these fantastic online Korean courses.

This is a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips in these courses—so be sure to make good use of it!

Related posts:

5 Recommended Korean Podcasts

Where to Find the Best Korean Audiobooks

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Korean – Online Microcredentials

Learn how to speak Korean

Korean is spoken by over 80 million people worldwide. Oregon State University offers online microcredentials in both introductory and intermediate Korean , so you can gain the language skills you need to engage more respectfully in global business and travel.

With these courses, you’ll learn the logical components of Korean, with a focus on reading, writing, listening, speaking, colloquial expressions and cultural exploration — giving you a comprehensive understanding of this unique language.

Introductory Korean (12 credits)

• KOR 111 First-year Korean (4)
• KOR 112 – First-year Korean (4)
• KOR 113 – First-year Korean (4)

Intermediate Korean (12 credits)

• KOR 211 – Second-year Korean (4)
• KOR 212 – Second-year Korean (4)
• KOR 213 – Second-year Korean (4)

Transfer credit and placement tests may not be used toward microcredential course credits.

Prerequisite courses

Some courses within Oregon State's online microcredential offerings may require you to complete prerequisites in order to enroll. Before applying, it's important to understand the timing and schedule for when microcredential courses are offered, including any prerequisite courses.

• Intermediate Korean prerequisite course: KOR 113 – First-year Korean (4)

Please contact the program lead for more details or connect with the Ecampus enrollment services team to learn more.

The in-demand skills you’ll develop in the Introductory Korean microcredential and Intermediate Korean microcredential will give you what you need to stand out and level up in your career.

• Korean listening and speaking at TOPIK Level 1 & 2
• Korean reading at TOPIK Level 1 & 2
• Korean writing at TOPIK Level 1 & 2

The Test of Proficiency (TOPIK) in Korean is a Korean language test for non-native speakers of Korean. The test is offered six times annually within Korea and less often to people studying Korean in other countries.

Explore more Korean course sequences

Oregon State offers a variety of course sequences in Korean online that can help you fulfill language course prerequisites at OSU or another institution. These additional courses feature high levels of engagement and interactivity with OSU faculty and fellow students, so you can boost your language proficiency.

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