5 Ways and Tips to Learn Korean in Korea


If you're a foreigner in your 20s planning to backpack or study abroad in Korea, it's crucial to learn some Korean to fully immerse yourself in the country's rich culture and make the most of your experience. Here are five effective ways to learn Korean in Korea, along with essential tips to make the process more enjoyable and fruitful.


1. Language Schools


A. Regular Language Programs

Language schools in Korea offer structured courses for foreigners, providing a comprehensive learning experience. These programs generally focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.

Sogang University Korean Language Education Center
Sogang KLEC is famous for its emphasis on speaking skills. The center offers various courses to cater to different proficiency levels and learning goals.

Yonsei University Korean Language Institute
Yonsei KLI is another renowned language institute, offering a balanced curriculum that covers all aspects of the Korean language. The institute also organizes cultural activities to enrich the learning experience.

B. Private Language Academies

Private language academies, known as 학원 (hagwon), are another option for learning Korean in Korea. These academies usually offer smaller class sizes and flexible schedules, catering to diverse learning preferences.

Lexis Korea
Lexis Korea is a popular hagwon with branches in Seoul and Busan. They offer various courses, including intensive Korean, evening classes, and even a K-Pop course that combines language learning with dance lessons.

Tips:

  • Choose a language school or academy based on your learning goals and preferences.
  • Make use of free trial classes or consultations before committing to a program.


2. Language Exchanges

Language exchange programs involve meeting native Korean speakers who want to learn your language, allowing both parties to practice and improve their skills.

Languagecast
Languagecast is a popular meetup group that organizes regular language exchange events in Seoul, Busan, and other cities. Attend these events to practice Korean and make new friends from diverse backgrounds.

Tips:

  • Be open-minded and patient when engaging in language exchanges.
  • Use apps like Tandem or HelloTalk to find language exchange partners online.


3. Online Resources


A. Websites and Apps

Make use of various online resources to learn Korean at your own pace.

Talk To Me In Korean (TTMIK)
TTMIK is a popular website offering free Korean lessons, podcasts, videos, and workbooks.

KoreanClass101
KoreanClass101 provides audio and video lessons, vocabulary lists, and grammar resources, with a subscription-based model.

B. YouTube Channels

There are many YouTube channels dedicated to teaching Korean.

Go! Billy Korean
Go! Billy Korean offers a variety of lessons, from beginner to advanced levels, as well as videos on Korean culture.

Korean Unnie
Korean Unnie shares fun and engaging lessons on grammar, vocabulary, and expressions, along with cultural insights.

Tips:

  • Combine different resources to create a well-rounded learning experience.
  • Set aside time every day to study using these online resources.


4. Immersive Cultural Experiences

Engaging in cultural activities and interacting with locals can significantly improve your language skills.


A. Homestay Programs

Living with a Korean family can help you practice speaking and listening skills in a natural, immersive environment.

Homestay Korea
Homestay Korea connects foreigners with host families, providing a unique opportunity to learn about Korean culture and daily life.

B. Volunteering

Volunteering is an excellent way to give back to the community while practicing Korean.

Workaway
Workaway offers a platform to find various volunteer opportunities in Korea, including teaching, farming, and hostel work.

Tips:

  • Don't be afraid to make mistakes when communicating with locals.
  • Be proactive in seeking out opportunities to practice your Korean.


5. Private Tutors

Hiring a private tutor is an effective way to receive personalized lessons tailored to your learning needs.

Tutoring Korea
Tutoring Korea connects students with qualified Korean tutors, offering one-on-one lessons in person or online.

Tips:

  • Clearly communicate your goals and expectations with your tutor.
  • Regularly assess your progress and adjust your learning plan as needed.

In conclusion, learning Korean in Korea can be an exciting and rewarding journey. By utilizing language schools, language exchanges, online resources, immersive cultural experiences, and private tutors, you can develop your language skills and make the most of your time in the country. Remember to be patient, stay committed, and enjoy the learning process.



Now that we have covered the five ways to learn Korean in Korea, let's explore some additional tips to make your language learning journey even more successful and enjoyable.

1. Set Realistic Goals

Determine your objectives for learning Korean and set achievable goals. Break down your overall goal into smaller, manageable milestones to monitor your progress and stay motivated.

2. Make a Study Schedule

Create a study schedule and stick to it. Consistency is key to learning any language. Allocate time for self-study, conversation practice, and cultural immersion.

3. Learn Hangul

Invest time in learning the Korean alphabet, Hangul. Being able to read and write Hangul will significantly improve your learning experience and enable you to access more resources.

4. Learn Korean Culture

Understanding Korean culture is essential for mastering the language. Familiarize yourself with Korean customs, etiquette, and social norms. This knowledge will make your interactions with locals more meaningful and enjoyable.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice

The more you practice, the better you'll become. Engage in conversations with native speakers, write diary entries in Korean, and listen to Korean music or watch Korean dramas to improve your language skills.

6. Keep a Vocabulary Notebook

Carry a notebook to jot down new words and phrases you encounter throughout the day. Review your notes regularly to reinforce your learning and expand your vocabulary.

7. Embrace Mistakes

Accept that mistakes are part of the learning process. Don't be afraid to make errors when speaking or writing in Korean. Learn from your mistakes and use them as an opportunity for growth.

8. Be Persistent

Learning a language takes time and effort. Stay committed to your goals, be patient with yourself, and celebrate your achievements along the way.

With these tips and the five ways to learn Korean in Korea, you'll be well on your way to mastering the language and fully immersing yourself in the rich and diverse culture of Korea. Embrace the journey, and most importantly, have fun while learning!

Popular posts from this blog

How to Get to Yeonnam-dong from Incheon International Airport by Bus

  If you're a foreigner in your 20s who wants to go backpacking or study abroad in Korea, you might be wondering how to get to Yeonnam-dong from Incheon International Airport by bus. In this blog, we'll explain in detail how to get to Yeonnam-dong by bus from Incheon International Airport and share some precautions you should take along the way. Taking the Bus There are two options for taking the bus from Incheon International Airport to Yeonnam-dong: Option 1: Take the limousine bus to Hongik University Station The first option is to take the limousine bus (number 6002) from Incheon International Airport to Hongik University Station. This is a direct bus route that runs every 20-30 minutes and takes approximately 50-60 minutes depending on traffic. To take this bus, follow these steps: Go to the bus terminal outside of the arrival hall on the first floor of the airport. Look for the bus stop for limousine bus number 6002 to Hongik University Station. Purchase your ticket at th...
Read more

Locations and Phone Numbers of Embassies of All Countries in Korea

Image
  If you are a foreigner in Korea and need to contact your country's embassy, it's important to know where it's located and how to reach them. In this article, we will provide you with a list of embassies in Korea, along with their locations, phone numbers, and website addresses. Embassies in Korea Here is a table with a list of embassies in Korea. The table includes the embassy's name, location, phone number, and website address. United States 188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul +82-2-397-4114 https://kr.usembassy.gov/ Canada 21 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul +82-2-3783-6000 https://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/korea-coree/ United Kingdom 24F, Namsan Square Building, 173, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul +82-2-3210-5500 https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-seoul Australia 19th Floor Kyobo Building, 1 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul +82-2-2003-0100 https://southkorea.embassy.gov.au/seol/home.html France 43-12, Seosomun-dong, Chung-ku, Seoul +82-2-3149-4300 https://k...
Read more

How Foreigners Can Get a Discount on Gyeongbokgung Palace Admission

Image
  Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Seoul, with thousands of visitors flocking to the palace every year. If you're a foreigner planning to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, you'll be pleased to know that you can get a discount on your admission ticket. Here's how. 1. Check Online Ticketing Websites Many online ticketing websites offer discounts on Gyeongbokgung Palace admission tickets for foreigners. Some popular ticketing websites include Klook, Trazy, and Ktourstory. These websites often offer discounts of up to 30% off the regular admission price. 2. Purchase a Combination Ticket If you're planning to visit other palaces or cultural attractions in Seoul, consider purchasing a combination ticket. Combination tickets offer discounted admission to multiple attractions, including Gyeongbokgung Palace. Some popular combination tickets include the Integrated Palace Ticket and the Discover Seoul Pass. 3. Visit on a Discount Day Gyeongbokgung ...
Read more