25 Best Korean Language Courses to Prepare for Travel to Korea
If you are looking for the best online resources to learn Korean, you are in luck. This is a comprehensive guide to 25 of the best courses, websites, and apps for learning Korean.
This list incorporates a range of resources, teaching methods, and content for anyone who wants to master Korean, from total beginners to advanced learners.
Whether you are looking for a game-centered experience, an opportunity to binge great Korean TV, or private lessons in speaking and writing Hangul, there is something here just for you.
Learn the language faster and more thoroughly by using a combination of the available online resources.
We consider each course in this article good value for money, but to simply your search based on budget, we have segmented the courses into three pricing groups. These are as follows:
- Low: This indicates a low price
- Moderate: This indicates a moderate price
- High: This indicates a high price and is best suited to those with a larger budget for long-term learning
Let’s get into it.
1. Lingopie Korean
Lingopie is an online streaming service that offers original language TV shows and movies in 8 popular languages: Korean, Japanese, Russian, German, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, and French.
On Lingopie, you can watch Korean shows and films with dual Korean and English subtitles. Click on any word you do not understand to see the English translation or hear the word spoken aloud in Korean. There is also a full transcript on the screen next to each video.
All of the shows and movies begin with a list of useful words featured. You can create digital flashcards with any new words you want to learn. Then Lingopie will create quizzes based on these new words to reinforce your learning.
Watch videos at full speed or slowed down for level-appropriate listening practice. Finally, each video has a feature that allows you to speak words into your computer microphone to test your pronunciation.
Best For:
Authentic immersion into Korean language content and learning new words and phrases in context.
Pros:
This streaming service offers users a means of learning while having fun, so it doesn't really feel like learning. Language learners can absorb pronunciation and develop their listening comprehension naturally by listening to natives.
Cons:
There is no writing and very limited speaking practice, aside from voice-recognition pronunciation practice.
Price: Low
- $12 monthly subscription
- $71.88 annual subscription ($5.99 per month)
- $99 annual family and friends subscription ($8.25 per month).
2. Korean Uncovered (Level 1 Beginner & Level 2 - Pre-Intermediate)
StoryLearning's Korean Uncovered language courses are based on stories written in Korean. There is a beginner course and a pre-intermediate course. There are also Uncovered courses available in Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Turkish, Latin, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, and German.
Read each chapter of a Korean story for new learning content, and listen to the audiobook to work on your listening skills and comprehension.
By signing up for the beginner Korean Uncovered course, Korean language learners gain access to 20 modules, 60+ video lessons, and interactive quizzes, all of which are fully downloadable, so they can be accessed anywhere at any time.
The Korean Uncovered lessons will teach you the Korean alphabet and writing system, as well as essential vocabulary. Lessons also come with pronunciation and grammar practice exercises, but you need to arrange your own speaking practice.
Best For:
Intensive reading and listening practice through immersion in a Korean-language written story and audiobook.
Pros:
You learn useful vocabulary, starting with the basics, in context as you progress through the story.
Cons:
Korean Uncovered offers very limited writing and speaking practice and video lessons can be quite grammar-heavy.
Price: Low
One-off payment of $297 for lifetime access to course content. StoryLearning offers a 365-day money-back guarantee if you do not like the course.
3. Pimsleur Korean
Using the spaced repetition recall method, Pimsleur offers 30 30-minute audio lessons at 3 levels. These Korean language lessons focus on listening to and repeating useful Korean expressions and vocabulary. As you progress, the language becomes more complex.
You will learn basic grammar as well as useful vocab for everyday life, for instance how to introduce yourself and how to get around Korea. This is a good starting-off point in your Korean language education.
Some of the scenarios and practice dialogues are slightly outdated, and this Korean language program is limited to exercises mostly based on listening and speaking skills. There is 1 hour of reading lessons that introduce Korean characters, but no writing lessons.
Pimsleur's online Korean course is based on linguist Paul Pimsleur research and approach to learning. The app uses a classic listen-and-repeat methodology to impart new vocabulary to Korean learners.
Best For:
Pimsleur Korean offers exposure to useful vocabulary and rapid acquisition of a new language at a basic level.
Pros:
Pimsleur's Korean course is a great resource for Korean listening practice and pronunciation.
Cons:
However, Pimsleur is not the best resource for learning to read and the app offers no writing lessons.
Price: Low
$14.95 monthly subscription/ $150 per course one-off payment/ $350 for Korean levels 1-3 one-off payment.
4. Rocket Korean
This Korean program is very comprehensive and structured. With a total of 156 hours of lesson time, Rocket Korean allows you to practice all of your Korean skills.
With nearly 3000 voice recognition phrases and 28 practice conversations, you can build your pronunciation and conversational skills.
Moreover, with the 28 audio lessons and 26 lessons on the Korean writing system, you will develop your listening and writing skills.
Some of the audio lessons are in a podcast-style format, which is great for language immersion, while others cover essential Korean dialogue vocabulary for practical language acquisition.
The app also boasts 32 Korean culture lessons which explore customs, traditions, holidays, and cuisine in Korea. Overall, this is one of the more well-rounded and thorough online Korean courses.
You can read our full Rocket Korean Review here.
Best For:
Structured learning with linear progression through all major language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Pros:
Lifelong access to comprehensive learning resources for beginner and intermediate learners.
Cons:
The course does not offer content for upper-intermediate and advanced learners.
Price: Low
$99, with an automatic $50 discount, for lifetime access to course content/ $114 over six months, at $19 per month for lifetime access. 60-day money-back guarantee.
5. Glossika Korean
Glossika aims to get you to speak foreign languages in the least amount of time possible, by using smart technology, an adaptive learning algorithm, and structured, practical content.
For every language offered, Glossika provides several audio files of authentic sentences recorded by native speakers. Listening to natives of Korea is the best way to build an understanding of tone and pronunciation.
The AI technology predicts when you might forget new vocabulary and creates revision lessons based on this intelligence. So, with Glossika, you never need to worry about forgetting new words and phrases or what to revise.
A technique called spaced repetition is employed to teach you vocabulary and sentence structure. Essentially, you listen to a set of sentences over and over and repeat them until you learn them. This moves the information into your long-term memory.
Glossika is excellent for listening comprehension and speaking fluency, but the exercises are heavily focused on repetition and that can be tedious.
Best For:
Glossika is one of the better online courses for speaking practice. You practice full sentences in context to naturally learn grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary.
Pros:
Users can choose to study any of the 60+ languages Glossika has to offer and start speaking from day one.
Cons:
Because Glossika focuses on audio lessons, you do not begin with basic alphabet or grammar explanations. Instead, you jump straight into listening and speaking. This can lead to gaps in knowledge of grammar concepts.
Price: Low
Monthly subscription $30.99/ yearly subscription $24.99 per month but billed annually.
6. Memrise Korean
Memrise is a gamified learning experience focused primarily on listening and speaking. Learn the language with engaging flashcard exercises created by a community of Korean learners.
Your first lesson will introduce basic words and Korean characters. These are taught with audio and video clips, then you test your knowledge with matching or spelling exercises.
Audio and video clips feature native speakers. They teach Korean words, phrases, and characters while out in the streets of South Korea. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with accents, tones, and Korean culture.
Memrise offers official curated programs created by its staff and also user-created content developed by Memrise community members worldwide.
There is also a community forum where you can share ideas, questions, and tips about learning Korean, or one of the many other languages available.
Memrise offers diverse Korean content and courses that cover different themes, for instance, the basics, sightseeing, and how to order food.
Best For:
With Memrise, you can learn Korean words and phrases by playing flashcard games and joining an online community of language learners.
Pros:
A lot of the Memrise learning content is completely free. If you do pay for premium, your subscription gives you access to all languages on the site.
Cons:
As some Memrise courses are created by members of the public, rather than a qualified and dedicated teacher, the quality varies from course to course.
Price: Low
You can upgrade to premium to unlock all content. This is $6.99 per month/ $24.99 per year (currently 50% off)/ $99.99 one-off payment for lifetime access.
7. FluentU Korean
FluentU takes free Korean content from YouTube and overlays an interactive wrapper on the video. This means you can interact with dual subtitles and create flashcards for later use.
Content is broken down into levels: newbie, elementary, intermediate, upper-intermediate, advanced, and native.
FluentU tracks the words you have marked as "learned" and uses this information to indicate how much of a video you should understand. This is a clever and helpful feature when you are choosing new content to watch.
This site is a good supplement for your Korean studies but should be used alongside resources that teach the Korean writing system and other aspects of grammar as well.
FluentU also offers courses in Spanish, English, French, Chinese, German, Japanese, Russian, Italian, and Portuguese. You can read our full FluentU Review here.
Best For:
Access to a huge volume of real-life content from South Korea pertaining to Korean culture with interactive subtitles.
Pros:
Learn the language on the go with downloadable dialogues for offline immersive learning. The mobile app is available on Android and iOS.
Cons:
A lot of the content is Youtube videos that can be accessed for free, simply with interactive elements placed over them. This makes the price seem a little steep.
Price: Low
You can currently get 40% off if you sign up for the yearly plan, which is $143.99, down from $359.99. This is just $11.99 per month. Or, you can choose the monthly plan, which is $29.99 per month.
8. 90-Day Korean
This site offers several 90-day modules, all focusing on different content. The modules use increasingly complex vocabulary and language.
The 90-Day Korean course uses the 80/20 learning method, which focuses on imparting only the knowledge you need to progress.
The principle is 80% of results come from 20% of input, so this course focuses on teaching Korean lessons with practical contexts for everyday life.
You will quickly develop a basic understanding of Korea and its culture with focused lessons on different aspects of Korean society. 90-Day Korean offers lessons on K-dramas and K-pop or life in Korea and interesting phrases.
Moreover, you can test your progress regularly with synthesis check-ups and do language challenges to earn awards. Moreover, you can get a personal language coach to keep you motivated.
Best For:
Learning Korean to hold a basic conversation in just three months.
Pros:
If you are willing and able to spend two and a half hours a day on 90-Day Korean, you will learn to read and speak Korean at a basic level in just three months.
Cons:
Subscribers need to pay a fairly steep VIP subscription fee if they want the online class experience, a personal coach, or personalized feedback.
Price: Moderate
$35 a month/ $249 a year for a basic subscription, or $49 a month/ $379 a year for a VIP subscription. 30-day 100% money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied.
Either subscription gives you full access to all Inner Circle courses, but VIP subscribers also get personal coaching, homework grading, personalized pronunciation feedback, and speaking classes.
9. Rosetta Stone Korean
Rosetta Stone offers a unique experience for learning the language. You are thrown into the language from lesson one.
By listening to audio clips overlaid on images, you decipher meaning straight away, without lessons on Korean grammar or characters.
This method for learning Korean is similar to how children learn languages. They make associations rather than rote learning and studying language rules.
Rosetta Stone will also help you to speak Korean with proper pronunciation and the use of tones. You can select words and phrases and hear a native speak them aloud.
Finally, Rosetta Stone offers opportunities for active learning. You can take photos of items in your house and the app will provide the vocabulary you need to talk about them.
Best For:
Structured and practical for foreigners. You work through units that cover everyday topics, such as family, life, and work.
Pros:
You can explore Korean and 21 other languages with Rosetta Stone, so if you like the format, you have a lot of other opportunities to learn languages with this app.
Cons:
This is a great resource if you want to learn the language on a conversational basis, but not for writing practice.
Price: Moderate
You can get lifetime access for a one-time payment of 119$
10. Talk to Me in Korean
Talk to Me in Korean is a popular online resource for learning the language. They offer a variety of lessons on the local language of Korea, as well as podcasts, videos, and textbooks that cater to learners of all levels.
Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your fluency, Talk to Me in Korean provides essential Korean phrases, basic Korean words, and cultural insights to help you navigate daily life in Korea and this foreign language, such as ordering Korean food.
Best for:
Talk to Me in Korean is best suited for English speakers who want to learn Korean at their own pace. The lessons are designed to be beginner-friendly and the voice can be set to speak slowly, making it a great choice for those who are new to the language but speak English.
Pros:
The resources provided by Talk to Me in Korean are accessible and user-friendly. Their podcasts and videos cover a wide range of topics, allowing learners to practice listening comprehension and pronunciation.
The lessons also emphasize real-life situations, including ordering food in Korean, which is particularly helpful for travelers.
Cons:
While Talk to Me in Korean offers valuable content, it lacks interactive exercises and structured progression. Learners who prefer a more structured learning environment may find this less suitable for their needs.
Price: Low
Talk to Me in Korean provides free resources, including podcasts and lessons on their website. They also offer premium content, such as textbooks and video courses, which can be purchased separately. Paid courses range from $4.99 to $19.99.
11. KoreanClass101
KoreanClass101 is an online language learning platform that offers comprehensive Korean courses for learners of all levels. Their lessons cover basic Korean words, common Korean phrases, and practical language skills needed for everyday conversations.
With a focus on interactive learning, KoreanClass101 provides a range of audio and video lessons, as well as lesson notes, vocabulary lists, and quizzes to reinforce your understanding of Korean people and their spicy food.
Best for:
KoreanClass101 is suitable for learners who prefer a structured and comprehensive approach to learning the language. The courses are designed to cater to various proficiency levels, making it ideal for beginners and intermediate learners who want to build a strong foundation in the language.
Pros:
One of the strengths of KoreanClass101 is its extensive lesson library, covering a wide range of topics and situations. The lessons are engaging and feature native Korean speakers, providing learners with exposure to authentic language and pronunciation. Additionally, the platform offers a mobile app for convenient learning on the go.
Cons:
While KoreanClass101 offers a wealth of content, some users may find the pace of the lessons too fast or overwhelming. The platform's focus on audio and video lessons may require additional effort from learners who prefer text-based learning or more interactive exercises.
Price: Low
KoreanClass101 offers different subscription plans, including free access to basic lessons and a premium membership for full access to all content. The premium membership is available at various price points, with options for basic membership for $4 per month, premium membership for $10 per month, and premium plus membership for $23 per month.
12. Coursera - Learn to Speak Korean
Coursera offers a comprehensive online course called "Learn to Speak Korean 1" for beginners who want to acquire basic conversational skills in Korean.
This course focuses on teaching useful Korean phrases and essential vocabulary to help learners communicate in various everyday situations.
This includes basic Korean phrases as well as informal Korean phrases you can hear as you travel.
Best for:
Coursera's "Learn to Speak Korean 1" is best suited for individuals who are starting from scratch and want a structured course to learn Korean travel phrases. It is particularly beneficial for those planning to travel to Korea and wish to acquire practical language skills for everyday interactions.
Pros:
The course provides clear explanations and demonstrations of essential Korean phrases, allowing learners to practice and reinforce their understanding through interactive exercises. Additionally, Coursera offers the flexibility to learn at your own pace, with access to course materials anytime, anywhere.
Cons:
As a self-paced online course, "Learn to Speak Korean 1" may not provide as much real-time interaction or feedback compared to in-person language classes. It requires self-discipline and motivation to complete the course independently.
Price: Strong
The course is offered on Coursera's platform, which operates on a subscription-based model. Learners can choose to enroll in the course for free, granting access to course materials and lectures.
However, for a more immersive experience and to earn a certificate, learners can opt for a paid subscription, which varies in price depending on the selected plan, starting at $9.99.
13. Duolingo Korean
Duolingo is a popular language learning platform that offers a Korean course designed for beginners. It provides an interactive and gamified approach to learning this language and other languages, making it an engaging option for those looking to learn phrases and essential vocabulary.
If you decide to travel to the Korean peninsula, Duolingo can help you overcome the Korean pronunciation of some essential phrases.
Best for:
Duolingo Korean is best for individuals who prefer a mobile app-based learning experience and want to learn basic Korean phrases and pronunciation. It is suitable for beginners who want to get started with the fundamentals of the language.
Pros:
Duolingo offers bite-sized lessons and interactive exercises, allowing learners to practice Korean phrases, pronunciation, and vocabulary in a fun and engaging way. The app provides immediate feedback and tracks progress, motivating learners to continue their language learning journey.
Cons:
While Duolingo is a useful tool for building vocabulary and getting familiar with Korean phrases, it may not provide in-depth explanations of grammar or cultural context. The app's gamified nature can sometimes prioritize repetition over deeper understanding.
Price: Free
Duolingo Korean is available for free, making it an accessible option for language learners on a budget. However, there is an option to upgrade to Duolingo Plus, a premium subscription that offers ad-free learning and offline access to lessons for $6.99 per month.
14. Italki Korean Lessons
Italki is an online learning platform that connects learners with native Korean speakers for personalized one-on-one lessons. It offers a great opportunity to learn the most basic Korean words and phrases, focusing on practical language skills and cultural insights.
Best for:
Italki Korean Lessons are best for individuals who prefer personalized instruction and are up for learning Korean travel phrases and basic Korean words. It is suitable for learners who value interactive conversations and exchanging a few words with native Korean speakers.
Pros:
With Italki Korean Lessons, you can tailor your learning experience to your specific needs and interests. Native Korean tutors can provide guidance on pronunciation, teach you the most essential Korean words, and help you understand the cultural context behind the language. The one-on-one format allows for personalized attention and customized lessons.
Cons:
The availability and pricing of Italki Korean Lessons can vary depending on the tutor you choose. Scheduling lessons may require coordination across different time zones. Additionally, while the lessons provide valuable speaking and listening practice, they may not cover all aspects of language learning, such as reading and writing skills.
Price: Low
The price for Italki Korean Lessons varies depending on the individual tutor, their qualifications, and the type of lesson (e.g., conversation practice, grammar instruction). Italki offers flexibility in pricing, allowing learners to choose tutors within their budget. The average price of a 60-minute Korean lesson on Italki is $10.
15. Korean From Zero!
Korean From Zero! is a comprehensive learning series designed to help beginners learn Korean from scratch.
It provides practical lessons and resources for individuals planning to visit Korea, covering topics such as polite forms of speech, navigating Korean restaurants, ordering vegetarian dishes or returning a spicy dish, and interacting with a taxi driver.
Best for:
Korean From Zero! is best suited for absolute beginners who have no prior knowledge of Korean. It offers a step-by-step approach to learning the language, focusing on building a strong foundation in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Pros:
The Korean From Zero! series provides clear explanations and examples, making it easy for beginners to grasp essential language concepts. The lessons are structured logically and systematically, gradually introducing new vocabulary and grammar rules. The accompanying workbooks and online resources offer additional practice opportunities.
Cons:
While Korean From Zero! is effective for beginners, it may not provide sufficient depth for more advanced learners seeking in-depth insights or advanced language skills. The series primarily focuses on basic language acquisition and may require additional resources for comprehensive language development.
Price: Moderate
The price of Korean From Zero! books and resources vary depending on the specific materials and editions. The series offers different books for different levels of learning, allowing learners to choose the most appropriate materials for their needs.
Prices typically range from moderate to affordable, depending on the format and bundle options available. The basic option cost ****$17.97 for a basic set.
16. Fluent Korean
Fluent Korean is a language learning resource that focuses on teaching you to use a simple phrase or two, to use expressions, and to understand essentials such as Korean numbers.
It offers a few different ways to learn and practice these fundamental elements of Korean. They also have an Instagram page with daily interesting posts.
Best for:
Fluent Korean is best for beginners who want to acquire essential Korean skills. It is particularly helpful for those looking to grasp basic expressions and gain confidence in using them in everyday conversations.
Pros:
Fluent Korean provides clear explanations and examples, allowing learners to understand and apply simple phrases in different contexts. The resource offers interactive exercises and quizzes to reinforce learning. The content is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, making it suitable for self-study.
Cons:
While Fluent Korean is effective for learning basic expressions, it may not cover more advanced language topics or provide in-depth insights. It is primarily focused on building foundational language skills, so learners seeking advanced fluency may need additional resources.
Price: Moderate to Low
The pricing for Fluent Korean varies depending on the specific materials and courses offered. It offers different packages and subscription options to cater to different learning preferences and budgets. The price range can vary from affordable to moderate, depending on the chosen package, materials you bought, and access duration.
17. Korean Made Simple
Korean Made Simple is a language learning resource that focuses on teaching formal forms, Korean sentence structures, simple Korean phrases, basic vocabulary, and key Korean words.
It provides a step-by-step approach to help learners grasp the fundamentals of Korean.
Best for:
Korean Made Simple is best suited for beginners who want to learn the formal form of Korean and understand basic sentence structures. It is a valuable resource for building a foundation in Korean communication skills.
Pros:
Korean Made Simple offers clear explanations and examples using a specific Korean word in question, making it easier for learners to understand and apply the concepts. The resource emphasizes practical usage, providing learners with useful basic phrases for everyday conversations. The structured approach allows learners to progress gradually and build confidence in their language skills.
Cons:
While Korean Made Simple is effective for beginners, it may not cover advanced language topics or in-depth cultural aspects. Learners seeking more advanced language proficiency may need to supplement their studies with additional resources. The resource primarily focuses on formal forms, which may limit exposure to informal speech patterns.
Price: Moderate
The pricing for Korean Made Simple varies depending on the specific materials such as books and courses offered. The books you can purchase starting from $24.99. However, there are free YouTube videos.
18. How to Study Korean
How to Study Korean is a comprehensive online resource that provides lessons and study materials for learning Korean phrases and basic Korean skills.
The website offers structured lessons and grammar explanations to guide learners through their Korean journey.
Best for:
The course is best suited for self-study learners who prefer a systematic approach to learning the language. It is particularly beneficial for those who want to focus on building a strong foundation in grammar and understanding Korean sentence structures.
Pros:
The resource offers well-organized lessons with detailed explanations, examples, and practice exercises. It covers various aspects of learning this language, including vocabulary, grammar, and sentence patterns. The course provides a clear and logical progression, allowing learners to develop their language skills at their own pace.
Cons:
While the course provides a wealth of information, it primarily focuses on written materials and may not offer as much audio or interactive content compared to other resources. Learners who prefer audio-based learning or more interactive practice may need to supplement their studies with additional resources.
Price: Moderate
The course offers a significant portion of its content for free, making it accessible to learners on a budget. There is also a paid version called the "Homeschool Package" that provides additional study materials and resources for a one-time fee of $60.
19. K-pop Korean - Learn Korean with K-pop Songs
K-pop Korean is a unique and entertaining online resource that helps learners improve their Korean skills through K-pop songs.
By leveraging the popularity of K-pop music and Korean dramas, this platform offers an engaging and fun way to learn a basic Korean phrase or two to share with your Korean friends.
Best for:
K-pop Korean is best suited for K-pop enthusiasts and learners who enjoy music as a learning tool. It is particularly beneficial for those who want to immerse themselves in Korean culture and language through the catchy tunes and lyrics of K-pop songs.
Pros:
With K-pop Korean, learners can enjoy their favorite K-pop songs while simultaneously improving their Korean proficiency. The platform provides Korean song lyrics, along with translations and explanations of key phrases and vocabulary. This allows learners to learn Korean phrases memorably and enjoyably.
Cons:
While K-pop Korean offers a unique and entertaining approach to language learning, it may not provide a comprehensive language course or in-depth grammar instruction. Learners looking for a more structured and comprehensive study program may need to supplement their learning with additional resources.
Price: Free to Moderate
The availability and pricing of K-pop Korean may vary, as it can be accessed through various online platforms and resources. Some resources may offer free access to K-pop song lyrics and translations, while others may require a subscription or purchase for more extensive content and features.
20. Udemy - Korean Language for Beginners
Udemy's Korean Language for Beginners course is designed to help learners develop a solid foundation when they speak Korean.
With a focus on practical communication skills, this course is ideal for beginners who want to learn basic Korean words and phrases for everyday use before they visit Korea.
Best for:
Udemy's Korean for Beginners course is best suited for individuals who are starting from scratch and have no prior knowledge of Korean. It provides a structured approach to learning this language and is suitable for those who want to speak Korean and have a basic understanding of the language for travel to South Korea or for personal interest.
Pros:
This course offers comprehensive lessons that cover essential Korean vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structures. It provides ample opportunities for practice through exercises and quizzes. The course is self-paced, allowing learners to study at their convenience. Additionally, Udemy often offers discounted prices and lifetime access to course materials.
Cons:
While the course focuses on beginner-level content, it may not cover advanced topics or in-depth cultural aspects of Korean. Learners seeking more advanced proficiency may need to supplement their learning with additional resources or advanced courses.
Price: Moderate
The price of the Udemy Korean for Beginners course may vary. Udemy frequently offers promotional discounts, making it more affordable. Right now, you can find the materials for a current price of $15.99 as compared to the original price of $74.99
21. Yonsei Korean Language Institute
The Yonsei Korean Language Institute offers online Korean courses that cater to learners of various proficiency levels.
With a strong reputation and affiliation with Yonsei University, one of South Korea's top universities, these courses provide a comprehensive learning experience of Korean phrases which will help you speak Korean on your travel to South Korea.
Best for:
The Yonsei Korean Language Institute's online courses are best suited for individuals who want to learn Korean for academic or professional purposes, or for those who are planning to visit or live in South Korea. The courses cater to learners of different proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced, allowing learners to choose a course that aligns with their current language skills.
Pros:
The courses offered by the Yonsei Korean Language Institute provide a structured curriculum that covers all aspects of Korean, including grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The courses are designed by experienced instructors and follow a systematic approach to language learning. Additionally, the institute's affiliation with Yonsei University adds credibility to the courses.
Cons:
One potential downside is that these courses may require a higher level of commitment, as they follow a structured curriculum with set schedules and assignments. Some learners may find the courses more academically oriented, which may not suit those looking for a more casual or self-paced learning experience.
Price: High
The price of the Yonsei Korean Language Institute's online courses may vary depending on the specific course and level. For example, a 10-week program is priced at approximately $1,270 for 10-week classes.
22. Korean Online Institute
The Korean Online Institute offers a variety of online courses for individuals who want to learn and speak Korean.
With a focus on practical language skills and basic Korean phrases, these courses aim to equip learners with the ability to speak and understand Korean in real-life situations.
Best for:
The Korean Online Institute is best suited for individuals who are looking for flexible and self-paced learning options. The courses cater to learners of different proficiency levels, from beginners to more advanced learners. Whether you want to learn basic Korean phrases for travel purposes or develop a deeper understanding of the language, the institute provides options for various learning goals.
Pros:
One of the key advantages of the Korean Online Institute is its flexibility. Learners can access the courses from anywhere at any time, allowing them to study at their own pace. The courses focus on practical language skills, providing learners with the tools they need to communicate effectively in everyday situations.
Additionally, the institute may offer interactive learning materials, such as audio and video lessons, to enhance the learning experience.
Cons:
As with any self-paced online learning platform, the Korean Online Institute may lack the structure and guidance provided in traditional classroom settings. Some learners may prefer the structure and guidance offered by an instructor-led course. Additionally, the institute's course offerings and pricing may vary, so it is recommended to visit their official website for detailed information.
Price: Moderate
The pricing for the courses offered by the Korean Online Institute may vary depending on the specific course and level. For example, basic membership is $59 per month.
23. Sogang Korean Language Program
The Sogang Korean Language Program is designed for individuals who want to learn Korean and immerse themselves in Korean culture and meet Korean people.
This program, offered by Sogang University in South Korea, provides a comprehensive learning experience with a focus on developing practical language skills such as ordering Korean food.
Best for:
The Sogang Korean Program is best suited for individuals who are interested in learning this language in a culturally immersive environment. The program offers a wide range of courses suitable for learners of different levels, from beginners to advanced learners. It is an ideal choice for those who want to deepen their understanding of Korea and its culture while experiencing life in South Korea.
Pros:
One of the key advantages of the Sogang Korean Program is its immersive approach to language learning. Through interactive classes, cultural activities, and opportunities to interact with Korean people, learners have the chance to practice their language skills in real-life situations. The program also emphasizes communication skills, helping learners develop the ability to converse fluently in Korean.
Cons:
Attending the Sogang Korean Program requires relocation to South Korea, which may not be feasible for everyone. Additionally, the program may have specific admission requirements and enrollment periods. It is recommended to visit their official website or contact the program directly for detailed information on admissions, schedules, and pricing.
Price: Moderate to Steep
The pricing for the Sogang Korean Program may vary depending on the specific course and duration of the study. The basic introductory program costs from $530-$620, or an average of 700,000~800,000 won per month.
24. Korean Academy of Language Arts
The Korean Academy of Language Arts offers a range of language courses for individuals who are interested in learning this language.
With a focus on essential Korean phrases and an appreciation for Korean heritage, the academy provides a comprehensive learning experience.
Best for:
The Korean Academy of Language Arts is best suited for individuals who want to learn Korean while also gaining a deeper understanding of Korean culture. The courses offered cover various aspects of language learning, including vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills, with a strong emphasis on cultural context.
Pros:
One of the advantages of the Korean Academy of Language Arts is its integration of cultural elements into language learning. By exploring Korean culture alongside language study, learners can develop a more holistic understanding of the language and its usage. Additionally, the academy may offer cultural activities and events to enhance the learning experience.
Cons:
Specific details regarding pricing, class schedules, and enrollment procedures may vary and would need to be obtained directly from the Korean Academy of Language Arts. It is recommended to visit their official website or contact the academy for more information.
Price: High
The pricing for courses at the Korean Academy of Language Arts may vary depending on factors such as course duration and level of instruction. For example, the Korean Language, Culture, and Business Immersion Program costs approximately $2,152.
25. Sejong Korean Language School
The Sejong Korean Language School is dedicated to providing Korean language education to learners of all levels. With a focus on Korean people, basic phrases, and vocabulary, the school offers a comprehensive learning experience.
Best for:
The Sejong Korean Language School is an excellent choice for individuals who are interested in gaining a strong foundation in the Korean language while also exploring various aspects of Korean culture. The school's courses are designed to cater to learners of different levels, making it suitable for beginners as well as those who wish to further enhance their language skills.
Pros:
One of the advantages of the Sejong Korean Language School is its emphasis on cultural understanding alongside language learning. By integrating cultural elements into the curriculum, learners can develop a deeper appreciation of Korean customs, traditions, and society. The school may also provide opportunities for cultural immersion activities.
Cons:
Specific details regarding pricing, class schedules, and enrollment procedures may vary and would need to be obtained directly from the Sejong Korean Language School. It is recommended to visit their official website or contact the school for more information.
Price: Moderate
The pricing for courses at the Sejong Korean Language School may vary depending on factors such as course duration and level of instruction. Most courses vary from $240-$360 per course.
FAQs About The Best Online Korean Courses
Now, let's look at some of the most frequently asked questions about learning Korean online.
Which online Korean courses are best for natural language acquisition?
The more immersive sites, such as Lingopie and Korean Uncovered, will allow you to develop your language naturally and authentically. These sites do not employ rote learning but promote absorbing the Korean language and culture through exposure.
Do the best Korean courses cover all four language skills?
The best Korean courses will not necessarily cover every language skill equally. It might be that you use one site for listening practice alone and another for grammar and writing. Learners often use more than one app in conjunction for optimized learning.
Should I sign up for online Korean classes?
If you enjoy structured learning, online Korean classes might be beneficial for your learning style. Online classes will follow a curriculum and have set assignments and course content to work through. You could sign up for online Korean classes as a supplement to your learning through apps.
Do any of the online Korean courses offer private lessons?
Yes, some language learning sites offer private tutors. The 90-Day Korean VIP subscription offers personal coaching in Korean, while Lingopie has a platform where students and tutors can connect with one another. One of the best places to find private classes with a tutor is iTalki.
Summing Up: Best Korean Language Courses
This has been a comprehensive guide to the 25 best Korean courses and language learning resources.
Whether you prefer self-guided study or structured online Korean classes, there are plenty of online resources to support your learning. All of these resources have a different focus and method, so you can decide which one(s) suits your needs.
Try 90-Day Korean for fast acquisition of basic Korean, Glossika if your main priority is to start speaking Korean, or Lingopie for the most authentic and natural language immersion.
Many language learners will use several apps and sites in conjunction for the most optimized learning experience.
