How to Learn the Korean Language in Korea

by Caroline Tung Richmond

Overview

About 78 million people across the world speak the Korean language. While the majority of Korean speakers live in North Korea and South Korea, the language is also used in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in China. In the United States, around 890,000 Americans speak Korean as their main language, according to the 2000 U.S. Census. Korean is taught throughout America at colleges, universities and various language schools. Some students, however, choose to learn Korean by taking classes in South Korea.

Step 1

Decide how much time and money you want to spend. Language programs in Korea can vary widely in price and can range in duration from a few weeks to a whole year. If you choose a program that lasts over 90 days, you will need a Korean visa along with your passport.
Step 2

Research language programs in Korea. When choosing a program, consider if you want to learn Korean through a local university or through a language school. Also think about where you want to live---some programs offer dorm-like housing while others arrange home-stays with a local family.
Step 3

Apply for and receive an acceptance to your chosen program.
Step 4

Work hard at your studies. Make sure to attend all of your classes and to complete your assignments on time.

3
You may find it useful to learn beginner's Korean before you travel to Korea. To learn basic Korean, you can visit Korean language Web sites or purchase an audio learning program like Rosetta Stone or Pimsleur Direct.
You may find it useful to learn beginner's Korean before you travel to Korea. To learn basic Korean, you can visit Korean language Web sites or purchase an audio learning program like Rosetta Stone or Pimsleur Direct.

Overview