Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Korean in Seoul and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with special programs, you have several key choices for learning Korean interactively in Seoul. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, research centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are less pricey.) Your 2nd resource can be local commercial language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can find a private Korean tutor in Seoul. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Seoul and online Korean tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn Korean and how much should Korean tutors ask?
For university and college courses you can estimate Korean course cost by dividing annual tuition by 10 (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the cost of 45-48 class hours each semester. Language schools and independent Korean tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Korean tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 21 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor hometown, experience and languages the tutor can teach in. Average reviews for Korean lessons on Preply is 4.96 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much Korean do I need to know to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared prove your profeciency level. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and testing, so research each program in advance. With personal Korean tutors you can find out in advance for whom the tutor is effective with and which other specializations they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For best flexibility, choose a tutor from those who are teaching online.
🔥 Why is Korean not easy and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Korean. According to experts, you can gain basic Korean fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback five hours a week you will be able to understand everyday words, have simple conversations, shop and place orders in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Korean. After acquiring basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Korean tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of Korean?
Some people just have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Korean will require at least 600 hours of dedication. The length of time can differ significantly depending on your available level of Korean or proficiency in other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is advised to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in Korean out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational Korean classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Korean tutor?
In learning centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of tested Korean tutors with full profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What's the best time to schedule classes?
Colleges typically run classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools give shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can choose your own lesson frequency and time, on weekdays and/or weekends.