Resources For Learning Korean

Hi , Welcome!
I introduced in my last post some of the key things to keep in mind before embarking on the sojourn of learning the Korean.( What it takes to learn Korean). If you are already learning then also it would be nice to refer to the above tips.

Choice of method depends upon time and motive.

If you have decided to learn the Korean and wondering where to start with this post will help you with the options available which can fit in your budget of time and wallet. Or if your are already learning some of below resources might be new and better for you.I faced the same issue because initially when I landed to Korea. Though I had motive to learn but the how part took a lot of time to decide after exploring some options based on recommendations. So I have consolidate below options options for you

1. Korean Language Institutes

In Korea there are many language institute which offer courses by highly qualified teachers mostly doctorate and some post graduates. Their courses are more intensive which helps to learn faster. It requires a lot of time and dedication. These institutes have their own books and study materials. Professors who write those books also teaches in the class so they are like live books . These institutes explain the language in the depth.The fee of these institutes is considerable.They offer variety of courses like evening class-suitable for office going people, regular class-full time language learning, etc. from which one can choose based on the availability of time, distance from home and economic tolerances. There are many universities but I am putting some of the best ones. These are equally good with some more focus here and there.
⚠ Below list does not intent to show any order.

1.Yonsei Korean Language Institute; Sinchon Station, Exit#2, 3, Walk 20min

Highlights:

•  Focus on grammar and vocabulary; Renowned for research
• Learning covers day-to-days activities
•  University environment encourages participation in extra curricular activities

2.Korea University Language Institute; Korea University Station , Exit #2

Highlights:

• Focus on real life dialogues like buying a thing , negotiating; Learning by doing 
• Role play , site visits which help to see what we are learning

3.Sogang University ; Sinchon Station Exit#6, Walk 10min

Highlights:

• Equal focus on grammar, vocabulary and dialogue
• Practical learning through role play and site visits

4.Seoul National University; SNU Station, Exit 3 + Bus 5513 (6 stops)

Highlights:
Balance of Grammar, Vocabulary and Dialogue





The above three language institutes belong to the top three universities of Korea which are famous as SKY- Seoul National University, Korea University & Yonsei University. Their language institutes carry forward their legacy as well.

5. Sejong Language Institute; ***For Overseas Korean Learners

This is a boon for the people who are not in Korea and due to any reasons find difficult to come to Korea specifically for learning language.
Frankly, I was not aware about this institute before I started collecting data for this post. It was introduced to me by my Korean teacher.
King Sejong was the founder of the modern Korean Language. He was a great scholar and a voracious reader. The institute works for teaching the students and preparing the teachers. They are present in 60 countries with the motive to make the Korean Language and Culture easily accessible to the world.

Highlights:

• Learning language and culture equally
• Focus on speaking followed by grammar, vocab.
• Supported by government hence economic.

2.Seoul Global Center (SGC)

SGC is a body of Seoul metropolitan government which helps foreigners to live their life smoothly by providing free language courses. Also they provide many other services like preparation of driving licence, Legal assistance, Business,  Start-up Incubation etc. It is a one stop solution for foreigners and quite effective. It has three Global Center which offer wide range of services. 
🏫  Jongno                                    
🏫 Yeongdeungpo                                    
🏫 Dongdaemun 
  They offer two types of Korean classes: Regular & TOPIK (Test Of Proficiency In Korean) preparation. 
If you are new to Korea and beginner in Langauge then  join ONLY Regular Class. Please be reminded that TOPIK class do not teach grammar or vocabulary but only prepares you to give the TOPIK exam with some tips and techniques ASSUMING that you know already that level of Korean. I misunderstood this with the expectation that TOPIK class will teach me the necessary language.

SGC also has local centers called as Village Centers which might be closer to you:

        (Center (with link);Subway Station-Exit Number+ Bus no., if needed)

• Yeongnam; Hongik University-Exit 2
• Yeoksam ; Gangnam-Exit 4; Yeoksam-Exit 3
• Itaewon; Itaewon Station. Exit 2
• Sorae; Chongshin Univ.(Isu)-Exit 2+ Bus# Socho 13(9 stops)
• Ichon; Ichon-Exit 4
• Seongbuk; Hansung Univ.-Exit 5+Bus#Jiseon 1111 or 2112 (5 stops)
• Geumcheon; Gasan Digital Complex-Exit 1 + Bus Geumcho#03 (10 Stops)

Highlights:

• Professional experienced teachers
• No cost; Good for beginner level 
• Easy to find one close to you in Seoul

3.Public Welfare Centers 

Because Korea is becoming immensely popular destination for foreigners hence the government is increasing its resources to help foreigners to enjoy smooth Korean life. Moreover international marriages, where either bride or groom is Korean, are on the rise which is fueling the government to keep up the expectations of their own citizens.  As a result there are are many public center which offers free classes. Only the book cost needs to be borne.

Danuri Home Page: multilingual service

What I found that the city wise the structure of these centers are different. Not all the offices offer the language classes but for sure there will be a public center near you which will of help. Some centers are specific for F6 visa (person married to a Korean), and many are open to all. They also have evening classes weekend which varies center to center.
The best way to find them is to check here or call help line. Danuri Call Center 1577-1366
Apart from language this portal provides many useful information in many languages. Webpage


Highlights:

• Tuition Free; books not free😄
• Close to your door step

Korea Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP):

This is run by Korean government to help foreigner`s settle well in the Korean society.

Highlights:

• No Cost
• Certification score helps for Residency (F2), Permanent Residency (F5),  & Naturalization (Korean Citizenship).

4. One-to-One Tutor:

This is a good option to learn at one`s own pace and time. But the thing is that the tutor should be a professional Korean language teacher not just a native speaker.

5.Self Learning:

Learning Korean from a teacher will be great but sometimes time does not permit. So we can learn ourselves . But self study is only recommended when you have sound foundation of the language at least for six months. Once you have the foundation then you can take the help of the below resources and keep up the learning:

A.Books 📚:

Books from above language institutes are good as they come with a CD which helps to practice the accurate pronunciation. They also have a workbook. Some books like from Sogang will have  supplementary book which covers vocabulary and grammar from the main book. If you joined a particular language institute and then want to go on self study mode then the same institute`s referred books should be preferred to keep on the same fashion of learning.

B.You Tube : 

There are many channels which can help you to understand the language more in addition to the learning from the book. Watching YTN News is good.

C.Korean Drama : 

Korean Dramas are world famous for their content and acting skills. This can help to to understand the emotions behind a word/grammar and the practical usage.

D.Radio 📻: 

SBS and EBS, KBS YTN are good to practice listening. They help to understand the intonations and correct usage of vocabulary per circumstances. It does not require additional time and efforts as it can be done while on the go.

E.Online Learning 🕸: 

There are many websites which offer the online structured courses for example Sejong Nuri Sejong Hakdang.

F.Mobile APPs:

 Apps offer beginner level understanding,  Not greatly helpful. You can download them based on their ratings.

I hope this information will help you in learning Korean in an effective way. If you have any query then please comment below, I shall respond back.
See you in the next post. Keep up the learning!
-Naveen

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