Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Watchful]

Hi! I'm looking for a hagwon or university program that's not too pricy where I can study the Korean language. I'm thinking 2 hours a day for 2-4 days per week. Near Kangnam or Jamsil would be the most convenient. Any advice? Any experiences to share?

I got here just over a month ago and realized I should get movin' to speak the language as I couldn't find salt at the market. Hmm. Anyways.

[waterbaby]

I don't have any first hand experience of Korean language classes, but I do remember these threads and it's a start.

1. Sogang Korean Course for Waygookin
2. Chosun University Korean Class

I remember some posters were discussing a course in the Jamsil area a little while ago (I was considering signing up for them), but I can't find it now

[Derrek]

Here is a link to a list of many schools in Seoul. Some include prices. Some are near Kangnam. Check out the 3rd one down on the list. It fits you perfect:

http://www.fulbright.or.kr/eta/english/eta-language-programs.html

[seoulman]

I generally found these classes to be very boring and overall a waste. The couple of hours a week Kangnam-style language school isn't going to be much more (if any more) beneficial to you than simply going to a good bookstore and buying a few good books with tapes. Add a Korean informant to the mix to answer questions you might have and help you practice conversation and you are good to go. Of course this takes more self-discipline. If you really want an intense language experience then the universities are the way to go. Of course, these are pricey and take up more than 2 hours a day.

[Derrek]

Well, I'd agree that the University route is the way to go, if you can do it. But everyone has to start somewhere. Some is better than nothing. I would suggest that the person learn to read Hangul first. That is easy to do on your own, and with a little pronounciation help recorded to tape from a Korean friend.

By the way, Seoulman... where is that Avatar from? She's cute.

[kylehawkins2000]

The closest location to you would be KLA in Kangnam. It is near Kangnam Station. THe name is "Seoul Korean Language Academy"
There are a number of different course options availble. The one I'm taking is on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Evenings from 7pm to 9pm. So, 6 hours a week. A month of these classes costs 220 000won. There is another class that runs 5 days a week in the mornings for an hour each day. This course costs 290 000won. There are weekend classes available as well.

Seoul National University also has a program and is not too far from you.
PM me if you want more into about KLA. I believe it is the only place offering classes in Kangnam Gu.

Cheers!

[Godzilla]

Good call on the Avatar Derrick.. come on Seoulman, spill the beans!!!!

[little mixed girl]

.....

[hojucandy]

sukmyeong women's university offers a very good free (suggested donation W1,000 per class) course in korean. classes are held every saturday at 4.30pm. i have already made a post to the "korean language resources" sticky thread about this.

for help finding where the course is PM me.

[qwunk89]

Anybody studied here or have info. about it. Language Teaching Research Center, near Gwanghwamun station? thanks - split

[blackbird]

Look, get someone to write a message in Korea that says " I want someone to teach me Korean."

Take this note (include your phone number) to the local grocery store and stick it on the window ( you may have to bribe the owner).

Within 2 days you will have a private Korean teacher.

[sid]

Here's a useful page, it lists the universities and hagwons which have Korean language programs and links to their websites:

http://english.seoul.go.kr/residents/education/edu_02korean.html

[simone]

Anyone studied at SookDae? (Sookmyung Women's University)?

Seen posters for it, their classes start Oct. 31 - I was too late to join Sogang's program.

Basically - is it real Korean, or overly formal and outdated vocabulary that you'll never need?

I took a class near Kwangwhamun last year, and the first class was teaching us vocabulary like inkwell, calligraphy brush, Kimchi pot, mill, those bamboo things that people wear over their shoulders.... total waste of time. Oh yes, and they scowled at us whenever we used -yo. I appeased them by completing the practice in -imnida and then quickly reviewing it in less formal language... with a pleading look of "please listen to this to..."

I went to maybe four classes. Frustrating.

So yeah, how's Sookdae? Any info appreciated.

[crazylemongirl]

I studied level 2 at sookdae. Unfourtantly I got really sick mid way through the course. Be warned they go through the material quite quickly, so you will really have to study in order to keep up. But still a reasonably solid course.

[Hater Depot]

The best place to study Korean is at home, with a decent textbook and some audiotapes and good dictionaries.

The best place to learn Korean is in a bar, hanging out with your Korean friends or flirting with the bartender.