Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Brock]

I have been in Korea for a few months now ... and am living with my wife's family, who are Korean. I've been teaching myself Korean using books so I can communicate, but would really like to attend some formal lessons. However the only lessons I know about are at Univerities or a YBM Sisa in Seoul. This is a bit too far away for me. Does anyone know about Korean lessons being taught in Incheon.

[GottaBeKD]

Hi!

I'm headed to Incheon in March. I'd love to ask you some questions about the city there.

1. Is it nice? Pretty? I mean, do you feel like you want to go for walks to see the town, or do you feel like you want to hide from the mess and dirt?

2. What cultural destinations / events must a foreigner check out, in and around Incheon?

3. What do you do for fun in Incheon, on weekends or when your not working.

4. Would you be interested in meeting up in Incheon in march? I am also learning Korean, so far entirely via books and studying with my fiancee (we will be married this summer). Maybe some conversation practice between us would be useful. I may be closer to your level than some of the native speakers.

Hope to hear from ya, take care.

[Dazed and Confused]

During the school terms Inha University usually has Korean classes. They have always been 1-2 days per week in the evenings.

[some waygug-in]

I don't know about formal classes, but you can study on line for free.
There are a number of sites that will teach really basic words and phrases, but this site is good for those who are serious about learning.
http://korean.sogang.ac.kr
There are many lessons at progressively advanced levels. I have been using it for about a year and I am still on the novice 1 level. It's amazing how hard it is to remember this stuff, and how many times I need to go over the basics.
Sometimes the graphics don't work properly, or sometimes the sound is not very clear, but keep with it. It's worth the effort.
It took me a while to realize that there are little exercises for each section, grammar, vocabulary, listening and reading. So, if you do all the exercises, I think you will find it very helpful.
The best part is that you can do them over and over, until you start to really understand and remember.
I hope this is helpful to you.
se he bok mani badu seyo
Some waygug-in

[Zulethe]

bump

[modernseoul]

Can anyone update this situation?
I.e. If there Korean classes on offer apart from the regular 3month university courses in Incheon or even Bucheon?

[bbud656]

There isn't much in Incheon. I know there is some stuff in Songdo, but I think its at a higher level than beginner. Most of the Korean hagwans and classes are in Seoul. I did the commute to Sogang last year. It is rough getting on that train in rush hour 3 times a week. I bit the bullet and hired a private tutor. I think the cost in time of what I was wasting on the train to Seoul is worth it.

[matthews_world]

What's the Songdo place as that might be more to my skill level?

Inha just started their term this week,,,10 weeks,,,for a cool million won per semester. They might do post-enrollement.

I find structured Korean classrooms very limiting for all involved. I've never had a very dynamic teacher in these sorts of situations while studying Korean in Korea. Might be case to case,,,student to student.

[jamesy]

There's a place called talkhouse in guwol dong, Incheon. It's on the second floor of the citibank building. They used to offer free Korean lessons to foreigners, but not sure if they still do. You should give them a call - you can find their number at the bottom of this link

http://www.icice.or.kr/talk_main.php

[thrylos]

Many YM/WCA's offer Korean classes, usually for foreign brides married to Koreans. If they don't, they can steer you in the right direction of a center and/or community outreach program that does.

But it is mainly for foreign wives and involves teaching you to make kimchi and bow properly, in addition to using the honorifics most of the time (since they'll be mostly talking to the in-laws).

Worth a shot, could be fun. (or not)

[nora]

Catholic University in Bucheon has classes, but they are morning only 9-1 i believe.

[modernseoul]