Korean Job Discussion Forums

PBRstreetgang21 · Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 12:35 am Post subject: Studying Korean Full-time

Im wondering if there is anyone who has done one of the 10 weeks full-time Korean courses offered at some of the major Universities next spring, like Sungkyunkwan, Seoul National or Korea U. Does anyone know which program is considered the best? Also, does anyone know much about housing? Between a Goshiwon and a Homestay which might be prefferable. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

SuperHero · Joined: 10 Dec 2003 Location: Superhero Hideout

Go to Sogang. It is the best.

whatever · Joined: 11 Jun 2006 Location: Korea: More fun than jail.

Studying Korean=Waste of time

Why? Because nobody has the patience to communicate with you while you're in the intermediate stages.

Just learn the alphabet and key phrases and save yourself a lot of time and struggle.

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

shaunew · Joined: 17 Apr 2007 Location: Calgary

Sogang is a great one. Goshiwons are about 125,000 to 150,000 won per month. I would go with a goshiwon more privacy and no curfews. Small rooms, but if you can find a newer one you can even get a shower in your room.

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

Woden · Joined: 08 Mar 2007 Location: Eurasia

Ed Provencher · Joined: 15 Oct 2006

PeteJB · Joined: 06 Jul 2007

I've heard nothing but good stories about Sogang. But if your going down the academic route, you might be better at Yonsei.

Do other cities have language institutes like Seoul? Would be interesting to study in say, Gwangju Laughing

Ginormousaurus · Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Location: 700 Ft. Pulpit

I've studied at Yonsei, Ehwa and Sogang. I always recommend Sogang.

nateium · Joined: 21 Aug 2006 Location: Seoul

itaewonguy · Joined: 25 Mar 2003

keep in mind all the courses are grammar based! so prepare yourself for alot of writing, grammar real korean styles... to pass to the next levels you need to have 70%
sogang I think is the only place where speaking is more part of there curriculum. I made the mistake of going to Kyunghee and frankly I felt like I learned nothing new ! maybe a few new more words. did I learn how to spell them?? sure! still after 10 weeks the other students could write better than me. but none of them could speak better than me..
its like koreans learning english style.. they can write and have great grammar skills, but couldnt get on a subway in nyc!

go with sogang!

aarontendo · Joined: 08 Feb 2006 Location: Daegu-ish

When I was a student I did a semester at SoonChunHyang university. It's in Chungnam-do, so not necessarily in the big city. However, they offered a scholarship to foreign students. On top of the free classes, we also got a weekly living stipend of 150,000 won, a pretty beefy flight allowance, and free dormitory stay.

The condition was that we had meeting sessions with some of the Korean students. I thought the program was well laid out and I've heard it's even better now (new dormitories). If one were to come to Korea to study, I would look into their program.

PeteJB · Joined: 06 Jul 2007

You have to adapt your learning to the course. If you study a grammar intensive course with only 1/3rd speaking, then you'd need a lifestyle that permits you to study and spend more time doing the speaking outside of school. So basically if your a student, you might in the long run be better off at institutes other than Sogang. But for the average Joe who works in Korea most of the time (who isn't a student), Sogang is better.