Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Scotticus]

Hey all,

I've got a ton of time off this summer, so I'm looking to maybe get myself into an intensive one-month session somewhere. I'm sure there are lots of programs around for it - at both unis and hagwons - but I wanted to ask if anyone knew of a place that was good. By "good" I mean "not rote memorization and grammar drills."

I live in central Seoul and, because I have the time off, travelling isn't too much of an issue. As long as it's in the city, I would consider it. Thanks.

[AtoZed]

Good question, I'm in the same situation too. Unis seem to have either a ten-week semester or their summer classes are only two weeks long and include some dumb cultural appreciation sessions in the afternoon so I'm not really interested.

Right now I'm going to the Yeoksam branch of YBM to study three times a week. They have a more intensive five-day-a-week program too but I'm not certain if they'll be offering my level at the time of my summer vacation. I don't know the price for the more intensive program but my three-day class is only 125,000 a month so it can't be that much more expensive. I like them fine and if my level is offered I'll probably go study here.

I've looked around a bit online and I've found a several hagwons. First is the Korean Language Academy (http://seoul-kla.com/engl/index.php). It seems okay but I have some misgivings since the teachers are apparently trained in the Yonsei University method - people here on Dave's have said that it's a pretty dry system and heavily grammar-focused. I don't want to be bored as hell in class, but it's in Gangnam which isn't so hard for me to get to (I'm not in Seoul). The price for the classes and books is apparently 389,000 won.

The second one I found is the Easy Korean Academy (http://www.edukorean.com) in Apgujeong. This one is a 3-hours-a-day, 4-days-a-week program. They have an eight-week term but it seems to be split into two four-week sessions and you can join in on either. It seems all right but I'm kind of leery of the tuition: 370,000 for one month, plus a 30,000 won entrance fee and another 30,000 for the books. Are these the standard rates for these hagwons?

I've also found the LTRC (http://www.ltrc.co.kr/eng/index.asp). Their method seems to be quite student-centred and encourages a lot of speaking, both of which sound good. The problem is that their regular group classes are only two days a week and last two months, which is definitely not good. They have individual and small group intensive classes but their website doesn't say what their rates are. This one is also in the City Hall area, which is not so convenient for me.

Finally there's also the Ganada Institute (http://www.gkli.co.kr/en/sub_1.htm) but someone here on Dave's said the only good thing about it is that the teachers are cute. They're apparently also trained in the Yonsei University method.

So that's all I've found. It would be great if some people who've attended any of these places could testify if they're any good or not, or tell us about some other place that you know of.

[Lynns]

I studied at KLA in Gangnam for a few months and I thought it was quite good. I've also studied at Sogang and actually I didn't think Sogang was that great. I liked KLA better, smaller class sizes, friendlier atmosphere, more time spent on conversation and speaking. You can sign up for one month at a time. A lot depends on the teacher, I happened to get a couple good ones at KLA.

[Scotticus]

Well, that's one vote for KLA... I'd love to hear more opinions, though.

[zappadelta]

Here's an idea.

I know many Koreans that form study groups to study for the TOEFL test or to just study English.

Would anyone be interested in forming a study group for the summer?
We could meet in Kangnam, just in a Starbucks or something for 1-2 hours a day, whatever suits everyone (this would probably be the tricky part). I would like to do this, anyone else?

[bassexpander]

[Scotticus]

[robot]

TWO MORE:

YBM's Gangnam branch has a course. Though I don't think they have a website.

And as mentioned in another thread, there's this one in Bundang (Seohyeon Station): academygm.com

[definitely maybe]

i studied a few levels at sungkyunkwan univ. i was quite pleased with the professors, content, etc. however, the intensive programs there, and i'm assuming at most universities, are for roughly 10 weeks.

i don't have much input on programs that suit your length of time, but i can tell you that the general product that's offered at sungkyunkwan was far superior to that of ybm's jongno classes. then again, 4 hours a day, 5 days a week for 10 weeks is supposed to better. good luck!

[Insomnia]

Try not to go to a hagwon, go to a place like Sogang or Seoul National University (avoid Yonsei). I can vouch for SNU personally.

[AtoZed]

[Scotticus]

[Looney]

Try Ganada Korean Language Institute in Hongdae.

I have heard some good things about this school from people.....moreso than other schools like YBM.....and have pretty good structured books. I believe there`s quite a few Japanese in particular that study there.....could be a good thing if you want to avoid contact with other native English speakers which you might find at the YBMs etc. Might try them myself in the future.

http://www.gkli.co.kr/

[Johnwayne]

LTRC has been pretty good in my experience thus far. If you can afford the premium price for 1 to 1 (32k per hour), I would recommend it.

You might be able to arrange something else with a friend. I thought I read somewhere someone did a 2 person intensive class at LTRC with their friend there and the price came down somewhat.

[denistron]

What about classes in Busan?
I want to take a course in August.
Can anyone help? I heard about a course at PKNU but their website is like a maze.