Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ck10n3]

Which would recommend studying Korean at a large University (Yonsei, Sogang... one of those) or a private institute for learning Korean. I have tried neither yet, but have been doing free language exchange. It works to an extent, but I really need the push of having quizzes/tests/grades to keep me on track.

I live in Bundang so the commute to the larger universities is not really an option I work from 1pm-8pm so it would be difficult to make the commute and get to work on time.

Anyone know of smaller universities that teach Korean, and if so are these reliable?

Any suggestions?

[r122925]

I studied at Yonsei several years ago, but I also know several people who studied at hagwons. In the end, I don't think it matters that much. If I had to do it all over again I might go the hagwon route instead. And if a hagwon is more convenient for you, then that's what I would recommend.

In my opinion the advantages of a university are:

Qualified instructors and structured programs. The downside of this is that they are sometimes too rigid.

Famous name, may look better on a resume or something, but the truth is anyone who is going to hire you for your Korean ability will interview you in Korean. Speaking well is probably much more important than where you studied.

Bigger programs. More opportunities to meet people, both Korean and foreign.

Credits may be transferable to a university in your home country. Moot if you're not working toward a degree or planning to do so in the future.

For hagwons:

Less expensive.

Much more flexible. Easy to take a month off and return later, if the material is too easy or too hard it's easy to be moved up or down a level, etc...

Often smaller class sizes.

Much simpler registration process.

Some of the hagwons use the same books that the universities do, depends on where you go though.


In the end, no matter where you go, it all comes down to how much effort you put into it. I knew several people at Yonsei who studied for a year or so and didn't learn a thing because they were too busy drinking and partying in Hongdae every night to study. I also knew people who got a lot out of it. Same goes for hagwons I'm sure.

[Ck10n3]

I really appreciate the thorough response! I'll definitely look into some local hagwons, as well as local universities.

[curlygirl]

There is a Korean language academy 2 minutes' walk from Seohyeon station in Bundang. It might be just what you're looking for.

http://academygm.com/

[joeteacher]

I'm looking for a hagwon, if you know a good one please post!! Thanks.

[Ck10n3]

Ah, I know a girl who teaches at Academy GM!

It's pricey!

http://kilc.kyungwon.ac.kr/index.php?kwu=08&lang=eng

Kyungwon is 1,100,000 for 10 weeks.

Hrm...............................

Someone told me a semester at Yonsei is only like $700!

[r122925]

[Murakano]

my ex studied full time for 3 levels at Sogang University.....then on and off at 2 academies in Seoul (Gangnam KLA and Ganada Hongdae)......she said University tuition and what you get out of it is definitely WAY better at university language courses than the academies (YBM is worse)

[Ck10n3]

I might do this Kyungwon University course then as it's so close to me!

Does anyone have experience with this language course, or know where I can find information about people who have?

[T-J]