With 2018 knocking on the door it’s time to start on your resolutions early. Since we all live in Korea, I think it’s fair to say studying Korean is on most of our lists. South of Seoul is here to help you connect with the resources you need to improve your language skills. Our volunteers have tried all of these study options and found them to be both reliable and helpful. Each solution has a different strength and all of them are affordable and accessible.
Let’s start with an affordable program sponsored by the local government. PIEF is an amazing organization working to make sure Pyeongtaek residents have access to affordable language classes (and much more). They have locations in both Songtan and Paenseong, but we are only listing the Paengseong classes since that’s what has been advertised publicly. Of you live in Songtan please contact their center directly for information on classes.
This semester they are offering both morning and evening classes which will be helpful to people who work morning or nights. They are also easy to access from either Camp Humphryes or Pyeongtaek Station.
WHERE:
Paengseong Location Near Camp Humphreys
(The 20 bus from in front of McDonalds near Pyeongtaek Station)
COST:
25,000 won for 10 classes (Crazy affordable)
Payment Method:
Card (Easy to pay)
WHEN:
January 17~March 28 (Wednesdays)
TIMES:
Morning 10AM~12PM (Basic)
Evening 7PM~9PM (Basic & Intermediate)
TEXT BOOKS:
You can buy books for these classes from Brooklyn English Used Books in Paengseong near the Camp Humphreys walking gate. The store is listed in the South of Seoul app.
Speaking of Brooklyn English Used Books, you can also study Korean there for free! Well, you will most likely need to buy a book but after that Diana fills your head with tons of useful Korean knowledge for FREE. She is amazing. Takes you under her wing and makes you feel at home. The only drawback is that these classes are only in the morning, however, this is perfect for those working nights.
These classes are always listed in the South of Seoul calendar so they are easy to find.
No matter how many classes you take, sometimes you need extra help. That’s when you need to call in the professionals and invest some dollars. Jennifer provides custom classes that help you address the individual issues that you face. She is creative and encouraging in her approach. Some of our volunteers have studied with her for years since they need advanced studies classes simply can’t provide.
We highly recommend this option for those who plan on being in Korea over time, those that are preparing for Korean language exams, need to improve their writing skills, and for those who wish to progress past basic level.
Ok, let’s say you want to get a better visa and learn Korean for realz realz. What you need to do is get signed up for the KIIP language classes. These classes are trial by fire. Your teacher will not speak any English, your classes could be 2-8 hours long, and it’s quite likely that none of your classmates speak English either. It’s one of the best experiences you can have, but it’s brutal and amazing and terrifying.
These classes are offered online as well as at Pyeongtaek University and near Osan Station. You will need to make an online ID to get signed up. You will also most likely need a Korean person to help you with this. It’s a challenge that can be overcome with the right help. We can’t recommend this enough, but it’s also seriously hardcore. This is for people on a mission.
WHEN:
Read the Banner for Registration Dates Dates.
You need to register on the website for an entrance test.
After the test you will register for classes.
Exact dates and times only available after you register.
COST:
Free except cost of the book.
BENEFITS:
Points for better visas, knowledge of the culture, friendships, excellent Korean skills, and more.
Let’s say you have no time and no money. You can still learn. Just pull up YouTube and start following Talk to Me in Korean. Watch all their videos and follow along. Hands down, this is one of the best resources for learning Korean online. Their information is accurate and informative while also being entertaining. If you watch their videos and do their workbooks you are going to have a lot of success. We have used them to supplement our studies and truly appreciate the work and effort they put in.
The videos are also accompanied by an excellent blog resource so they truly do have you covered.
There you have it. A little something for everyone. Now you don’t have an excuse not to get started! Go forth, learn, explore, and love life south of Seoul.
SOUTH OF SEOUL EDITORIAL INFORMATION
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Originally written bySouth of Seoul
Originally publishedDecember 28, 2017
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Originally published
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South of Seoul
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Christi Cline
South of Seoul
Jetta Allen
South of Seoul
