Discover the Best Korean Classes Near Me
Korean is the native language of about 80 million people worldwide, and this number continues to grow each year. The U.S. State Department lists Korean as a critical language due to the United States' strategic interests in the Korean-speaking world as Korean populations continue to thrive in major U.S. cities, Los Angeles and New York especially. The history of the language is long and often misunderstood, but most scholars agree that Korean has been an active language since at least the 15th century when Sejong of Joseon (1397-1450) of the Yi Dynasty devised the modern Korean writing system known as Hangul. Composed of 24 letters, 14 consonants and 10 vowels, Hangul is considered one of the most rationally formulated languages in the world, making it easy to pick up relative to other global language systems.
Why You Should Learn Korean
Learning a new language like Korean is a great way to sharpen your critical thinking and organizational skills. You can learn new words and phrases during your free time, plus it's a hobby that you can do anytime and anywhere. Studies have shown that picking up a second language can even boost creativity and conceptual thinking ability, which can lead to greater productivity in other areas.
Language and community go hand in hand, and learning Korean is an excellent way to expand your networks. Local events, clubs, meet-ups, and organizations offer fun and easy ways not only to learn the language but to dive into a fascinating culture too. All kinds of intriguing professional opportunities present themselves to the new language learner, from part-time work to side hustles, so why not add to your language toolkit?
As the world becomes an increasingly connected global community, multiple language proficiency is becoming a sought-after, even expected, skill in the marketplace. Translation is a burgeoning field in business, marketing, and content creation, and knowledge of Korean could open many doors in terms of international travel. When learning a new language, the possibilities are literally endless.
5 Ways to Learn Korean
Learning a new language can be a daunting prospect, but fewer experiences are more rewarding, especially when guided by a knowledgeable instructor. Here are a few ways you can start on the path to speaking Korean:
- Take an in-person class with an instructor who can answer your questions and provide guidance along the way. There's nothing like being in a classroom with other learners to motivate you on your journey to language mastery.
- Online classes are a great way to receive real-time feedback in a community of like-minded peers. The best part is you get to engage in a stimulating curriculum from the comfort of home.
- Learn with a self-paced, on-demand class through online tutorials and videos. The upshot here is being allowed to progress at the speed that works best for you but without the added benefit of having synchronous feedback or lesson-by-lesson guidance.
- Download a language learning app like Duolingo, Babbel, or Drops to learn on the go or whenever you have free time. Convenience makes these an attractive option, and many include games and helpful visuals which appeal to a variety of learning styles.
- Pick up a book at your local library or bookstore and follow step-by-step instructions. Many texts include workbooks, though these are often an option only if you purchase the book.
In-Person Korean Classes
In-person Korean classes are now offered in nearly every city in the United States. Studying with other language learners in a supportive environment where you can receive feedback from an experienced instructor is a terrific way to enhance your language skills. The in-person atmosphere offers an exciting and positive way to learn Korean quickly.
Learning a new language is like opening up a whole new way of seeing and experiencing the world. As you become more skilled in writing and conversation in Korean, you can explore Korean culture, cuisine, fashion, and technology. Music is a huge part of Korean culture, and listening along to styles like K-Pop will help you to learn and incorporate the language as you go.
ABC Languages offers Private Korean Lessons in Midtown Manhattan in NYC to all experience levels and learners 18 and up. ABC's team of language experts will craft your very own language-learning curriculum based on your needs and interests. You will meet with an experienced language expert for two hours, once a week, and classes start at only $50.
Introduction to Korean Cooking in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood in NYC teaches you how to cook and prepare a full menu of Korean culinary favorites, including Kimchi Jjigae (Pork Belly, Tofu, and Kimchi Hot Pot), Goon Mandoo (Pan-Fried Handmade Pork Dumplings), Beef Bulgogi with Sticky Rice and Accompaniments, and Kimchi Fried Rice with Fried Egg. Home Cooking New York's knowledgeable instructors guide beginners through step-by-step cooking demonstrations with a focus on knife skills, ingredient prep, and hands-on instruction at the stove. At the end of the lesson, participants will receive a recipe packet and enjoy a full, sit-down meal. All classes are BYOB.
K-Pop classes in the North Center area of Chicago are open to all experience levels. Chicago Dance will teach you not only how to appreciate K-Pop but to groove with it! Learn popular dance styles for the latest K-Pop songs and get in tune with your own sense of rhythm and movement. Participants will learn a blend of styles with a focus on hip-hop and jazz. Tone it up while learning engaging and fun choreography.
Korean, Total Beginner in San Francisco's Financial District is a great entry point for the beginner or anyone interested in learning Korean. Class sizes average about 12 participants, and you will begin learning in the very first class. For learners with little to no experience in Korean, ABC Instructors are there to guide you through the basics and lay a firm foundation in Korean grammar and conversation.
Mastering Sushi Favorites by Classpop! in the Vista area of San Diego offers hands-on sushi-making fun. No experience is required for participants who will learn the basics of sushi making and new kitchen skills. Cook alongside Chef Krong, a master of Thai cuisine. This should be a fun and unique opportunity for anyone with an interest in cooking.
CocuSocial Cooking Classes offers Make Your Own Sushi in the Spring Branch East area of Houston. Open to anyone 21 and older and all experience levels, this class will teach you how to "spread, layer, tuck and roll your way to sushi heaven." Learn in this fun, hands-on class how to properly cook rice, identify and pick out sushi-grade fish, and enhance the tasting experience with other classic sushi ingredients. Chef Ashley will guide participants in making three different rolls: a California roll, a Spicy Tuna roll, and a Vegetable roll. Once finished, you will have the necessary skills to make your own one-of-a-kind sushi rolls at home.
Virtual Korean Classes
In-person classes are a tried-and-true way to learn just about any new skill amongst peers who share the same interests as you. Sometimes, though, in-person classes may not be available in your area, and in this case, online classes are the next best thing. For many, online classes may be even more beneficial than the traditional in-person route due to the flexibility and convenience they offer.
You can attend online classes from the comfort of your own home, or nearly anywhere with power and a sturdy wifi signal. The only potential drawbacks are that you have to come prepared with your own materials and equipment.
Online Korean classes are available from CourseHorse for all experience levels and generally it's easy to find a class that fits into your own schedule. You never know what might be available in your specific area of interest or experience level.
ABC Languages is offering Online Private Korean Lessons beginning at only $50. All you need is a reliable internet connection and a device to access the course stream. ABC Instructors will craft a curriculum just for you and your particular needs.
Korean, Total Beginner from ABC Languages SF is perfect for the entry-level language learner. You will hit the ground running with a team of knowledgeable instructors and gain new Korean skills from the very first class. Whether you want to learn conversational basics or to master Korean in the long term, this class is a great place to start.
Private Group Korean Classes
Schedule a Korean class as a fresh and exciting team-building event for your business or organization! CourseHorse offers online Korean classes for private groups that they can deliver live to you and your team, wherever you may be.
And even when no Korean classes for private groups are being offered at the moment, you can reach out to a CourseHorse representative to learn more about the options available for teams and private groups. All you need to do is send your name, email address, and a brief description of the event you'd like to plan, and CourseHorse will help you find the perfect option.
Booking private group classes is a breeze with CourseHorse, and new ones are being added all the time. First off, there are no booking fees, and CourseHorse sends a confirmation of your booking within 24 hours so you're sure to get the right class for your team. Also, no matter what your preferred platform may be, CourseHorse can accommodate and support it, from Zoom to Google Meets, to Microsoft Teams, and WebEx. Many courses can even come to your office or home space if you’d like
What Will I Need to Learn Korean?
The great thing about learning a new language is that often all you need to get started is an open mind and a willingness to learn. Even for virtual or online classes, a tablet or computer, and a reliable internet connection is all that's required.
If you're taking an in-person class, the instructor will usually provide you with the necessary materials to begin your study of Korean. It's generally a good idea when starting a new language course to bring a notebook and a pen or pencil to write with in addition to whatever text is required for the class. Many language textbooks will include a workbook where you can take notes and work on particular problems.
For online or virtual classes, you will need a tablet, laptop, or PC to access the course, as well as a power supply and reliable internet connection.
Aside from these few basics, it may be helpful to enlist friends or family you can converse with as you pick up new words and phrases. Listening to Korean music and watching Korean films are great ways to immerse yourself in the language as well.
Is It Difficult to Learn Korean?
Some may consider Korean a difficult language to learn compared to others, but it is not an impossible task. First off, the Korean alphabet is quite different from English, though it does have an inherent logic to it. This may not make the system easy, but it does mean that it is ultimately quite accessible. Next, word order in Korean is inverted relative to English, so learning where to place a verb, for example, or an object in a sentence may be a challenge at first.
Korean is an honorific language system as well, which means that words may be conjugated differently and phrasing in a sentence may change depending on the person to whom you are speaking. And the differences don't end there! The important thing to remember is that learning Korean, even for one with no experience, is an achievable and worthwhile goal, all it takes is a little determination and a spirit of curiosity.
