Where to Take Korean Language Crash Courses for Tourists

 

✨ Introduction

If you’re visiting Korea and want to pick up some Korean fast, whether for ordering food, navigating subways, or chatting with locals—good news: there *are* crash-courses designed just for tourists. But where should you go? Below I share places in Seoul (and beyond) that offer short, intensive Korean classes, tips on how to choose one, and what to expect. Let’s dive in!

📍 Top Schools & Programs for Short-Term Korean Learning

Here’s a list of reputable institutions offering crash courses, short programs, or intensive mini-courses in Korean:

• Green Korean Language School — They offer **short-term classes from 2 days to 2 weeks**, either 1:1 or small group formats, for conversation, grammar, pronunciation, etc.
• Rolling Korea (Rolling Language Academy) — You can join Korean classes starting from **one week** onward. They offer General, Semi-Intensive, and Intensive Korean tracks.
• Ewha Language Center (ELC) — Their **short-term program** runs multiple times a year and includes 20 hours per week (Mon–Fri), combining speaking/listening/reading/writing plus cultural classes.
• Yonsei Korean Language Institute (KLI) — They have a **3-week short program** designed for foreigners, with daily classes and cultural experiences.
• Lexis Korea — Offers part-time, morning, evening, or weekend Korean courses focused on communication.
• Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) — Their short-term courses, offered twice a year, span ~3 weeks and teach all four language skills.
• Winter Korean (Winko) — They offer “class for tourists” sessions, priced per hour for small groups (1 to 5 people).

🧭 How to Choose the Right Crash Course

Here are factors to consider when picking a course:

• Duration & Intensity: Are you staying a week, two, or longer? Some classes are only a few days; others last several weeks. Choose a course that matches your available time.
• Group size vs. Private: Private 1:1 classes cost more but let you focus on your specific needs (speaking, pronunciation, etc.). Small groups are more affordable and give peer interaction.
• Schedule: Morning, evening, weekend, or flexible schedules—pick one that fits your travel plans and energy levels.
• Curriculum focus: Some courses emphasize conversational Korean (useful for tourists), others grammar or reading/writing. If your goal is survival Korean (ordering food, asking directions), make sure the course includes speaking and listening. Green Korean, for example, offers conversation-focused short term classes.
• Location: Choose a school close to where you stay to avoid long commutes. In Seoul, many language schools are in central areas (like near Gyeongbokgung, Myeongdong, universities). Green Korean is located near key heritage sites.
• Cultural components: Some courses include K-culture classes (food, crafts, K-pop) which make learning more fun and immersive (e.g. Yonsei’s program includes culture experiences).
• Cost & Value: Compare hourly rates, total tuition, what’s included (textbooks, materials, extracurriculars). Winko’s tourist class model shows per-hour pricing.
• Visa / Enrollment constraints: Very short courses usually don’t allow applying for long-term student visas, so be sure that course matches your visa status. For example, SNU’s short-term classes do not qualify for student visas.

🗓️ Sample Schedules & What to Expect

Here’s what a typical crash course looks like:

• Green Korean short-term class: 3 hours a day, weekdays (e.g. 10:00–13:00 or 14:00–17:00), duration options from 2 days up to 10 days.
• Ewha Short-Term Program: 20 hours per week (Mon–Fri) with cultural classes over 15 days.
• Yonsei 3-week program: 4 hours daily, Monday to Friday, combining language and cultural activities.
• Rolling Korea / General Korean: Morning classes (e.g. 20 classes per week) leaving afternoons free for exploration or optional activities.
• Winko tourist class: Flexible hourly classes (e.g. 1 hour at a time), good for very short visits.

💡 Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Crash Course

• Before you arrive, try to learn **Hangul (Korean alphabet)**—this gives you a big head start.
• Choose a course that emphasizes speaking & listening, not just grammar.
• Practice outside class: speak to vendors, ask directions, use simple phrases in cafés.
• Review lessons each evening—consistency helps retention in fast courses.
• Pair up with classmates for practice during breaks or after class.
• Check course cancellation policies or minimum enrollment numbers in advance (some short classes need a minimum number of students to open).
• Balance class time and sightseeing: avoid picking a course that eats up your full day unless you’re fully committed.

✅ Conclusion

If you’re visiting Korea and eager to learn real Korean quickly, there *are* excellent crash courses tailored for tourists. Schools like Green Korean, Rolling Korea, Ewha’s short-term program, and Yonsei’s 3-week class give you structured learning without needing a long-term commitment.

Once you decide on your travel dates and time availability, pick a course that matches your goals (conversation vs. grammar), preferred schedule (morning/evening), and location. Don’t forget: what you practice *outside* the classroom—by talking to locals, ordering in Korean, and using phrases you learned—can make a big difference in how much you retain.

If you like, I can help you compare 2–3 specific schools based on your travel dates and where you’ll stay (Seoul, Busan, etc.)—would you like me to narrow it down for *your* trip?

Contact: hello.korea.blog@gmail.com
About: Hello Korea shares travel & life tips in Korea from a foreigner’s perspective.
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Disclaimer: The information here is based on direct experience and official sources—circumstances may vary slightly depending on season, school scheduling, or local policies.