Free Korean classes

Boasting “actual classes with a curriculum,” the volunteer teachers arrange five different levels of classes ranging from complete beginners to semi-fluent conversationalists. One class will have anywhere from 5 to 15 students and lessons are offered on Thursdays or Saturdays. Although classes are free, they do accept a 1,000 won donation for basic classroom materials and paper copies that they make. Galwol Community Welfare Center, 25, Duteopbawi-ro, Yongsan-gu (kongbubang.wordpress.com, Sanghyun 010-6807-8985).

Trained volunteers from Sookmyung University organize these classes and customize a textbook on their own. One semester is two months long and while they encourage you to start from the beginning of the semester, you’re welcome to join at any time. There are six types of classes and while they do not do level tests, they do ask that you sign up with a registration form and a picture of your ARC. Located in the “사회교육관” building on the Sookmyung University Campus. 100, Cheongpa-ro 47-gil, Yongsan-gu (Search for “Sookmyung Korean Education Volunteers (SKEV)” on Facebook). 1 class 1,000 won, textbook 3,000 won.

The Global Village Center has locations all throughout Seoul and among the helpful services they provide are free or low-cost Korean classes. Although the kind of class that’s offered might vary depending on the location, the two types of special classes they offer are Business Korean and Customized Practical Korean. If you take a Customized Practical Korean class, you might learn how to tell a story in Korean or take one specifically geared to prep you for the TOPIK. (global.seoul.go.kr).