Korean language classes
 

I've just accepted an assignment that will see me lead a two year project in Seoul. The project language is English but I'd like to take the opportunity to learn some Korean. I've a couple of weeks' leave scheduled in January before the project starts and would like to take beginner classes - either in the UK or on an immersion basis in Korea.

Our HR team have been less than helpful and the Korean embassy recommended a three year degree course!

Does anybody have any experience of a decent provider to get me from nowhere to "two beers please" and "isn't it a nice day" in a week or two?

Thanks in advance - sadly I don't even know the Korean for 'thank you'

Buy the Pimsleur Korean CD at your favorite book store.
I've learned to speak Spanish and Russian via Pimsleur.

Why not study while you're in Seoul?

http://www.language-learning.net/en/...nal-university

The environmentally - friendly campus of the best national university, Seoul National University (SNU), is situated at the foot of the Mountain Kwan-ak, 20 min. away from the city centre of Seoul. The well-experienced lecturers of the Institute of Korean Language Courses at the SNU have excellent teaching methods and offer 6 levels from beginner to advanced level.

The General Korean Language Courses are divided into 4 terms in each year, and every term encompasses 200 hours in 10 weeks.

I would imagine your committment would be noted and applauded by others on the project team and would earn you more respect.

FWIW this traveller just returned from Seoul and really enjoyed the week and quickly picked up a few key phrases in Korean including how to say thanks, which is "Kamsahamnida". Enjoy your time in Seoul & Korea! :)

Seoul National University would be a good choice. My oldest son went there right out of high school and spent 1.5 yrs there, becoming pretty fluent in the language.

The university is south west of the center of Seoul. Not sure how much time you have to spend on language instruction, but they have several programs including summer programs that might work for you. There is a subway stop for the university, but you have to catch a bus to get there from the subway, as it"s a painful, hilly walk. Good luck!.

Thanks for the advice

I'll certain take a look at the SNU options. As the project I'll be working on will last for at least 18 months (more likely to be two years plus) and I'll be there two weeks a month I may go for a regular course and top up with a summer programme.

Great to get help from people with real experience

It's not like learning vocabulary, but in the 6 days I was in Korea it was easy to pick up reading Hangul. Significantly easier than learning Thai or Lao.

Not saying I can read everything (and certainly not saying i have any idea what I'm reading) but if you're a good self learner you might be able to pick up ordering a beer with little hassle.

Heck even this linguistically challenged traveller recently managed that feat. :D