About the School
Sogang University Korean Language Education Center (KLEC) is one of the most renowned places to study Korean in South Korea. The center was founded in 1990 at the Catholic Sogang University in Seoul. Over more than 30 years, KLEC has graduated tens of thousands of students from around the world. Approximately 4,000 people from 70–80 countries study here annually. The school prides itself on its communicative methodology, developed by university professors, which emphasizes conversational practice from the very first lesson.
Programs and Formats
KLEC offers several main programs:
- General Korean (Regular Program) — a standard Korean course divided into levels 1 to 6. Each level lasts 10 weeks (200 hours). Classes are held Monday through Friday, 4 hours per day.
- Academic Korean — a program for those planning to enter Korean universities. Includes academic vocabulary, essay writing, and TOPIK preparation.
- Korean Immersion Program — an intensive full-immersion course including language classes and cultural activities.
- Summer Special Courses — short-term summer programs for those who want to combine study with exploring Korea.
- Professional Courses — courses for specialists, e.g., Business Korean.
- Short Courses — short programs from 2 to 8 weeks.
- Customized Corporate Courses — corporate training for companies.
- Culture Classes — classes on Korean culture, calligraphy, cooking, etc.
All programs are conducted offline on the Sogang University campus in Seoul. No online format is available. There is no trial lesson.
How Much Does It Cost and What's Included
For exact prices on KLEC programs, please consult a manager. The cost depends on the type and duration of the course. Typically, the regular program (10 weeks) costs about 1,600,000–1,800,000 won (approximately 1,200–1,400 USD). The fee includes study materials, library access, and cultural activities. Accommodation and meals are paid separately. The school assists with finding housing (dormitory or apartment).
Why Choose Sogang University Korean Language Education Center (KLEC)
- Sogang Communicative Methodology — a unique approach where students start speaking from day one. Emphasis on dialogues, role-plays, and real-life situations.
- High Teaching Quality — all instructors hold a master's or doctoral degree in Korean as a foreign language.
- International Environment — students from 70–80 countries, allowing you to practice Korean in a multicultural atmosphere.
- Location in Seoul — the campus is in the city center, near the subway, convenient for living and traveling.
- TOPIK Preparation — many programs prepare for the Korean language proficiency exam, required for university admission and employment.
What to Consider Before Choosing
- Offline Only — if you need an online format, this school is not suitable.
- High Cost of Living in Seoul — besides the course fee, you need to account for accommodation, meals, and transportation.
- Visa Requirement — for long-term courses (over 90 days), a D-4 student visa is required. The application process can take time.
- Intensity — classes are held every day for 4 hours, requiring high self-discipline and perseverance.
- Language Barrier — beginner levels may be taught using English or Korean, so basic knowledge of one of these languages is advisable.