Study Korean in South Korea: Tuition, Application, Visa & Best Schools

Learning Korean in South Korea is not just about grammar and vocabulary. It’s about experiencing the culture, lifestyle, and environment where the language is spoken every day. To help you prepare, here’s a detailed guide with all the essentials you need to know before applying to a Korean language program.

Types of Korean Language Schools

University Language Centers

• Examples: Yonsei, Sogang, Seoul National, Ewha, Kyung Hee, etc.
• Offer intensive 10–12 week programs (4 hours/day, 5 days/week).
• Provide visa sponsorship (D-4 visa).

Private Language Institutes

• Examples: Lexis Korea, LTL Language School.
• More flexible schedules (from 1 week to several months).
• No visa sponsorship, usually for short-term learners or tourists. 

Admission Requirements

• Application form (online or downloadable).
• Passport copy (valid for the duration of your studies).
• Passport-sized photos.
• Diploma or certificate of graduation (high school or university). Must be notarized or apostilled if outside Korea.
• Academic transcript (sometimes optional).
• Bank statement showing at least USD 10,000 (or KRW 10 million) balance issued within 30 days.
• Birth certificate or family relation certificate (if using parents’ bank statement).
• Personal statement/study plan (sometimes required, especially at Seoul National University).
• Application fee receipt.
• Application Timeline

Language programs are divided into 4 main semesters per year:

• Spring: March – May (apply Nov–Jan)
• Summer: June – Aug (apply Feb–Apr)
• Fall: Sept – Nov (apply May–Jul)
• Winter: Dec – Feb (apply Aug–Oct)

Tip: Apply 3–4 months before classes start if you need a D-4 student visa, because document preparation, mailing, and visa processing take time.

Tuition Fees

Additional Costs: Textbooks ₩30,000–₩60,000 per level, cultural activity fees.

Student Visa (D-4 Visa)

If you study at a university language center for 6 months or more, you can apply for a D-4 (General Training) visa.

Visa requirements:

• Admission letter from the school
• Bank statement with sufficient funds (≥ USD 10,000 or equivalent)
• Application fee (KRW 60,000 approx.)
• Completed visa form + passport + ID photos
• Proof of highest education (diploma/apostille) 

Processing time: 2–4 weeks depending on your country.

Important: Many schools require students to prepay 2 semesters (around 6 months of tuition) to issue visa documents.

Final Tips for Success 

• Plan finances early: Tuition + housing + living costs average ₩1.2M – ₩1.8M per month in Seoul.
• Start with at least 2 semesters if you aim to reach TOPIK Level 3–4 (intermediate).
• Join student clubs or language exchanges to practice outside class.
• Consider regional schools (Busan, Jeonju, Daegu) if you want lower living costs and fewer distractions than Seoul.