Learn the Lingo: South Korea
The Language Situation in South Korea
Whether you’re moving for a few days or a few years, a big source of anxiety for many expats is language. From ordering drinks & buying food to chatting round the office water cooler, many expats find that a solid understanding of the local linguistic situation helps them feel instantly more at ease in their new home.
This guide will answer some of the questions many expats have: what the official language of South Korea is, what other languages Koreans speak, and whether it’s necessary to learn a new foreign language in depth. As a bonus, we’ll even chuck in some resources for learning Korean and a few handy first phrases!
Official Language(s)
The official language of South Korea is Korean, with the standard dialect based on the Seoul region. It is used in government, education, and media, and is the primary language spoken by the vast majority of the population. South Korean Sign Language (KSL) is also recognized as an official language, providing legal protections and access to public services for the Deaf community. Additionally, minoritized languages such as Jeju, a unique variety of Korean spoken on Jeju Island, and the languages of migrant communities, like Chinese and Vietnamese, are spoken, although don’t have official status.
The Korean language’s origins are complex and not fully understood, but it is generally classified as part of the Koreanic language family, which includes Korean and Jeju, its only living relative. Korean is thus often considered a language isolate, as it has no widely accepted close relatives outside of this family. Korean is not related to Chinese, despite heavy historical influence on its vocabulary, nor is it connected to Japanese, which it shares some structural similarities with but lacks a direct linguistic link.
Korean is written using Hangul, a unique phonetic alphabet created in the 15th century, which consists of 14 consonants and 10 vowels arranged into syllabic blocks - which you can learn to read in an hour! Its grammar is agglutinative (meaning words/parts of words get stacked together into long words - like German!) and subject-object-verb (SOV) in order, with extensive use of particles to indicate the roles of nouns in a sentence. Another key feature of Korean is its system of honorifics, which adjusts verb endings and vocabulary based on the speaker’s relationship to the listener, reflecting the importance of respect and social hierarchy in Korean communication, like Japanese.
According to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), Korean is classified as a Category IV language, meaning it is one of the more challenging languages for native English speakers to learn. The FSI estimates it takes approximately 2,200 class hours to achieve professional proficiency in Korean, due to its complex grammar, unique writing system, and significant cultural differences. This time frame is longer compared to other languages like Spanish or French, which require around 600-750 hours. However, the actual time varies depending on the learner’s dedication and study methods.
How Good Are They At Foreign Languages?
Koreans study English from a young age, but overall fluency levels can be inconsistent - especially outside urban areas.
Traditionally, Koreans study English as the primary foreign language, starting from elementary school and continuing through university. Japanese and Chinese are also popular, often chosen as elective subjects in middle and high school due to their regional importance and shared cultural heritage. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in other languages like German, French, and Spanish, especially among students pursuing careers in diplomacy, international business, or academia.
Proficiency in foreign languages among South Koreans varies widely, but English is the most commonly studied second language due to its importance in education, business, and international communication. While many South Koreans have a basic understanding of English, overall fluency levels can be inconsistent, with younger generations and those in urban areas generally having stronger skills. Other foreign languages, like Chinese and Japanese, are also taught, but proficiency tends to be lower. Despite extensive language education, the focus on grammar and test-taking in schools often results in limited practical speaking and listening abilities.
Do I Need Korean?
Many expats won’t need much knowledge of Korean beyond phrases and non-verbal communication to navigate daily interactions more smoothly, but Korean is required for those expats considering longer stays.
In larger cities like Seoul, many people speak some English, and international communities and resources are available. However, some employers and businesses may require basic Korean skills, depending on the job role and industry; and outside major urban areas or for tasks like visiting local markets, handling bureaucracy, or navigating healthcare, knowledge of Korean is invaluable. Even basic phrases can help build rapport, ease communication, and provide a deeper connection to the culture.
Knowledge of Korean is also necessary for certain visa types, particularly for long-term residency or permanent residency visas. Both the F-2-7 Long-Term Residency Visa and the F-5 Permanent Residency Visa require expats to demonstrate a certain level of Korean proficiency, typically through the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK). Language proficiency is also a factor in the points-based immigration system, which rewards higher TOPIK scores, making it an important consideration for expats aiming to stay long-term.
Learning Korean is also required for citizenship via naturalization in South Korea, where applicants must demonstrate language proficiency through a TOPIK Level 4 or the Social Integration Program and pass a Korean-language interview and written test.
Your First Korean Words
Whether you’re moving to Korea permanently or only visiting for a short few weeks, there are some useful phrases that will help you navigate daily life and connect with locals more effectively.
Getting creative with the following list of words should help you to face the vast majority of simple, every-day situations!
Hello: 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)
Goodbye: 안녕히 계세요 (Annyeonghi gyeseyo)
Please: 제발 (Jebal) [For requests]
Thank you: 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)
Yes: 네 (Ne)
No: 아니요 (Aniyo)
I want/I would like: 저는 원해요 (Jeoneun wonhaeyo) [Formal] / 나 원해 (Na wonhae) [Casual]
That (one): 저거 (Jeogeu) [If far away] / 그거 (Geugeo) [If close to the listener]
Stringing these words together should allow you to say simple sentences and successfully - with pointing! - manage things like ordering food off a menu or buying something in a market.
Where Can I Learn Korean?
The study of Korean has grown significantly in popularity worldwide, driven by the global influence of Korean pop culture, including K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean films. The language is now taught in universities, language schools, and cultural centers across many countries, and the number of people taking the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) has steadily increased each year.
Before arriving, expats can choose from a wide range of online resources like language learning platforms, virtual tutors, and online courses offered by organizations such as the King Sejong Institute. Many cities around the world also have local community centers, universities, or Japanese cultural associations that offer in-person classes. It is worth checking those that are close to you.
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Duolingo offers a Korean course for free, and is widely and popularly available. However, many learners may find that this is most effective as part of a wider, more varied language-learning routine and not as their only source.
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This paid audio-only language-learning system is based on scientific studies into how we memorise things. Pimsleur prioritises practical phrases, and claims to get you speaking within 30 days!
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Combining a conversation-focused curriculum, speech recognition, and bite-sized lessons, Mondly offers to help you study a little bit every day for free.
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If you're looking for something produced by a more traditional organisation, the King Sejong Institute offers a wide selection of both self-study and taught courses for learners to choose from.
Expats in South Korea have a wide range of options for language courses, from university-affiliated programs to private language schools and community centers. Top universities offer intensive Korean language programs, while private language schools are also very common options. Many local community centers and the government-sponsored KIIP (Korea Immigration and Integration Program) offer affordable or even free courses, making it easier for expats to find a program that suits their needs and learning pace.
Learners pick different courses that suit their needs - whether it’s a semester-long university course, evening classes, or a 2-/4-week long intensive course.
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Sogang University's Korean Language Education Center in Seoul offers a wide range of courses, including options for online, evening, and summer courses. With that flexibility, expats should be able to find a course that suits them.
The center offers various course levels, from beginner to advanced, with options for intensive study or part-time classes, catering to a range of schedules and learning goals. This program is particularly recommended for those seeking a dynamic, immersive learning experience in a supportive environment.
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Seoul National University's Korean Language Education Institute (KLEI) is a prestigious language center ideal for expats looking for a comprehensive and structured approach to learning Korean. The institute offers intensive courses across multiple proficiency levels, focusing on grammar, speaking, listening, and reading skills, as well as evening courses.
Known for its high academic standards and experienced instructors, KLEI provides a solid foundation for serious learners aiming for fluency or preparing for the TOPIK exam. Its campus location also gives students a chance to experience university life at one of Korea’s top institutions while connecting with a diverse community of international learners.
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Easy Korean Academy is a popular choice for expats looking to learn Korean, offering a variety of courses tailored to different proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced. Located in central Seoul, the academy is known for its flexible scheduling, small class sizes, and focus on practical conversation skills, making it ideal for expats who want to build confidence in daily communication.
The academy also provides private tutoring options, placement tests, and cultural classes, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience for students.
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Green Korean Language School, located in Seoul, is a popular choice for expats looking for a flexible and immersive learning experience. The school offers small class sizes, ranging from beginner to advanced levels, ensuring personalized attention and effective communication practice.
With both part-time and intensive course options, Green Korean is suitable for students balancing work or other commitments. The school’s central location, near Hongdae, and its focus on practical language use make it a convenient and engaging option for those wanting to improve their Korean skills in a supportive environment.
