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With K-pop gaining more international listeners and with more viewers binging on K-dramas, Korean language resources are becoming more in demand by the day. After all, itâs perfectly normal to wish that you could watch a Korean TV show without subtitles.
Whatever your reasons are for wanting to master the Korean language and Hangeul, the Korean writing system, there are plenty of ways for you to learn Korean. One of the most effective ways is to enroll in Korean courses online.
Editorâs note: To reach fluency faster, combine these courses with the famous audio course Pimsleur and flashcard app Mondly. And perhaps hire an affordable online tutor on italki? All these and more in this epic list of 40+ Korean learning resources, including FREE ones.
Why learn Korean with online courses?
There are many online and offline tools that you can use to start learning Korean, from apps to books to podcasts. So why choose an online course?
First, online Korean classes typically cover a variety of lessons on Hangeul, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and even Korean culture. All of these are vital in mastering the Korean language and learning how to use it in everyday living or at least prepare you for your next trip to Korea.
Depending on the platform you use, you can learn all of these in one course, or choose specialized courses that deal with just one skill. Ultimately, you decide what you want to tackle.
Secondly, Korean lessons online are great for conjuring up motivation and discipline. A Korean language online course will have a schedule (which can be strict or not, depending on the site) that will require you to âshow upâ regularly.
Soon, studying Korean will become a part of your habit. And when you gain momentum, learning long-term will be easier.
Lastly, signing up for Korean courses online gives you access to a more structured way of learning the Korean language. Similar to Korean textbooks, online Korean classes usually follow a curriculum or course path that allows you to progress naturally in your Korean learning journey.
Convinced that you need to study Korean lessons online? Now itâs time to look at your options. Hereâs our list of the 18 best Korean courses online. Read on and find which one best fits your learning goals.
Best Korean courses online for beginners
1. Coursera
Looking for structured, university-quality Korean courses online? Yonsei University and Sungkyunkwan University, two of the oldest private universities in South Korea, offer Korean classes through Coursera.
Yonsei University offers elementary-level courses covering skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. You will also learn Hangeul and lots of essential expressions for daily use.
Sungkyunkwan University’s courses, on the other hand, cater to not just beginners but also intermediate and advanced learners. It even has a course on Korean philosophy and culture.
These courses are best for:
- Formal and structured Korean lessons online
- Learning Korean online at your own pace
- Learning basic but essential Korean phrases and expressions, what they mean, how they are pronounced, and the formal and informal way of saying each expression
Pricing: Most courses are free without certificate and cost $49 USD with certificates. Check courses here.
2. Learn Korean for Beginners: The Ultimate 100-Lesson Course (Udemy)
There are a number of bestselling and highly recommended Korean language learning courses on the online learning platform Udemy. One of the most popular Korean courses online is Innovative Languageâs course at Udemy.
Learn Korean for Beginners: The Ultimate 100-Lesson Course includes 100 high-quality beginner video lessons that teach how to read and write in Hangeul, how to speak and sound like a native Korean, and how to use basic Korean words and phrases in daily conversations.
The course consists of 5.5 hours of video content, over 100 downloadable resources, full lifetime access, and a certificate of completion.
This course is best for:
- Absolute beginners. No prior knowledge required.
- Understanding and picking up on basic Korean conversations
- Learners looking for a structured, fast, and easy way of learning Korean
Pricing: $29.99 USD but the course occasionally goes on sale. Check out promos here!
3. Talk to Me in Korean
Check out Talk To Me In Korean
With a plethora of books, e-books, online courses, video, and audio content, Talk to Me in Korean is one of the best websites to study Korean online. For beginner-friendly lessons, the 10-level Essential Korean course is an excellent place to start. Itâs free, too!
Each lesson teaches key Korean words and phrases, with extensive explanations and plenty of sample conversations, downloadable PDF files, and audio recordings of the discussion.
This course is best for:
- Korean newbies who want to learn essential Korean words and phrases
- Learners who prefer grammar listening lessons over writing lessons
- Self-paced study
Pricing: The Essential Korean series is free. Other lessons can be accessed with a premium membership which costs $12.99 USD per month or $93 USD per year.
4. KoreanClass101
Like TTMIK, KoreanClass101 has an abundance of video and audio lessons for you to learn Korean online. These can be accessed through its website, YouTube channel, or the Innovative Language app.
A variety of vocabulary and grammar lessons, as well as extensive discussions and samples on Korean culture, add context to the language lessons. There are Hangeul lessons but KoreanClass101 stands out with its Korean listening comprehension lessons.
This course is best for:
- Absolute beginners who want to learn useful, conversational Korean
- Audio lessons which help improve grammar and build vocabulary
- Learning on-the-go
Pricing: The first three lessons are free, as well as the new lessons released every week. Basic to Premium+ plans range from $8 a month to $549 for 2 years.
5. 90 Day Korean
The value of signing up for Korean courses online lies in not just the convenience but also in the structure it provides. Having a well-structured, organized pathway helps you manage your schedule and expectations, while also motivating you to continue learning.
90 Day Korean succeeds in doing this through handpicked Korean lessons, focusing on the essentials, all explained through psychology and stories to increase recall. Lessons are also customizable depending on your personal goals, so you only have to study what you need and skip whatâs not aligned with your goals.
The full course is designed as a 12-month program, which includes four 90-day modules. However, since lessons are self-paced, students can take longer or shorter to complete the course.
This course is best for:
- Guided but self-paced study
- Beginners who prefer structured lessons and modules
- Fun and easy-to-learn Korean lessons online that stick
Pricing: $35/month for full access to all the courses and training. $47/month includes personal coaching and homework grading.
6. Conversational Korean
Check out Conversational Korean
If you think YouTube is just for browsing cute cat videos or air fryer recipes, think again. The video platform is also a great source of Korean courses online.
Conversational Korean is a YouTube channel dedicated to beginner-friendly, bite-sized video lessons that help you learn conversational Korean phrases and basic Korean vocabulary. Pronunciation guides, listening tests, and quizzes are also available to test you on what youâve learned.
Although not interactive for the most part, these video resources are a good place to start for beginners.
This course is best for:
- Easygoing lessons that help build and increase Korean vocabulary
- Learning conversational Korean phrases without subscribing to a rigid program
- Learning anytime, anywhere as the lessons are all on YouTube
Pricing: Free
7. Cudoo
Although Cudoo has Korean courses for three levels and a special Business Korean course, the curriculum is best suited for beginners with no background in the language.
That said, Cudoo offers a strong start, especially for those who plan to travel to South Korea, as the courses teach common phrases like self-introduction, telling time, and asking for directions and recommendations. Lessons come with native speaker audio.
The Business course, on the other hand, includes lessons on business terms, banking and accounting, and phrases for business travel.
What’s missing in Cudoo is in-depth lessons on Hangeul and writing practice. But if you can already read and write Hangeul, this should be a good next step.
This course is best for:
- Beginners with no knowledge of Korean words and phrases
- Building practical vocabulary and learning about Korean culture
- Refresher for intermediate learners
Pricing: Lifetime access at $12.99/course, with a certificate of completion per course. The Bundle course costs $24.99. Enroll now.
Best Korean courses online for learning Hangeul
8. Rocket Languages
Learn Korean on Rocket Languages
Looking for a convenient and handy way to study Korean online? Rocket Languages has 27 writing lessons that teach you how to read and write using Hangeul. Although not as exhaustive as the lessons found in Korean textbooks, it can help build a strong writing and reading foundation.
Rocket Languages features 32 interactive audio lessons, 2,074 phrases with voice recognition, and plenty of language and culture lessons that look at Korean grammar and finer cultural points. Lessons on politeness and honorific titles are also included.
There are also lots of free lessons (although not as comprehensive) and learning tips on the Rocket Language website.
Check out how Rocket Languages helped me learn Korean.
This course is best for:
- Auditory learners who love learning through listening and speaking
- Beginners who have no grasp on Hangeul yet
- Building practical vocabulary and learning more about Korean culture
Pricing: Lifetime access to all materials is available for $149.95 or $27 per month for six months. Find discounts here.
9. Seemile
Seemile churns out Korean courses online through its YouTube channel and mobile app. Catering to beginner to advanced levels, you can find lessons on the Korean alphabet, reading and writing, pronunciation, and carrying out conversations like a local. There are even advanced lessons for those who plan on taking TOPIK (Korean proficiency test).
The animated content makes the lessons more fun and easier to digest and its exhaustive collection of learning materials means you wonât run out of things to learn. What stands out is its Hangeul lessons with comprehensive explanations of vowels and consonants.
This course is best for:
- Learning Hangeul in an easy and engaging way
- Learning through memory association technique
- Absolute beginners who want to learn through mobile channels
Pricing: Free
10. Quick Korean by The Cyber University of Korea
Fancy free online Korean classes from Koreaâs first online university? The Cyber University of Korea (CUK) Future Education Center offers Quick Korean, a free and high-quality Korean language online course.
The course is created by language experts, easily accessible through multiple channels (the CUK website, YouTube channel, Naver TV, Youku, and The Korea Times), and supports multiple languages. Designed to teach the Korean language through four difficulty levels, the program covers Hangeul, fundamentals of social interaction, and simple but essential conversations. The advanced level even promises fluency.
This course is best for:
- Structured, classroom-style, high-quality Korean lessons for beginners
- Newbies with no background in Hangeul
- Learners looking for free courses that cater to all levels of difficulty
Pricing: Free
Best Korean courses online to improve listening and speaking skills
11. Preply
If youâre serious about boosting your listening and speaking skills, Preply is a solid choice for Korean courses online because it connects you directly with a real person.
With over 1,500 Korean tutors ready to go, you can find a teacher who will tailor every lesson to your exact goals, making progress feel totally personal from day one. You can dive into conversational skills, master grammar concepts, expand your vocabulary, or even focus on things like Business Korean and TOPIK prep.
Since you choose how many lessons to take, itâs all about building lasting confidence, one customized conversation at a time, and you can even try a new tutor for free if your first match isn’t perfect.
This course is best for:
- One-on-one speaking practice with a real native-speaking tutor
- Lessons customized to your specific goals and pace
- Fits your schedule and budget
Pricing: Varies. Teachers set the rates. Discounted lessons are available.
Also read: 8 Best Websites to Find Korean Tutors Online
12. italki
Most language learners will tell you that they see themselves as âfluentâ in any language when they can confidently hold a decent conversation with native speakers. This is where Italkiâs strength lies.
The structure of your online Korean courses on Italki largely depends on your tutor and your agreed pathway. Whether you want to start with the basics of Hangeul, or you dive straight into conversational vocabulary, an Italki tutor will help you improve your conversational skills and get you speaking almost right away. If you need coaching on spelling and grammar, this is something you can request from your tutor.
Read our review of Italki.
This course is best for:
- Newbies, as long as you set learning goals with your tutor
- Strengthening oneâs conversational speaking and listening skills
- Advanced learners who want to speak more confidently
Pricing: Varies. Teachers set the rates. Find a Korean tutor now.
Also read: 10 Best Websites to Find Korean Tutors Online
13. Pimsleur
Few Korean courses online employ methods as scientific as Pimsleur does. This classic language program focuses on building vocabulary and conversational skills through gradual repetition.
The Korean course consists of core 30-minute audio lessons that introduce words, phrases, and expressions used in real-world scenarios. You can also access bonus learning content such as reading lessons, digital flashcards, and speed-round games for interactive exercises.
With Pimsleur, you get more quality than quantity as the amount you learn at a time is limited to give your brain a chance to internalize each new item before moving on.
Hereâs an offer for you: Try Pimsleur Korean absolutely FREE today!
This course is best for:
- Strengthening Korean listening and speaking skills
- Expanding oneâs vocabulary with long-term retention
- Learning while on the move
Pricing: Pimsleur subscription is $14.95/month for Audio-Only; $19.95/month for Premium (with Bonus Materials), or $20.95/month for All Access. Start your full access, 7-day free trial.
14. FluentU
Immersion is best when learning a new skill but if speaking to Koreans is not possible for you at the moment, the next best thing would be to surround yourself with Korean content. Employing this principle, FluentU provides one of the best Korean courses online through real-world videos.
FluentU collects the web’s best Korean video content and puts it in one place. Fun, timely, and diverse videos aid you in learning Korean, with painstakingly translated and transcribed subtitles for you to study. Itâs not as organized as other platforms but you can structure your learning by the level of difficulty.
FluentUâs blog also has plenty of additional materials and tips on how to learn Korean.
This course is best for:
- Learning through rich, engaging video and audio content
- Learners who already have a strong foundation in Hangeul
- Expanding vocabulary and improving oneâs listening and speaking skills
Pricing: Free for 14 days. Choose between monthly ($30) or annual billing ($240) after the 14-day trial.
15. Skillshare
Designed for busy individuals with limited time (or limited attention span, let’s be honest), Skillshare features easy-to-digest video lessons ranging from two to 15 minutes long.
Whether you need help with learning Hangeul, boosting your vocabulary, honing your pronunciation and speaking skills, or mastering Korean grammar, you can easily find a Skillshare course that suits your needs.
This course is best for:
- Short courses that you can watch anytime, anywhere
- Getting the basics down
- Casual learners who prefer self-learning
Pricing: Skillshare Premium membership varies per region. Skillshare for Teams costs $159 per user annually. Enjoy up to 30% discount on membership by signing up here.
16. Loecsen
Loecsen teaches basic conversational words and phrases for many languages, including Korean. It uses speaking drills with voice recognition technology, allowing you to learn how to pronounce the words and speak them right away. The voice recognition tech will then assess if your pronunciation is correct.
Although this course is not as structured and extensive as the others on this list, Loecsen is definitely one of the best Korean courses online for those who just want to get speaking Korean right away.
This course is best for:
- Learners who want speaking practice
- Building Korean vocabulary
- Casual learners who want to learn at their own pace
Pricing: Free
Free Korean courses online
17. Korean From Zero!
Korean From Zero! is one of the grammar books covered in our list of best books to learn Korean. Itâs a multimedia resource for students who want to learn Korean online.
A self-guided but comprehensive collection of text lessons with audio clips, Korean From Zero! allows one to access all course materials for free and at your own pace. With plenty of example sentences and audio clips, itâs one of the best websites to learn Korean.
This course is best for:
- Patient learners who thrive in self-studying
- Beginners looking to build strong foundations on the Korean language
- Advanced learners who want to brush up on their vocabulary and grammar
Pricing: Free
18. Introduction to Korean 1 and 2 by Hanyang University (Through FutureLearn)
Aside from Yonsei University and Sungkyunkwan University, Hanyang University also offers Korean courses online.
Introduction to Korean gives an introduction to the Korean language and culture, enabling you to have real Korean conversations. Introduction to Korean 2, meanwhile, provides a deeper understanding of the language and culture. It delves deeper into Korean phrases, greetings, vocabulary, numbers, spelling, and grammar.
Composed not only of the explanation and presentation of culture but also the activities related to the Korean language, this is one of the best free online Korean classes out there.
These courses are best for:
- Learning basic words, phrases, and expressions used in real-life situations
- Learning and applying your understanding of Korean culture
Pricing: Free access for 8 weeks
19. How to Study Korean
Check out howtostudykorean.com
If youâre looking for comprehensive and free Korean courses online, itâs hard to find something more thorough than the lessons at howtostudykorean.com. The site is a treasure trove of the most detailed, accurate, and clear explanations of Hangeul, Korean vocabulary, and even advanced grammar.
The course consists of eight units, each with 25 lessons, 3 quizzes, a unit test, lots of vocabulary samples, and plenty of audio recordings. Supplemental materials like workbooks, Hanja lessons, short stories, and listening practice are also available. You canât really be more comprehensive than this.
The only downside is, it does take lots of determination and patience to not be overwhelmed with information.
This course is best for:
- Absolute beginners who want a strong foundation in Hangeul, vocabulary, and grammar
- Learners with a background in Korean but are looking for more detailed lessons on grammar
- Patient self-learners who donât mind diving deep into the intricacies of the Korean language
Pricing: Free
Tips for learning Korean through online courses
How do you choose the best track among this list of Korean courses online? And how do you make the most out of your options? Here are some handy tips:
Identify your motivation before choosing a course
You are learning a new language for a reason. Knowing that reason is vital in setting your learning path and choosing which course to take.
Are you studying to read and write better? Pick courses with extensive Hangeul lessons. Do you want to improve your conversational skills? Audio lessons and online tutors would be better.
Set your goals
After determining your reasons, set clearly defined goals. Whether itâs learning 100 new words in a month or learning to introduce yourself by the end of the week, setting goals will help you measure your progress.
Practice
Learning to speak Korean may be harder for introverts especially if you have no Korean friends or language buddies. But even speaking in the privacy of your room is better than nothing. If writing proficiency is your goal, practice writing daily.
Also read: 15 Best Korean Workbooks for Language Learners
Use supplemental resources
Whether you go for books or mobile apps, this comprehensive list of resources will help you retain what you learned from your course of choice.
Adding resources such as Korean vocabulary apps, podcasts, and Korean books into the mix will give a well-rounded learning experience too.
Surround yourself with Korean content
You will learn faster if youâre immersed in the language. Even when youâre doing something else, you can play Korean music or stream a Korean show in the background. Simply hearing Korean words and phrases will train your ears and expose you to new vocabulary and intonations.
For an active way of immersion, consider using apps like Lingopie and FluentU to watch Korean shows and music videos. Each content comes with clickable subtitles and the option to save flashcards.
Just go for it
Learning a new language may sound intimidating but a good start is half the battle. Just start, and soon youâll find yourself learning something new and having fun.
Learning Korean will surely enrich your life in more ways than one. So go ahead and pick any of these Korean courses online. íě´í !
Also Read: Learn Korean: 40+ Best Apps, Books, Podcasts & Free Resources
My name is Godfrey Gerais Kaimbe
I would prefer to take the first on the list above.
1. First Step Korean and Learn to Speak Korean 1 by Yonsei University (Through Coursera)
So i want to know how i can send the fee for the course? because i want the certificate too. Thanks.