Lexis Korea - Korean Language Program Review

Lexis Korea (www.lexiskorea.com)

One of the only Korean language providers located in the heart of Gangnam and one of the few programs hosted outside of a university as a result Lexis Korea has a lot more flexibility when it comes to schedule, price and course options

What foreigners say: Those who have attended this academy have all given good testimonials. It provides more flexibility, you can join and leave courses when you want and you can pay weekly. The running times favour more the professional worker / english teacher as does the location in the heart of Gangnam.

Cost: One of the only locations where you can pay weekly and also do not need to commit to any long term study.

Intensive Korean Course (Full-time)  KRW 295,000 per week
Intensive Korean Course (Part-time) KRW 200,000 per week
Evening Korean Course (Beginner)  (M/W/F) KRW 150,000 per week
Evening Korean Course (Advanced) (T/T) KRW 100,000 / per week


The evening course at 150,000 per week is the best value and perfect for any Korean language student working in Gangnam or in the area who does not have the time to attend a full time university Korean program.

Living: Located in the heart of Gangnam, the well known entertainment district means that living near lexis Korea does come at a premium. Student living in the direct area is hard to come by and also very costly. Studio apartments near gangnam station will demand usually a 10,000,000 KRW Key Money and around 700,000 KRW monthly rent (or more). Gangnam has a plethora of restaurants, bars and nightclubs and is jam packed everyday of the week with a mix of office workers, students (attending English academies) and tourists. There is also plenty of local and nearby shopping with CoEx mall only a short trip away. The famous food street Garosugil is also nearby as are many other attractions located in the most expensive district in Seoul.

If Gangnam is too pricey to live in then there are plenty of housing options further along line 2 subway such as Bongchon and SNU station, a short 15 - 20minute subway ride and at a much more affordable price check another review to find out more about the area.

Lexis Korea also provides a housing service to help students find housing to fit there budget. They can provide relatively cheap housing in nearby study apartments which although small will be the most economical way to live near the campus.

Student Body: Very diverse, the flexibility in times, fees and location has given the school a very diverse student body and a larger proportion of European / American learners. There is also a strong presence of office workers and english teachers which will provide good networking opportunities and information to nearby jobs.

Atmosphere: Lexis is housed in a commercial building and run like an english academy so it does not have the university feel. No real campus and no real identity, however many students are not there for long and are very keen to go around and explore Seoul, combine this with the office workers and it's a weird mix of business / fun.

Culture / Job Opportunities: Lexis arguably provide the best out of school excursions and cultural experience. Using there knowledge of the English market they have wisely combined classes to include travel excursions all around Korea. They also provide cooking classes, classes based on drama and a wide range of different opportunities. The school has a large professional / English teacher population and this should provide opportunities to find work - if not lexis runs it's own study and work program for prospective intern students looking to get work experience during their short stay in Korea,

The Sawons Rating:

       

4 / 5 Sojus

It is good to see that Korean language is becoming more accessible outside of the university monopoly. Schools like Lexis have positioned themselves to provide the whole experience - developing travel programs, interesting classes, extra curricular activities and good support services including housing and work-study programs. For the long term learner it might not be the best choice but for a professional working in Korea, and english teacher or a summer student with a limited time budget then it's hard to go past Lexis Korea - the flexibility comes at a slight cost but it is providing such a range of options that other university courses just don't supply.

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Korea University Korean Language Program Review

Korea University (http://klcc.korea.ac.kr/about/about01_eng.html)

Korea University is one of the top 3 universities in Korea; Part of the SKY universities. It is the Red half of the famous Yonsei Korea Games and is based in North Seoul

What foreigners say: Korea University due to it's location has it's own very strong community. Korea university has many exchange programs for regular courses so there is a good international vibe (estimated at 2000 students) on campus and a slight air of superiority.

Cost: Regular program during the mornings is 1,580,000 KRW/Term (200 hour course) roughly 100,000KRW cheaper than Yonsei / Sogang
Afternoon class times are available for 1,220,000KRW which is the cheapest of the big three schools (SKY)

Living: (Requires Student Review Input)

The university is located in the area of Anam Dong which is the base of the CJ international house; because of the large amount of exchange programs and international proffessors at Korea University they have a purpose built dormitory to help house these students.

There are one rooms and goshiwons available in anam-dong but no where near the amount of options available to students in the Sinchon area. In terms of nightlife the closest hot spot area is Jonggak to the south or Konkuk University Station towards the east.

One rooms around Korea University Station are on the expensive side (10,000,000 KRW  Key money and 600,000 KRW rent - http://seoul.craigslist.co.kr/apa/4762236995.html) around the station is the usual amount of bars and restaurants catering to the student population which will be exclusively used by the university students in the area.

Student Body: As mentioned above outside of the Korean language program there are a lot of exchange students who will also take Korean lessons at times. This makes for a much more international student body than other schools. You should expect a good international feel at the campus and there should be more opportunities to network outside of the Korean language program.

Atmosphere: The prestigious nature of the university means there is a strong academic atmosphere at the university. The Korean language program is not well known but as I have stated because of the large amounts of exchange students and proffessors the campus is more international. The area is large and grand and there is great facilities for sport and other clubs. There is an air of exclusivity to the campus and many of the international students readily adopt the university - in general the passion of Korea university students during the Korea vs Yonsei games is much more intense. This is probably due to the fact that Yonsei pumps through a huge amount of language students who do not recognise themselves as 'Yonsei" students while at Korea university international students are very much adopted into the university culture.

Culture / Job Opportunities: Still can't compare to the opportunities that exist at Yonsei; the language program is not well known and is not often targeted by the TV shows and other companies that have opportunities for foreign students. The jobs board is pretty sparse in comparison. That said there is a lot of networking opportunities with students who are on exchange and also with foreign professors who are also on exchange.

The Sawons Rating:

3 / 5 Sojus

I have given Korea University 3 sojus. I think if you are sent here via a university exchange then you are in for a great time and will enjoy the campus and community. However if you are going just for Korean language then I think there are better options. What puts me off about Korea University is the lack of value in housing around the area and the inconvenience to connect up with the other major party areas/subway/attractions. I think overall for a Korean language student then Yonsei or SNU would be the better option.

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Seoul National University (SNU) Korean Language Program Review

Seoul National University (http://lei.snu.ac.kr/site/en/klec/main/main.jsp)

Arguably the most prestigious school in Korea and set against the backdrop of gwanak-san the Korean language program at Seoul National University is in comparison much smaller than at Yonsei or Sogang but does provide a much different experience

What foreigners say: Really isn’t much said about this program. Those who have attended it would say that it’s more for the long term learner. This assumption is based on the fact that many in the course are there as a requirement to enter into a university course and or masters course at the university; So you are more likely to find people who are looking to build careers in Korea rather than just have a gap year soju bender.

Cost: Regular program during the mornings is 1,580,000 KRW/Term (200 hour course) roughly 100,000KRW cheaper than Yonsei / Sogang but the unpopular afternoon class times are available for 1,420,000KRW which seems like a bargain.

Living: From my very biased opinion the living area is the real selling point for SNU. Surrounded by Gwanak Mountain there are multiple areas with easy access to the university which also provide competitively priced officetels and quick access to local nightspots either at Sillim, or further down the train line with Gangnam and hongdae both 20 minute trips either way.

The main area for students is in Sillim-2dong, a little valley “town” of Gwanak Mountain which is colloquially known by most as “Goshichon” (고시촌) or “Nokdugori” (녹두거리). The first nickname is derived from the fact that the area is home to many well-known law hagwons (Academies) and study rooms (독서실) which are filled with aspiring lawyers who are preparing for the Korean equivalent to the BAR exam. There are the 3 famous tests in Korea, the Law exam, the government servant exam and the foreign diplomat exam; all with ridiculously tough entrance requirements and even harder competition rates. Students preparing for these tests are known to go own self-imposed sabbaticals in which they live in Goshichon for 2-3years to focus on their studies. Add in the SNU students and also students for nearby Soongshil and Chungang and basically it’s a little town for nerds with track suit pants combined with sandals the fashion of choice. Despite the large population of students there is not much of a party scene because most are so concerned with their studies but there are plenty of bars for stressed students to unwind and more than enough places to eat on the cheap! Local coffee shops charge around 1,000 – 2,000 KRW and there are a selection of “Student” restaurants which will be a slightly cheaper version of Kimbab Cheonguk. Living in the area you are only a 5 minute bus trip away from Sillim Station which is a poor man’s substitute for Hongdae/Gangnam but none the less serves just fine as an alternative area to go out for drinks with friends. Beyond that you will be around 20-30 minute walk from the SNU campus and around the corner from the entrance to Gwanak Mountain, one of the easier and hence more popular mountain climbing trails in Seoul. Prices in this area vary but I have stayed here and friend have also stayed here for 2,000,000KRW Key money or less; paying around 200,000 – 400,000 KRW / Month rent. So it’s a good option for someone without key money and for those brave enough has tiny spaces (literally just a bed) available for practically nothing.

Beyond this area you also have the option of living in the areas surrounding Seoul National University Station (Bongcheondong; Nakseongdae) both are excellent options and provide a slight upgrade to living in Goshichon. I have previously lived in Bongcheon for 5,000,000 KRW / 450,000 KRW month rent in a nice one bedroom officetel. These areas provide something a little different to Goshichon and are a mix of apartment buildings and small officetels / jutaeks. In and around these areas are lots of little marts, dry cleaners and local pizza / chicken shops so they are great areas for anyone looking for a bit more of an authentic community feel in a less well known area. But just keep in mind that most of the students will be in Goshichon or nearby and so you will sometimes get annoyed at always having to take that 10 minute bus up and down the hill to get to the “Chon” (Goshichon)

There is also shared rooms available in the SNU dormitory but it’s location at the top of the campus hill makes it a bit of a nuisance for late night drinking down in Goshichon. Also there was a suicide there a few years back so that would put me off recommending staying there.

Student Body: Surprisingly a lot more mixed than at other universities. There is always a strong Chinese presence but as I have stated it also acts as a stream for non-Koreans to enter into SNU courses. Expect a good representation from Mongolia, a few Americans, Europeans and a token Aussie or Kiwi. Not as many Japanese/Russians as other places. It should also be noted that during my time there were almost no Korean Gyopo’s - a stark contrast to Yonsei.

Atmosphere: A lot more focused towards studying with a strong community feel. With the majority of students all living in Goshichon you get a good chance to create strong bonds over drinks. Definitely for the types that prefer the low-key style of fun – quiet barbecues, pool, darts etc. If I was to compare it to Yonsei/Sogang I would say that Yonsei is like going to a new party every night while SNU is like going to your mates to play video games. Because most students are set to be in Korea for 4-5 or more years it allows everyone to get to know each other without the feeling that each term will be a brand new party with brand new people.

Culture / Job Opportunities: Very limited. Don’t expect the same amount of opportunities as Yonsei to appear on TV shows or find English tutoring. That said there is still a few part time opportunities posted on the SNU notice boards. Teachers are not really well connected either for significant job opportunities. Most of the students are preparing to go into university so there is a lack of networking opportunities for the slightly older business professional. 

The Sawons Rating:

       

4 / 5 Sojus

I really wanted to give it 5, but the lack of networking and job opportunities meant I drunk the 5^th Soju. SNU strong points lie in its surroundings and for those that are sick of the heavily urbanised feel of Seoul living in a valley of Gwanak Mountain can provide a nice break. I certainly recommend this university for any students about to go into levels 3 or beyond and for those who considered themselves a more focused student. If you are after the party life then SNU is probably not for you; but if you like going out at midnight for a quick drink and a bite to eat with your mates in your pajamas then SNU is your best options.

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Chung-Ang University (CAU) Korean Language Program Review

Chung-Ang University (CAU) (http://caugsenglish.cau.ac.kr)

Perhaps not as popular as the Korean Language Courses on offer from the universities in Sinchon, Chung-Ang University’s Korean Language Course offers a structured and thorough learning program for a cheaper price, with good exposure to various Korean cultural activities throughout the semester.

Located in Heukseok, a neighbourhood of Dongjak, CAU is within 5 minutes walking distance from Heukseok Station on Line 9. Notable landmarks include Soongshil University to the south, and the Seoul National Cemetery to the east.

What foreigners say: The curriculum places more of an emphasis on grammar and writing than speaking, but there are so many opportunities to speak outside of class and the university also encourages student participation in various university groups or clubs (동아리).

Cost: 1,300,000 KRW per semester (textbooks not included). Classes are held in the mornings (9am to 1pm) for Levels 1-2, with afternoon classes (1pm to 5pm) for Levels 3 and above.

Living:

Living in Heukseok-dong close to CAU is a popular option for students, however the shortage of accommodation in the area surrounding the university means you would need to get in quick weeks before the semester begins. However, the surrounding areas such as Noryangjin, Sangdo and Nodeul are a good alternative and have a large amount of buses that service CAU. (There is even a free shuttle bus exclusively for CAU students that runs to and from Noryangjin Station to CAU campus via Sangdo every 10 minutes).

Bongcheon-dong and other areas surround Seoul National University Station (서울대역) also provides a convenient living alternative.(See SNU Review)

Heukseok is by no means party central and although there are many restaurants and cafes around the uni, there are only a few bars which means that you won’t have to put up with loud, thumping music or drunken partygoers when you’re trying to sleep. However the area is notorious for its traffic congestion (especially in the morning) and is often a common complaint among students and residents.

Property around Heukseok is mainly limited to villas or one-room accommodation with prices averaging around 500,000KRW/Month with 5,000,000 Key money.

Living on campus dormitories was until recently offered only to students attending the university itself, but this has now opened to included students who are only taking the Korean language program. Dormitory fees are about 2,600,000KRW per year, however during semester breaks you will be required to pay an additional fee.  

Student Body: 
The great thing about studying at Chung-Ang was the fact that I was practically the only western student not just in my class, but within the entire Korean language program. (There was one French student in my class). This meant I was a bit of a novelty on campus and provided me with many opportunities to network and create friends with the Korean students.

CAU Language Program primarily caters to Chinese students and I would say at least 90% of students in the language program were Chinese. The course textbooks have a Chinese translation and explanations, however the English version has to be obtained on request from the International Education office. In my class of about 20 students, there were 16 Chinese, 1 French, 1 Mongolian, 1 Japanese and 1 Australian (myself). 

Atmosphere: 
The campus is designed to fit in well with its natural surrounding and offers many places to sit under a tree with your friends after class (There is even a small man-made lake with a dragon water fountain) The atmosphere is what you’d expect for a university, if you’re looking for a party atmosphere you’d be better off going to Hongdae Uni or Yonsei. Staff are professional and very helpful and will go to extra lengths to help you assimilate into university life, even offering a buddy program that partners you up with a Korean student at the university, which is a great opportunity to make new friends and practice your speaking.

Culture / Job Opportunities:
In terms of networking, the university really pushes the동아리 clubs and societies and by joining up to a few of these you will no doubt make a large amount of Korean friends and networks. CAU is renowned for its drama, media and film faculties and there are always students looking for foreigners to act as an extra or model for their photo shoots.

My Verdict:

      4/5 Sojus

The language course itself is pretty standard compared to other universities, however the extra-curricular cultural activities are a great way to balance the content with culture. The lack of English speaking students means you will be put in the deep-end and made to speak Korean with other students, but if you want to learn the language it really is the best way to do it. This will also open up more opportunities to network and participate in activities that in other universities you may not have the chance to do.

As I said before if you’re looking for a university with a big party scene you’d be better off looking in Sinchon. However, if your goal is to focus on learning Korean, Chung-Ang University is a great choice. The fact that is some 300,000 KRW cheaper and provides a more unique experience I have bumped it up from 3 to 4 sojus.

Sogang University Korean Language Program Review

Sogang University (https://klec.sogang.ac.kr)

Sogang is also a very well reputed Korean language course located in the Sinchon area, literally a 15 minute walk from the Yonsei front gates.

What foreigners say: Known and recommended by all as the university with the best program for those who want to learn how to "speak" the language. Courses slightly more emphasized towards speaking and practicing during classes. It has become a favourite for American soldiers who are required to take classes. But as I've stated previously you shouldn't be relying on a language program for your Korean language practice!

Cost: Quoted as 1,620,000 KRW/Term for the regular classes in the morning for 2014 (200 hour course over 10weeks)

Living:: See the explanation for Yonsei. They are both located in the Sinchon / Hongdae area.

located in the Sinchon / Hongdae area in Eastern Seoul. famous for it's lively night life and array of interesting coffee shops, bars, restaurants and shopping. The epicenter of youth life in the city and a great place for those who want to party as much as they study and expose themselves to the infamous night life of Korea. That said while it may be fun to visit these areas occasionally, living in them isn't for everybody. That means walking home and passing bar after bar and the occasional drunk. Also means there will be occasional couples fighting or general drunk loudness nearby your officetel / hasukjip or dormitory. It also means that you will be sharing your experience with a large proportion of other foreign students (something I know some people would rather avoid). Living in this area is also on the more expensive side especially for a one room studio. Expect to get a lot less for more with average one room prices around 500,000KRW/Month with a 5,000,000KRW Key Money or More. Hauskjips and Dormitories will cost less but provide fairly small rooms with communal services (Not great if you plan on entertaining!!)

Student Body: Is known to have more Americans and Europeans because of it's emphasis on speaking however current students studying at Sogang have said 70 - 80 % of students are Japanese / Chinese.

Atmosphere: Similar vibe and atmosphere to Yonsei in the general area / suburb but as it is not as large as the Yonsei program it loses a bit of that excitement. Smaller class sizes and smaller student body make it a more of a community - you are bound to recognize everyone after 6 months.

Culture / Job Opportunities: Not as well informed when it comes to job opportunities or cultural activities but it is good for networking with other students because of the smaller community approach.

My Verdict:

      4/5 Sojus

I am skeptical of the benefits of a program that is known for its emphasis on speaking. I feel as all programs are more or the less the same and considering this is in the same region as Yonsei you may as well pay a few more bucks to be exposed to a greater amount of students and networks. That said, If you do feel that speaking will be a weak point for yourself and you might not have the confidence to go out and make friends then this program would be the better choice. If you are an older professional that needs basic Korean skills in a short time then Sogang is a good option to avoid the "part time" for fun learner crowd.

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Yonsei University Korean Language Institute Review

Yonsei Korean Language Institute (https://www.yskli.com/)

The largest program in Korea with a massive foreign student body the Korean language school at Yonsei is well known within Korea and abroad.

What foreigners say: Believed to be to heavily focused on grammar, catering more to prospective university students who are doing a language bridging course and where non-serious learners go for a term just to party.

Cost: Is at the most expensive end for language courses at 1,680,000 KRW/Term (200 hour course)

Living: located in the Sinchon / Hongdae area in Eastern Seoul. famous for it's lively night life and array of interesting coffee shops, bars, restaurants and shopping. The epicenter of youth life in the city and a great place for those who want to party as much as they study and expose themselves to the infamous night life of Korea. That said while it may be fun to visit these areas occasionally, living in them isn't for everybody. That means walking home and passing bar after bar and the occasional drunk. Also means there will be occasional couples fighting or general drunk loudness nearby your officetel / hasukjip or dormitory. It also means that you will be sharing your experience with a large proportion of other foreign students (something I know some people would rather avoid). Living in this area is also on the more expensive side especially for a one room studio. Expect to get a lot less for more with average one room prices around 500,000KRW/Month with a 5,000,000KRW Key Money or More. Hauskjips and Dormitories will cost less but provide fairly small rooms with communal services (Not great if you plan on entertaining!!)

Student Body: A large foreign student body does not mean a diverse one. Classes will be dominated by Japanese and Chinese learners and then American students in the summer. Expect your class demographic to be 80% Japanese / Chinese.

Atmosphere: Great atmosphere particularly in the summer. A real party / college town feel. A lot of mingling outside and during classes. Large foreign student population means less staring and more English menus and signs. Yonsei is also one of the more prestigious universities in Korea and you can share in the honor (all be it by association!) this also means you will be able to attend the Yonsei v Korea university games!

Culture / Job Opportunities: As the largest Korean language program in Korea most companies and TV networks advertise positions and part time opportunities through Yonsei. TV networks and model agencies can be spotted on campus scouting for talent or conducting interviews from time to time.

The Sawons Rating:

       4 / 5 Sojus

 

An excellent option for a beginner to Korea who is on the younger side and wants to Party hard and study hard. Also a great option for someone with an interest in Japan or China  and wants to practice those languages while also learning Korean. However it is probably the most expensive for fees, accommodation and cost of living! If you're budget is tight then choose elsewhere.

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Why Young Australians (Or Anyone) should consider studying Korean

It will probably surprise most that my journey with Korean actually started out when I was on exchange in China. My university major was Chinese and even my second elective language was not Korean (It was Indonesian). Heck even in high school I took Japanese as an elective course in year 8-9. During that whole period I barely had any knowledge of Korean culture, I had never met a Korean person and the only time I had heard the Korean language was by chance when I watched [My Sassy Girl] late night on SBS Australia.

While on a year exchange program in China I found that many of my Chinese language learning peers were Korean. My particular exchange city (Dalian) was practically full of Koreans - to the extent that at my particular Chinese language school the student body was 70% Korean. Many of my daily interactions, new friends, drinking partners and travel buddies were Korean and from these friendships grew my interest in the Korean language. After the exchange ended I returned to Australia to finish the final 6 months of my degree. 6 months after that I decided to travel to Korea for a gap year to see the friends who I had bonded with so closely in China. The only issue was that I had already invested 4 years and a university degree into learning Chinese with the idea I would be working in some capacity between Australia and China and I needed solid reasons to essential jump across the yellow sea and justify a gap year in Korea rather than returning to China. I did my research at the time and now still 5 years on many of those same reasons that vindicated my decision to visit Korea are applicable to other Australian (and non Australian) students studying Asian languages. 

Here are my reasons for pursuing Korean (Over Japanese and Chinese) which when combined helped me to make my decision. 


The economic opportunities

I expect have already lost some of you on this first point because China and Japan are respectively the top two export markets and two way trading partners for Australia. 

But here are the facts for the Korean-Australian economic relationship.

1. Korea is Australia’s third largest global export market, ahead of India and the US.

1. South Korea is also Australia’s fourth largest two-way trading partner.(Behind China, Japan and the USA)

The above points were a major factor in my decision to study Korean. I obviously knew about the economic relationship of China and Japan which influenced my initial decision to study Chinese. What I didn't realize and was surprised to learn was of the economic significance of Korea to Australia. If we compare the GDP and population to Japan and China then it is even more significant that these two middle powers could have cultivated such a large economic relationship - and we will continue to do so in many years to come.

Korea will remain a significant market for Australian resources. From sending Iron Ore to Korean Steel Mills (POSCO) to maintain the Korean Shipbuilding Industry (Largest in the world), to the new opportunities in LNG (Korea are the second largest importer of LNG while Australia will become the largest producer come 2018), Australian agricultural produce can be found in a wide variety of Korean produced food products (Check the back of your Ramen packet for 호주산), Australian meat is on the menu of every barbecue restaurant in Seoul, while Wine and Beer exports will continue to grow.

There is also growing investments and joint ventures between the two nations providing exciting job opportunities for Australians. - Projects like Samsung C&T and their involvement in the Roy Hill project in WA. Samsung Heavy Industries building floating LNG facilities for Australian gas projects; Korean Gas Corp and their involvement in two Australian multi-billion dollar LNG projects. POSCO's branch for engineering and construction are also involved in some projects and on the lookout for even more prospective mining JV's. Then there is the lesser known CJ (Entertainment and Food) which is also involved in direct investment in the Australian Agricultural industry to secure produce for it's wide range of perishable products.

Then of course there are the Korean consumer products - Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Hyundai Motors, Kia Motors, Daewoo Motors, Sanggyong Motors, Nexen/Gumho/Hankook tyres - all massive multinational companies that have been doing business in Australia for years.

South Korea also remains Australia’s third largest source of student Enrollments – There are roughly around 30,000 students / working holiday makers arriving from Korea every year. Which means plenty of job opportunities in the education industry particularly in international marketing and student enrollments with Australian universities, tafe or language institutes.

All of this is then enhanced with the recent Australia-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that will further strengthen the highly complementary trade and investment relationship.

Lack of competition (Language Students)

The above economic significance of Korea to Australia isn't as attractive without the fact there is a serious lack of competition for job opportunities in comparison to China and Japan. 

In 2009 before leaving for Korea I did some research into the Korea-Australia relationship. What I managed to find was a statistic that estimated the number of students enrolled in tertiary Korean courses at below 100 nationwide.... BELOW 100! Japanese is one of the most common languages taught at high school in Australia and Chinese courses are arguably the most popular of the Asian languages at University but Korean, however, at the time was really struggling to attract students. My university even shut down its Korean program after years of low enrollments such was the lack of interest.  

To sum it up - We have Australia's 4th Largest trading partner, 3rd largest export market and 3rd largest student enrollment market but only a paltry 100 odd Australian students investing time and money into learning the language and culture. This fact was the tipping point for me and it should be for so many others now enrolled in Asian studies.  The situation isn't unique to Australia either and a similar lack of Interest from American, Canadian, British and European students alike will play to the advantage of anyone deciding to study Korean.

I like to think that my decision to study Korean was the smartest bet in my life based on those above odds. Despite the rise in Korean culture awareness and rising popularity of Korean TV shows, music, food and electronics there still exists this very large gap in the market for Korean speaking, Korean culture understanding Australians. The Australian government has been aware of such shortcomings for some time now and the very generous Australia-Korea foundation (see below) is just one step they have taken to push more young Australians into learning Korean. 

Despite the popularity of Korean culture increasing there will always be the Chinese and Japanese markets attracting away the majority of the competition. I have been incredibly lucky since I started learning Korean but that luck was brought about by being opportunistic and I have no doubt that anyone deciding to study Korean will find bigger and better opportunities than their Japanese / Chinese language student counterparts.


Working Holiday Visa

Working holiday agreements for Australia exist with a few countries and while the agreement with Korea was developed to cash in on the booming Korean working holiday English market it still provides Australians with a unique visa opportunity with which to travel, study and work with relative freedom and minimal starting funds. In 2012 I was interviewed about my experience on the working holiday visa. At the time I was one of 23 Australians on the visa in Korea, while a staggering 15,000 Koreans were in Australia under the program. This figure probably best portrays to date the current imbalance in this significant relationship. The working holiday visa restrictions certainly have some issues Like banning formal English tutoring and the ridiculous Korean minimum wage but regardless; in a country where it is still hard to get working/long term visa's the H1 working holiday program is a unique opportunity. For more information on applying and attaining a H! visa to Korea please visit the Korean embassy website. 

The visa essentially provides Korean language learners with the opportunity to study Korean without the constraints of a student visa and allows them to learn Korean at non-university academies and or via tutoring which can prove cost effective for short term visitors  To date the visa program is still greatly under-utilized by Australians was another reason that led me to visit Korea on a gap year.


The Australia Korea Foundation

I love the AKF! (http://www.dfat.gov.au/akf/) basically because they gave me two, yes two! $5,000 scholarships to study Korean in Korea. I have no doubt I received these scholarships not because I was an outstanding candidate but because they had funds that they needed to expend combined with a lack of applicants. This was more true in 2009/10 but I have since recommended two friends to apply for a scholarship and both my friends were successful. Neither of them were outstanding students or candidates either but what's great about the AKF is they seem to genuinely recognize people who have the passion and desire to learn Korean and develop a unique Australia-Korea career. I applied the first time as an afterthought but without a doubt this scholarship and foundation gave me the opportunity that I don't think I would have been afforded in China or Japan (once again due to competition). If you are considering your future career and language options then a quick visit or even email to the AKF could help with your decision!

8 Tips and Advice for Learning Korean

I recently spoke with a good friend who only a few months ago started learning Korean in Seoul. We keep in touch regularly about his progress and his life in Seoul - inevitably I am jealous of his experience as my first year in Korea (as was my first year in China) a very significant and memorable experience for me. He was feeling frustrated that his Korean hadn't been improving the way he had liked and ask me for some hints - so with that I have written a small list of the key philosophies that I believe are important when learning Korean and to an extent any language.  

1. Learning Korean (or any language) is not a race.
So often as language students we erroneously get caught up on the time we have been learning a particular language. You might be watching Korean TV one day only to see a young foreigner busting out Korean like he is Sam Hammington but then under his name badge it says he has only been in Korea for 6 months - "how is this possible?"; "He must have learnt Korean before coming"; or you meet someone who is only in level 2 at your Korean language school while you are in level 4 but somehow they have better comprehension and speaking skills than you did? - Viewing your language progress in a sense of time is destructive to your learning process. I have always found it weird there are those that put so much concern into their language test scores and level progression at schools like Yonsei.

What is great about Language learning is that it is unique - their is no pass or fail; or deadlines to meet. The end result someday for everybody is the same - the ability to speak the language. It's true some will pick it up quicker but by giving yourself a time frame to learn a language is to place unfair expectations on yourself - which if you fail to meet will only deter your enthusiasm to continue learning the language or worse lead you to question your ability to learn a language at a "mature" age. You won't learn Korean in a year, 2 years or even 3 years. I am going on nearly 5 years now and there is a lot I still have yet to learn. I make pronunciation and grammar mistakes regularly and there is probably 60% of vocabulary that I still have yet to learn. Learn at your own pace without the restrictions of time frames and tests.


2. Don't compare yourself to other Korean language learners
Similar to the point made above - comparing your Korean skills to another Korean language learner is more destructive than it is helpful. Some might argue that it motivates them to study more but from my perspective the worst thing you can do is compare your Korean level to another learner, it will only lead to a loss in confidence, possible jealousy and a pointless rivalry. Think of it this way; As an English speaker how often  do you go around and compare your English ability to other native speakers? You don't because nobody gives a fuck as long as we can communicate.

The problem is however that while in Korea whether you like it or not people around you will forever be comparing your Korean to others. They will speak about some foreigner they saw on TV who spoke Korean better than you and even worse is better looking than you too! (Thanks for the confidence boost 친구!) They will compare you to their other foreign friend who speaks fluently or the other foreign worker in the department who joined the company after you. There is a plethora of situations in which you will inevitably be compared to another foreigner learning Korean - the trick being is to not buy into it. Korean society is as we all know is hyper competitive in many facets and particularly in social status. Ignore the haters; ignore the comparisons and learn Korean the way you want to at your own pace - there is nothing to be gained by comparing your own abilities to another foreigner because we all have our individual strengths and weaknesses, cultural background, educational background and other circumstances which make our language journey unique. Embrace other Korean language learners rather than view them as competition - those that think that way have unfortunately bought into one of the less attractive parts of Korean culture.

Sam Hammington a Foreign celebrity in Korea

3. Don't buy textbooks
Yonsei, Sogang, SNU, Kyeonghee - or any textbook in Kyobo books, if (like me) you have seen all of these books  then you will realize one thing - they are basically the same and are all very ineffective. I understand that some people prefer textbooks for studying but even still you are wasting your money on "official" textbooks when the internet and Korean language bloggers have provided a endless amount of information in a more natural and easy to understand terminology. Obviously as part of a language program it is impossible to avoid buying the textbook but for personal study I would give them a miss. Unless you are learning Korean from the linguist perspective and endeavor to either teach Korean or translate at the highest level then there really is no need to buy a Korean language textbook. As I stated there are so many good Korean blogs written by people just like us learning Korean who can explain it in a more natural tone and for FREE! Here is just one blog I like - http://kkurotchenko.blogspot.com.au/2010/09/korean-idioms-and-korean-proverb.html  an awesome list of Korean proverbs with good explanations and English examples.

4. Don't just focus on the language! Balance it with culture
Probably the biggest issue with Korean English language learners and certainly an issue for some of the more mature Korean language learners is the focus on the language without the culture. You need to understand Korean culture - the food, the music, the dances, the literature, the TV shows, the movies (and sort of enjoy it as well). Keeping in touch with the cultural aspects will inevitably provide you with topics of conversation, keep you up to date with changes in Korean trends, teach you jokes and phrases you never knew, provide context for some many conversations! It gives you something in common with which to bond and make Korean connections which are ultimately the best source to developing your Korean language to the next level.

5. Watch Entertainment Programs not Dramas; Read Online News not Newspapers
A specific tip for those currently learning Korean. While watching, listening and/or reading anything in Korean is beneficial there are certainly more suitable forms of Korean media to help you develop your skills. A lot of people enjoy watching Korean Dramas for language learning and even with English subtitles they are useful to your study however I would recommend you ditch the dramas and focus more on entertainment programs and/or chat shows like Running Man, 1박2일, 무한도전, 안녕하세요, 마녀사냥 etc. The reason being that dramas with their convoluted plot lines (Every Korean drama is ridiculous in it's plot) and over acted scenes often have difficult to understand dialogue and don't always mimic how the average Korean approaches a conversation. This is the same for news programs - when Koreans write a script they inevitably employ much more high level vocabulary. Entertainment and talk shows however (although scripted) are much more useful to observe how everyday Koreans interact and converse. Better yet it introduces many common phrases and slang words as well as providing Korean subtitles while watching! Even if you can't understand every single word, the key points are often placed in subtitles so that you can keep up with the context. The same goes for looking at a newspaper over reading an online news outlet or blogger. Formal newspapers are unnecessarily complicated in their vocab while an online source will employ a much more standard approach to typing and help you to learn how to properly structure your own written Korean documents (like email).


6. You will hit the Language wall multiple times
Studying 6 months and don't feel like you are improving? Moved from level 2 to level 4 but somehow you speak at what appears to be the same level you were at 3 months ago? Don't stress. I know it is frustrating as hell but you will hit the imaginary language wall multiple times in your life (I assume we all do but some might contest otherwise). It certainly doesn't help when those around you will sometimes make comments such as "Your Korean level seems worse, you should study more" (Thanks again for the confidence boost you douche!). I do not honestly have a solution to avoid hitting the wall just that while you may feel your level is not improving or that you are getting worse you are probably in reality completely wrong. Perception is just that - it's certainly not concrete evidence to suggest you are somehow "losing" your language ability. #Keepthefaith I'm sure you are doing fine. Persist and in a few months you will feel as though your Korean has greatly improved.

7. Don't focus too much on the 'Rules' - Communication is the goal
When you begin Korean you are hit with a barrage of grammatical structures and rules which is overwhelming and hard to soak in all at once. During this stage of your study I believe it's important not to get to focused and bogged down with the "correct" way to speak. Yes - eventually you will need to study all the appropriate grammar structures but in the beginning it can inhibit you from experimenting and trying! The goal of any language is communication and when you start letting correct grammar intervene into your conversations you will lose confidence, hesitate more when speaking and ultimately practice less. Even your Korean teachers will agree - the goal of level 1-2 is to just practice and speak as much as possible. The other facets will fall into line over time.

8. Throw yourself in the deep end every once and a while.
Particularly useful when you have hit the above mentioned wall - sometimes you just have to put yourself in a situation where its Korean or die! Good examples are sitting down with a friends/partners parents and having a conversation (talking with a friends dad while have a few shots of soju does wonders); attending a class completely in Korean whether that be academic or physical activity; joining a Korean sporting team (Taekwondo is a favourite for many who are trying to improve) heck even challenging yourself to engage more with convenience store attendants and taxi drivers couldn't hurt!

Well that's my list. Apologies to those searching for some kind of cheat method or language "hack" to learn faster. Language learning is difficult but the rewards and subsequent opportunities are worth the commitment.

How to get on TV in Korea - A guide on how to get yourself on a Korean drama as an extra!

My guide on how to get on TV in Korea.

So you've seen the latest episode of Non-Summit (비정상회담) and you ask yourself how did these people get on TV? Believe it or not it is actually much simpler than you would imagine. Whether it be Drama's, Entertainment programs or even guest appearances on news programs there is a wealth of opportunities for Non-Koreans in Korea to get there face on TV and other media outlets. Many of the foreign 'Actors' you see on Korean TV are just everyday people with the right visa and the right amount of free time! In my 4 years in Korea I experienced a plethora of media opportunities - from acting as an extra in Drama's to a recurring role on a talk show.


Where to look for opportunities.

Craiglist (http://seoul.craigslist.co.kr/) 
believe it or not but craigslist is a great resource to find acting / modelling jobs in Korea. Just by searching you will see a numerous amount of adverts asking for various nationalities to take part in a photo shoot, as a Drama extra or as a guest on a TV show. Just click here and see!. Use your own discretion as to whether or not you feel it is a safe and legitimate opportunity. If you are not to keen on contacting over Craigslist you can always use the email / name from the advert and do some of your own online research. 

Yonsei Korean Language institute Job Board (http://www.yskli.com/act/job.asp) 
Students often have access to a wide variety of TV / Modelling opportunities. This "free board" has access to arguably the best opportunities for Korean speaking foreigners. Students usually have the most flexible hours as many Drama's and TV shows do their recording during the day and in remote areas (meaning you will have to take a day or two off school!) If you can't find anything on the job board then be sure to hand out around the front gate at Yonsei Korean Language Institute, there are  TV crew on campus from time to time scouting for some foreign talent or looking to do an interview!

TV Shows Direct Sites (www.kbs.co.kr / http://enter.jtbc.joins.com/nonsummit/)
If you have seen a TV show in Korea that featured foreigners than make sure you visit the TV show's website online! Most if not all of these shows will have a forum section under which you can send in a post to say that you would like to appear on the show, more often than not you will get a response via email asking for your photo's and resume! This is how I managed to get on the short lived Chosun TV show "Hello Hello" - alternatively message them on social media; you will be surprised at the responses from 'cold calling'

Networking
If you manage to find a job from the above sources than you will more than likely have a minder / manager for the day. This person is a low level agent but they will be your connection to other jobs in the future as these agencies are regularly used to provide foreigners! So don't forget to get the details of the agent assigned to look after you for the day and be sure to be friendly; a general rule of thumb for anything in Korea is if someone asks you to go out for a drink - then do it!

Wardrobe not my own! One of my appearances on the Chosun TV talk show - "Hello Hello"

Pay and Other Important Information

As a model or an extra you can expect to receive anywhere from between 100,000 KRW / Day up to 300,000 KRW per appearance. On a show like "hello hello" which is an actual guest appearance then you will likely receive around 300,000 KRW. Sometimes if it is just a short segment then you will only get a gift voucher.Now be aware that as a student; or even as an E7 working visa you are technically not allowed to receive pay for your TV appearances. There is a reason most foreign celebrities are married to a Korean - without a temporary resident visa there are limited options in terms of working 'legally'. In fact if any foreigner has been on TV regularly for over a year it generally means that either they have been married/are currently married or their agency has found them a visa via a loophole.

That said there are of course multiple ways around the system. As I stated before I had a recurring role on a TV show despite also having a full time job. As such I did not receive any pay (directly) instead money was transferred into a friends account. Most part time extra roles / guest appearances you will be paid without the smoke and mirrors but for anything that is constant; like in the case of Non-Summit (비정상회담) then they will have to do some creative accounting to ensure you get paid. Please be aware that TV appearances are at your own risk - being in the public eye will mean that when it comes time to renew your student visa / E7 / Working holiday then you may be subject to more scrupulous investigation.

Working hours are usually early in the morning on a weekday! especially for drama's with tough schedules. Depending on the shoot you can expect to be there for 2 - 4 hours including travel time. Another issue is naturally a lot of the filming is done out of Seoul to avoid crowds and hence you will be travelling in a van for an hour or more to most sites.

Opportunities are not limited to TV and I also had chances to be in magazine interviews, promotional photos for products/companies, newspaper articles and radio interviews.

Me and a friend promoting a new CJ product

Below is a short of the TV show "Hello Hello" where you can see me stealing a kiss from comedian 정주리