Study in Korea: What Is a Korean Language Program?

A Korean Language Program is one of the most common options for international students who want to learn Korean in Korea before beginning a degree program.

University-affiliated Korean language programs generally focus on the four main language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students can systematically develop their Korean proficiency while also preparing for the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) or future Korean university admission.

Preparing for Korean University Admission

If you plan to enter a Korean university, there is another important factor to consider when choosing a language program.

Some Korean universities may recognize completion of a certain level of their own Korean Language Program as meeting a Korean language requirement for admission.

Depending on the university and admission process, completing the university's language program may therefore be one way to satisfy the language requirement even if a student does not have the TOPIK level otherwise required for admission.

However, these policies vary by university.

If you already know which university you want to attend, check both:

the university and department's TOPIK requirements
whether completion of the university's Korean Language Program is accepted as meeting its Korean language requirement
What to Check When Choosing a Korean Language Program

If you are planning to study Korean in Korea, it is helpful to look beyond the university's name and consider your study goals and individual circumstances.

Conditions can vary between Korean language programs, including tuition, academic schedules, program length, eligibility requirements, and dormitory options.

If your goal is future Korean university admission, check the admission requirements of your intended university together with its Korean language program. Considering your language studies and future university admission together can help you build a more structured Study in Korea plan.

Language and admission requirements can vary by university, department, and admission period. Always check the latest official international admission guidelines and information provided by the university before applying.