Best Online Korean Classes

• Pricing: Standard $35/mo or $279/yr; VIP $49/mo or $399/yr
• Platforms: Online & App
• Certificates: Yes

90 Day Korean is a 12-month program that is divided into four easy-to-follow 90-day modules. After completing the first 90-day module, you should be able to hold a three-minute conversation in Korean, holding true to the name of the program. It is self-paced, so you can take as much or as little time as you like to complete the courses.

90 Day Korean’s curriculum includes writing and listening modules, homework exercises, and interactive games. Both packages offer free resources online, on YouTube, and the app. For example, there is a robust online community to answer questions or chat with others, and the Korean Gym provides short bursts of learning. Members who opt for the VIP membership. The VIP package offers speaking classes and pronunciation feedback as well as graded homework and coaching.

The Standard membership costs $35 per month or $279 per year, while the premium VIP membership is $49 per month or $399 a year. Monthly memberships can be upgraded or downgraded as needed, and annual rates are available for additional savings. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.

• Pricing: Free for basic app; additional in-app purchases
• Platform: Online & App
• Certificate: No

Duolingo is a leader in the language app industry, winning multiple editor’s choice awards on both the Apple App and Google Play stores. All ages will enjoy the program’s short lessons, with fun characters cheering you on. For those who are competitive, the global leader boards will keep you coming back for more to maintain your high score. Access to the international online community allows interaction with other learners, a great way to stay motivated and share goals and tips with other students! You can even invite friends and family through the app to join you on your journey. 

Unlike most apps and online programs, The Duolingo basic app does not require personal information. All you do is download the app via iOS or Google Play, and select your desired language, the level you are currently at (beginner, intermediate, or advanced), and your motivation for learning a new language (school, travel, work, or communication with friends). From there, you choose how long you want to dedicate per day learning. Beware, too many false answers will eat up your extra lives (hearts), that allow you to move on in the app. Hearts will replenish every few hours to a maximum of five per day. Completing lessons will earn gems, which are also available for purchase in the app, and these can be traded for more hearts.

While the app has a free option with plenty of content to keep you engaged, you only receive so many free "hearts" or chances to play per day, which can be frustrating if you want to keep learning and playing and run out. You can use earned or purchased gems to load up on more. The premium subscription, "Super Duolingo," includes ad-free learning and non-stop play with unlimited hearts to keep you advancing through the lessons.

• Pricing: Free for basic
• Platforms: Online
• Certificates: Yes, plus a paid course prepares you for the TOPIK

The Cyber University of Korea’s Quick Korean is comprised of four separate courses ranging from beginner to advanced. These are the same courses taught in the classroom setting at the school. Each lesson is taught via an instructional video (offered through YouTube and other platforms) and oftentimes has thousands of students signed up for the courses. The lessons range from 20 minutes to about an hour.

Level 1 covers social interaction with basic communication related to daily activities, including greetings and the fundamentals of conversation. Level 2 focuses on simple conversations in places like supermarkets and restaurants. students are also taught how to express their preferences and opinions about topics that interest them. Level 3 builds on level 2 with more complex conversations you would have at work or discussing daily activities. Level 4 brings you as close to fluency as possible without being in an immersive environment. 

These courses are free, no strings attached, and perfect for those who learn by watching and listening. The program offers some extras, but additional supplemental reading, writing, and speaking will be necessary to reach true fluency. The university offers more advanced classes if you apply to the university and pay tuition fees.

• Price: Free for course access only; $49 for a certificate of completion
• Platforms: Online & App
• Certificate available: Yes

First Step Korean is available on the Coursera platform and taught by an esteemed professor from Yonsei University, South Korea’s oldest private university. The course is designed to be completed in four weeks in 14 hours (for the entire course, including video lectures and assignments). You can work at your own pace to complete the course according to your schedule, but it will place you out-of-synch with your classmates. After a certain time the course will deactivate and you may need to re-enroll and start over. The Coursera app provides an online forum for students to talk with classmates and ask questions about the course, form study groups, and exchange tips.

The main topics include basic terms and conversations relating to everyday life: greetings, introductions, and simple discussions relating to family and daily life. Each lesson provides instruction on pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, quizzes, and role-play conversations.

Upon completion of the course, you can expect to be able to read and write the Korean alphabet, communicate with basic expressions, and have a baseline knowledge of Korean culture. The course is free, though if you want an official certificate of completion, that will cost $49. 

• Pricing: From $30/month
• Platforms: Online & App
• Certificates: No

If you are looking for an easy-to-follow immersive Korean program for your teen, FluentU is a great choice. When signing up, you can choose the age group of the learner to ensure materials are optimized. Rather than focus on grammar and punctuation, which can bore teens, FluentU offers real-life relatable movie clips, news, tv shows, music videos, audio, and more rated . There’s even some K-Pop thrown in. If your teen doesn't prefer some of these options, they can choose to exclude them.

This program can feel more relevant to young learners, or those wanting to learn basic everyday conversations. The platform offers endless videos and media to immerse the learner in Korean so they are exposed to language and culture with current news and videos. The main theme for FluentU is to get students to a conversational level quickly. 

There is a 14-day free trial available to help you decide if the learning style is right for your teen. Once the trial ends, you will be charged a monthly ($30) or annual ($360) fee, depending on your subscription plan you choose.

• Pricing: Starts at $36 to learn one language for three months
• Platforms: Online & App
• Certificates: No

Rosetta Stone helps Korean language learners via online classes and app-based lessons. What makes the service stand out is the short 5-10 minute lessons that feature voice recognition software to help perfect pronunciation. 

The short lessons make learning seem less daunting and can easily be reviewed a second or third time until the content is fully absorbed. There are also stories and quizzes to keep you engaged and able to track progress.

To start practicing today using Rosetta Stone, you’ll need to decide if you prefer instruction online, on the app, or both. The online version costs $36 for three months, $96 a year, or $179 for a lifetime membership. The app subscription is free with an online subscription.

• Price: $20-$21/mo
• Platforms: Online & App
• Certificates: No

Dr. Paul Pimsleur, a world-renowned linguist, created the Pimsleur® method based on his theory of self-instruction, which resulted from years of teaching and his study in linguistics and the psychology of language, specifically how memory could be triggered to best implant a new language.

In each audio lesson, you hear a brief Korean conversation, then it’s translated into English. The Korean speaker will repeat each word, syllable-by-syllable, to help you learn how to pronounce each word. This technique ensures you fully comprehend the material. The premium courses offer quizzes, flashcards, and other materials for continued practice. 

There is a seven-day free trial offer, so you can test the teaching methods to ensure they fit your learning style. Once the free trial ends, you can choose between either the basic audio-only subscription offered for $14.95 per month or a single language subscription with visuals and extras for $19.99 per month, while access to the full language library of 51 languages is only $20.95 per month.