Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ): Free Online Korea Language Classes
The following information applies to the 10-week Online King Sejong Institute program offered by the Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY) in collaboration with King Sejong Institute Center USA.
Program and Eligibility
1. What courses are being offered?
Three live online beginner-level Korean language courses will be offered:
Korean 1A: Tuesdays, September 29–December 1, 2026, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET
Korean 1A: Wednesdays, September 30–December 2, 2026, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET
Korean 1B: Thursdays, October 1–December 3, 2026, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET
2. Are the courses free?
Yes. Tuition is free. The required textbook will also be available for free download online. Confirmed students will receive separate information about the textbook and instructions for accessing it.
3. Who may apply?
Applicants must:
Reside in the United States
Be at least 18 years old
Be able to regularly attend the live online classes according to Eastern Time
Complete the official King Sejong Institute Korean Level Test before applying
Apply for only one of the three courses
Applicants may participate from any location if they can attend classes according to the listed Eastern Time schedule.
4. What does Eastern Time mean?
All class times follow New York local time. Eastern Time automatically accounts for the seasonal change between Eastern Daylight Time and Eastern Standard Time.
Applicants living outside the Eastern Time Zone are responsible for confirming the corresponding class time in their location.
Course Levels and Placement Test
5. What is the difference between Korean 1A and Korean 1B?
Korean 1A is intended for beginning learners with little or no prior Korean-language experience. It covers Hangeul, basic vocabulary and grammar, greetings, self-introductions, shopping, numbers, time, weather, and everyday activities.
Korean 1B is intended for students who have completed Korean 1A or possess equivalent proficiency. It builds on foundational Korean through topics such as preferences, shopping, transportation, travel, health, gatherings, and gifts.
Both are beginner-level courses in the official King Sejong Institute curriculum.
6. Is the placement test required?
Yes. All applicants must complete the official King Sejong Institute Korean Level Test before submitting an application.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to take the test and save the result before the application period opens.
7. How do I submit my placement test result?
Follow the instructions provided in the application form. You must save and submit the requested placement test result with your application.
An incomplete or missing test result may prevent your application from being considered.
8. Does my placement test result guarantee admission to a particular course?
No. The result will be reviewed as part of the application process. It does not guarantee admission or placement in a particular course.
Applicants should select the course that best corresponds to both their placement test result and their availability.
Application Process
9. When will applications open?
Applications will open on the KCCNY website on: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET
10. Is there an application deadline?
Application forms may close early once a sufficient number of submissions has been received. Applicants are encouraged to apply promptly after the forms open.
11. May I apply for more than one course?
No. You may apply for only one of the three courses.
The Tuesday and Wednesday Korean 1A courses are considered separate course options. Applicants who submit applications for more than one course will be disqualified.
12. May I submit the same application more than once?
No. Submit the application form only once for your selected course. Multiple or duplicate submissions will not be accepted.
13. Can I change my selected course after submitting my application?
Applicants should review their placement test result and schedule carefully before applying. A course change after submission is not guaranteed.
Do not submit another application to change your selection. For assistance, contact edu@koreanculture.org.
14. Does submitting an application guarantee enrollment?
No. Submission of an application does not guarantee enrollment.
Applications will be reviewed in the order received. Only applicants who meet the eligibility requirements and correctly complete all required parts of the application will be considered.
Enrollment and Selection
15. How many students will be accepted?
Each course may enroll up to 30 students.
A minimum of 15 enrolled students is required for a course to proceed. A course may be canceled if minimum enrollment is not met.
16. Is enrollment strictly first-come, first-served?
No. Applications will be reviewed in the order received, but early submission alone does not guarantee acceptance.
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and submit a complete and accurate application, including the required placement test result.
17. When will selection results be announced?
Selected applicants will receive an enrollment confirmation email on: Tuesday, September 16, 2026
Applicants should check their inbox and spam or junk folder.
18. What should I do if I do not receive an email on September 16?
First, check the email address entered on your application and review your spam or junk folder.
If you still cannot locate the message, contact edu@koreanculture.org. Include your full name and the course for which you applied.
Classes and Participation
19. Are the classes live or self-paced?
The courses consist of live online classes. Applicants should be available to participate at the scheduled class time each week.
These are not self-paced courses.
20. In what language will the courses be taught?
The beginner-level courses will be supported and taught in English while introducing and practicing Korean.
21. What equipment will I need?
Students should have:
A reliable internet connection
A computer or suitable device
Access to the designated online class platform
A working microphone and camera, if required for class participation
Detailed access instructions will be provided to confirmed students.
22. Will recordings be available if I miss a class?
Applicants should not assume that class recordings will be available. Students are expected to attend the live classes regularly.
Any recording and attendance policies will be provided to confirmed students.
23. What happens if a class falls on a holiday?
Course dates, including holiday closures and make-up classes, are subject to change. Any schedule updates will be communicated to enrolled students in advance.
24. What are the attendance and completion requirements?
Regular attendance and active participation are required throughout the 10-week program. Students who accumulate three unexcused absences will be withdrawn from the course. The available seat may then be offered to an applicant on the waiting list.
Detailed class policies will be provided separately to enrolled students.
25. Which textbook will be used?
The required textbook will be available for free download online. Confirmed students will receive the textbook title and detailed access instructions separately.
Additional Questions
26. Who should I contact if my question is not answered here?
Please contact: edu@koreanculture.org
To help us respond efficiently, include your full name, the course you are considering, and a brief description of your question.