EVENTS

KOREAN CULTURAL CENTER

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  • Korean Language Classes

Summer 2024: King Sejong Institute Washington, D.C.

Apr 19, 2024



Registration is now open for Summer 2024! Details below. 



Focused on practical language skills and cultural context, the King Sejong Institute Washington, D.C. (KSIDC) offers a range of classes that build skills in speaking, reading, listening, and writing Korean. All classes are limited in size and led by native Korean-speaking instructors with teaching experience at U.S. universities or professional institutions. Classes primarily teach language skills, while also introducing students to the traditional, modern, and social culture of Korea. 


The KSIDC is a DC-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization which operates Korean language classes and educational programs in partnership with the Korean Cultural Center. Registration for all KSIDC classes is open to the public, and all those who wish to improve their Korean are welcome! For more details, see our nondiscrimination policy below.


Nondiscrimination Policy 

The King Sejong Institute Washington, D.C. admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to its students. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission and registration policies, support related to registration costs, and other school-administered programs. All are welcome!


2024 Schedule

Spring: early February – May

Summer: early June – August/September

Fall: mid September – December

 

Exact start and end dates for each class vary. A detailed schedule will be added to this website and sent to our mailing list a few weeks before each session of classes.


Follow the KSIDC on Facebook for early updates and more! 


Overview


Schedule

The Summer 2024 session offers a majority of courses that meet online/remote with regular video meetings via Zoom or other platforms, generally during weekday evenings with some Saturday morning and afternoon options, as well as one in-person/hybrid course that includes meetings at the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. In-person/hybrid and online courses cover the same content and meet for the same amount of time; all courses meet once per week for a total of 24 class hours (12 meetings total) and will finish by late August/early September at the latest, but possibly earlier if there are no cancellations. All online courses include the option to review full class recordings for a period of time after each meeting; in-person class meetings do not include recordings, but do include other perks: light Korean refreshments during the breaktime of every meeting and a final class catered Korean dinner party. In the future, the majority of courses will remain online/remote as we gradually resume some in-person options.


Fees 

Registration fees for Spring 2024 are as follows, per entire course (comprising 24 class hours / 12 meetings)


Registration Fees

Online

In-person/Hybrid

New Students:

$240

$250

Returning Students:

$220

$230


The registration fee for new students is $240 (online) or $250 (in-person/hybrid) per complete course (comprising 24 class hours/12 meetings). Returning students receive a discounted rate of $220 (online) or $230 (in-person/hybrid). Additionally, certain courses this session trialing a new textbook under consideration receive a further $20 tuition discount (details below under "Textbooks"). Textbooks are required for all courses, and can be purchased independently or through the KSIDC for $45 with registration (excluding for Special Topic, Advanced, and certain regular courses, for which books should be purchased independently; details below). All courses are contingent upon a minimum enrollment, and tuition is fully refundable until the day after the first class meeting. Fees may change in the future, as we adjust our online/offline pricing.


Textbooks

The KSIDC is pleased to offer textbooks for purchase (excluding for Special Topic, Advanced, and certain regular course groups noted below), giving local learners the option to conveniently pay for affordably priced textbooks. The cost for textbooks from the KSIDC for all regular sequence courses (Beginner through Intermediate) is $45 per complete set (Sogang student book, workbook, and grammar booklet together). However, textbooks purchased from the KSIDC MUST be picked up at the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. on one of the designated pickup dates (we cannot ship individual textbooks). Non-local students are thus encouraged to purchase their books independently. View a complete reference list of textbooks with links for this session here


Two regular course groups this summer will also trial the Sogang Compact Series textbooks, which we are evaluating, instead of using the regular 1A or 2A Sogang series books. Those registering for either Beginner 1 Group A or Intermediate 1 Group A will need to purchase textbooks on their own, as we do not have them for sale just yet. Tuition for these two groups only is further discounted by $20 to offset the additional textbook cost. These groups will cover the same essential content as other groups at the same level, as the books are similar but reorganized, so registering for one of these will not limit future study options. See the textbook overview here for details on all textbooks.


Hybrid Course Information 

We are excited to maintain an in-person class presence this summer, although in a more limited capacity with just one hybrid course. The course (Beginner 2 Group C) is currently full due to early registration of continuing in-person learners from the last session, but others are welcome to join the waitlist should space become available. The single in-person/online hybrid class will take place at the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. at the usual earlier time (4:45-6:45 pm) for the first 4 meetings in June, then meet online via Zoom for 5-6 meetings at a slightly later time (6:00-8:00 pm) to accommodate the instructor's travel schedule, then resume in person for the final 2-3 meetings (4:45-6:45 pm) in August -- essentially half in-person and half online. The returning student fee for this course remains the in-person rate of $230, as snacks/coffee/tea and the final dinner party will still be offered during the in-person portion. In-person classes are generally a similar size to online (12-14). In-person class meetings will not be recorded for review like all online meetings will be, but instructors are generally available before in-person class to help anyone catch up. On-site parking is not provided, but local street parking is generally available. Covid-19 vaccination is recommended but not required to register for an in-person/hybrid course; masks are optional. Although not relevant for returning students, textbooks can also be purchased in-person the first day. Those participating in in-person classes are also required to sign a waiver/release form, which will be provided by email upon registration. We plan to resume more robust in-person options in future sessions (after the busy summer travel season!). 


Eligibility

KSIDC classes are generally open to anyone, however registrants must be at least age 15 at the start (a parental consent form is also required for those under age 18). Classes are primarily taught in English. Parents of minors should be aware that most other registrants are adults and most classes involve some virtual breakout room or pair work. We hope to offer youth classes in the future, so please stay tuned and join our mailing list for updates, Parents. See our nondiscrimination policy for more details. 


Perks 

Students with 75% attendance or better receive a certificate of completion upon completion of the course. All online courses include the option to review class recordings for a period of time after each meeting. Students can also arrange to meet before or after class with their instructor during virtual or in-person office hours, as available. In-person classes do not include recordings (although we may add this capability later) but instructors are usually available before class and in-person courses also include light Korean refreshments during the breaktime of every meeting as well as a final class catered Korean dinner party. Although refreshments and the dinner are not possible remotely, online courses instead feature reduced average class size to help facilitate online learning and greater individualized attention, in addition to more schedule and viewing options.




Schedule of Classes


Scroll down for complete class description, textbook, and placement information below. Special or irregular times/dates are underlinedIf a class is full, sometimes from the start due to continuing students, join the waitlist! Depending on demand, additional groups may be added. Those on the waitlist will be notified first of any new options. All lettered "groups" cover the same content within each level, but may occur on different schedules or with different instructors.


Regular Sequence Courses


Beginner 1


Beginner 1, Group A (Tuesdays) 6-8pm EDT

Instructor: Jin Choi, starting June 4 ONLINE

Uses the Sogang Compact Series textbook. Details above under "Textbooks."

Tentatively full! Join the WAITLIST.


Beginner 1, Group B (Tuesdays) 6-8pm EDT

Instructor: Heecho Kim, starting June 4 (corrected date) ONLINE

Tentatively full! Join the WAITLIST.


Beginner 1, Group C (Wednesdays) 6-8pm EDT

Instructor: Juyoung Park, starting June 5 ONLINE

Tentatively full! Join the WAITLIST.


Beginner 1, Group D (Wednesdays) 6-8pm EDT

Instructor: Jiyoung Yim, starting  June 5  ONLINE

Tentatively full! Join the WAITLIST.


Beginner 1, Group E (Saturdays) 10am-12pm EDT

Instructor:  Hannah Chong, starting June 1 ONLINE

Tentatively full! Join the WAITLIST.


Beginner 2 


Beginner 2, Group A (Tuesdays) 6-8pm EDT

Instructor: Hannah Chong, starting June 4 ONLINE

Tentatively full! Join the WAITLIST.


Beginner 2, Group B (Wednesdays) 6-8pm EDT

Instructor: Heecho Kim, starting June 5 ONLINE

Tentatively full! Join the WAITLIST.


Beginner 2, Group C (Thursdays) 4:45-6:45pm (in person)/6-8pm EDT (online)

Instructor: Yun Jang, starting June 6 HYBRID See above for details.

Tentatively full! Join the WAITLIST.


Beginner 2, Group D (Thursdays) 6-8pm EDT

Instructor: Keum Sook Grace Yang, starting June 6 ONLINE

Tentatively full! Join the WAITLIST.


Beginner 2, Group E (Saturdays) 1-3pm EDT

Instructor: Hannah Chong, starting June 1 ONLINE

Tentatively full! Join the WAITLIST.


Beginner 3


Beginner 3, Group A (Tuesdays) 6-8pm EDT

Instructor: Keum Sook Grace Yang, starting June 4 ONLINE

Tentatively full! Join the WAITLIST.


Beginner 3, Group B (Thursdays) 6-8pm EDT

Instructor: Eunjung Park, starting June 6 ONLINE

Tentatively full! Join the WAITLIST.


Beginner 3, Group C (Thursdays) 6-8pm EDT

Instructor: Hyunah Kim, starting June 6 ONLINE

Tentatively full! Join the WAITLIST.


Beginner 3, Group D (Saturdays) 1-3pm EDT

Instructor: Heecho Kim, June 15 ONLINE

Tentatively full! Join the WAITLIST.


Intermediate 1


Intermediate 1, Group A (Tuesdays) 6-8pm EDT

Instructor: Hei Sook Yoo, starting June 4 ONLINE

Uses the Sogang Compact Series textbook. See above under "Textbooks."


Intermediate 1, Group B (Thursdays) 6-8pm EDT

Instructor: Jiyoung Yim, starting June 6 ONLINE

Tentatively full! Join the WAITLIST.


Intermediate 1, Group C (Saturdays)  10am-12pm EDT

Instructor: Heecho Kim, starting June 15 ONLINE


Intermediate 2


Intermediate 2, Group A (Tuesdays) 6-8pm EDT

Instructor: Eunjung Park, starting June 4 ONLINE

Tentatively full! Join the WAITLIST.


Intermediate 2, Group B (Wednesdays) 6-8pm EDT

Instructor: Hyunah Kim, starting June 5 ONLINE

Tentatively full! Join the WAITLIST.


Intermediate 3


Intermediate 3 (Wednesdays) 6-8pm EDT

Instructor: Eunjung Park, starting June 5 ONLINE

Tentatively full! Join the WAITLIST.



Special Topic


TOPIK I Prep Course (Mondays) 6-8pm EDT

Instructor: Hei Sook Yoo, starting June 3 ONLINE

Tentatively full! Join the WAITLIST.

An intermediate-level preparatory course for the official Test of Proficiency in Korean I (TOPIK I). See the course syllabus here for details. Prerequisite: completion of at least the KSIDC Beginner sequence (levels 1-3) or any KSIDC intermediate course (1, 2, or 3). This course would complement concurrent enrollment in any Intermediate course (additional $20 multiple-course discount applies).



Advanced


Advanced Korean I (Wednesdays) 6-8pm EDT. 

Instructor: Hei Sook Yoo, starting June 5 ONLINE

A complete detailed syllabus is available by request to adam@ksiwashingtondc.org, or view the basic course description/outline and additional proficiency requirements/reading samples on our advanced class website here. All Advanced courses are held at approximately the same proficiency level but cover different topics.






Course Descriptions, Textbooks, & Placement Reading Samples


For reference links to specific textbooks for this session, view the current guide HERE.


Beginner 1


Textbook: NEW Sogang Korean 1A Student Book AND Workbook

Description: This class is designed for those who have no previous experience learning Korean. Students will be introduced to the Korean alphabet Hangeul, basic sentence structures, simple vocabulary, and conversation. By the end of the semester, students will be able to read and write Hangeul, introduce themselves, exchange greetings, count numbers, order food at a restaurant, and carry out basic daily conversation. Cultural aspects will also be included in the course content, so that students may grow in their understanding of Korean culture and share their cultural experiences. Students will be encouraged to speak Korean in class through different communicative activities often carried out in pairs or groups. There will be weekly assignments and quizzes to review what was covered in class. Students in this class will be able to continue to Beginner 2 during the next session.


Beginner 2


Textbook: NEW Sogang Korean 1A Student Book AND Workbook

Description: Beginner 2 is a continuation from Beginner 1 and is appropriate for beginner learners who have some prior experience learning Korean. Students are expected to be able to read and write the Korean alphabet, Hangul, and understand basic Korean dialogue, such as exchanging greetings, ordering food, and asking for information. This course will focus on developing essential conversational skills needed for daily communication in Korean, such as making an appointment, talking about daily activities and past events, and asking for/giving directions. In addition, students will learn to use the formal/deferential speech style and make the 5 Wh- questions in Korean. Cultural aspects will also be included in the course content, so that students may understand social and historical distinctiveness of Korean culture. Students will be encouraged to speak Korean in class through different communicative activities carried out in pairs or groups. There will be weekly assignments and quizzes to review materials covered in class. Students in this class will be able to continue to Beginner 3 in the next session.

 

New students registering for Beginner 2 should understand most of the following sample dialogue: 

 

앤디: 미나 씨, 오늘 일해요? 

미나: 아니요. 

앤디: 그럼 뭐 해요? 

미나: 친구 집에 가요. 

앤디: 몇 시에 친구 집에 가요? 

미나: 여덟 시에 친구 집에 가요.


Beginner 3


Textbook: NEW Sogang Korean 1B Student Book AND Workbook

Description: Beginner 3 builds on the basic foundation established in Beginner 1 and 2. This class is appropriate for those who have completed both Beginner 1 and 2 at the King Sejong Institute or those who have taken an elementary Korean course in college. Students who register for this class need to have basic knowledge of sentence structures, the present and past tense verb conjugation, informal and formal speech styles, and numeral systems in Korean. In this class, students will be introduced to diverse settings of daily conversation and specific tasks to be carried out in Korean. By the end of the semester, students will be able to talk about future plans and previous experiences, describe and compare varied things, make suggestions, ask for a favor, give reasons, prepare for a job interview, and use honorifics. Authentic materials in Korean, including drama clips, news, commercials, and music will be used to understand the usage of varied expressions and to broaden cultural understanding. There will be regular assignments and quizzes to review the materials covered in class.

 

New students registering for Beginner 3 should understand most of the following sample dialogue:

 

앤디: 미나 씨, 주말에 뭐 했어요?

미나: 공원에 갔어요.

앤디: 공원에 운동하러 갔어요?

미나: 아니요, 친구를 만나러 갔어요.

앤디: 그런데 근처에 공원이 있어요?

미나: 네, 집 앞에 있어요.


Intermediate 1


Textbook: NEW Sogang Korean 2A Student Book AND Workbook

Description: Intermediate 1 is a continuation from Beginner 3 and is appropriate for those who have taken Beginner 1-3 or 1-2 college semesters of Korean. This course aims to further enhance students’ understanding of the intermediate-low level of Korean language skills as a second language; it emphasizes practicing diverse settings of conversation, additional grammatical structures, broadening vocabulary, various styles of conjugation including the future tense, context-sensitive honorific speech styles, and cultural understanding of historical and contemporary written texts. Students will have the opportunity to synthesize their speaking, composition, and comprehension skills in through brief class presentations. Students who register for this level need to have basic level grammar knowledge including basic tenses, informal and formal speech styles, numbers, about thirty action verbs, and basic sentence structures.

 

New students registering for Intermediate 1 should understand MOST of the following sample dialogue and text (if not necessarily all vocabulary): 

 

한국:  미국 씨, 한국 음식을 드셔 보셨어요?

미국:  네, 먹어 봤어요.

한국:  김치를 좋아하세요?

미국:  아니요, 김치는 좋아하지 않아요. 

한국: 왜요? 

미국:  김치가 맛있지만 너무 매워서 못 먹어요.  

 

저는 회사원이에요. 집에서 회사까지 버스로 30분쯤 걸려요. 그래서 보통 7시에 일어나요. 8시에 집에서 출발해요. 그런데 오늘은 1시간 늦게 일어났어요. 버스 정류장까지 뛰었어요. 그런데 정류장에 사람이 너무 많았어요. 버스도 안 왔어요. 그래서 택시를 탔어요. 택시가 정말 빨리 갔어요. 9시 전에 도착했어요. 그래서 회사에 들어가기 전에 편의점에서 우유를 하나 샀어요.

 

Level Guideline: Students need to have basic knowledge of sentence structures, present and past tense verb conjugation, informal and formal speech styles, and numeral systems in Korean.


Intermediate 2


Textbook: NEW Sogang Korean 2B Student Book AND Workbook

Description: Intermediate 2 is a continuation of the Intermediate 1 Korean language course and is appropriate for those who have taken at least 2 college semesters of Korean. This course is designed to enhance students’ ability to speak, listen to, and write various nuanced Korean in an interpersonal and an interpretive situation with a contextual understanding of intermediate-mid level grammar. Students therefore develop an expanded ability to communicate in a culturally appropriate manner and critically examine current Korean issues. When students attend this course regularly, they will be expected to be able to comprehend and communicate suggestions, sharing experiences, thoughts, intentions, desires, feelings, and abilities using about about seventy various action verbs. In addition, students will develop their cultural competencies by acquiring cross-cultural understanding of Korean ways of thinking.


New students registering for Intermediate 2 should understand MOST of the following sample dialogue and text (if not necessarily all vocabulary):


앤디: 미나 씨, 축구 보는 것을 좋아하세요?

미나: 왜요? 텔레비전에서 경기를 본 적이 있어요.

앤디: 그럼, 오늘 같이 축구 보러 가요!

미나: 미안해요. 오늘은 다른 친구하고 만나기로 했어요.

앤디: 그럼, 다음에 같이 갑시다.

미나: 네, 다음에 갈 때 꼭 알려 주세요.


김민수 씨는 회사 동료인데 한국 무역 회사애 다닌 지 1년쯤 됐어요. 한국 회사에 다닌 지 1년쯤 됐어요. 대학에서 경영학을 전공했어요. 민수 씨와 함께 일하고 있는 사람은 수지 씨인데, 두 사람은 내가 회사에 처음 들어왔을 때부터 나를 많이 도와 줘서 항상 고맙게 생각하고 있어요. 민수 씨는 내년부터 해외 출장을 다녀야 해서 요즘 영어 공부를 열심히 하고 있어요. 민수 씨는 10년쯤 후에 무역 회사애 사장님이 되고 싶어 해요.


Level Guideline: Students need to handle verb/adjective conjugation rules in tenses and make sentences using basic causal conjunctives (-아/어서,  -고, -(으)려고, etc.), and have basic knowledge of noun-modifying forms. 


Intermediate 3


Textbook: NEW Sogang Korean 3A Student Book AND Workbook

Description: Intermediate 3 is a continuation of the Intermediate 2 Korean language course and is appropriate for those who have taken at least 2-3 college semesters of Korean. This course is designed to enhance students’ ability to speak, listen to, read, and write various nuanced Korean in intermediate-high level. In this course, students will develop an expanded ability to communicate in proper usage of vocabulary and expressions. In addition, students would be able to comprehend the situations in consulting and suggestions, sharing experiences, describing appearance and characters, expressing thoughts, solving problems, by using various speech styles. Students will practice a variety of class activities such as role-plays, pair works, conversation stations, group activities, playing games, etc. assigned by the instructor. Students are also expected to improve their cultural competencies by adapting contemporary Korean culture trends using various media materials.


New students registering for Intermediate 3 should understand MOST of the following sample dialogue and text (if not necessarily all vocabulary):


미나앤디 씨이사 잘 했어요?

앤디친구들이 도와줘서 잘 끝났어요.

미나이사 간 집은 어때요좋아요?

앤디좋아요지은 지 얼마 안 돼서 깨끗한 편이에요.

미나그런데 학교에서 좀 멀지 않아요?

앤디좀 멀긴 하지만 괜찮아요.

미나언제 집들이 한번 하세요.

앤디그럴게요.


한글을 만든 사람은 세종대왕이에요세종대왕이 한글을 만들기 전에는 한국에 글자가 없었어요말은 지금과 같은 한국말을 사용했지만 글을 쓸 때는 글자가 없어서 중국의 한자를 사용하고 있었어요세종대황은 이것을 안타깝게 생각해서 1443년에 한글을 만들었어요만든 사람과 만들어진 시기가 정확하게 알려진세계에서 유일한 문자예요.


Level Guideline: Students need to handle all verb/adjective conjugation rules including irregular rules and noun-modifying forms in various aspects.



Advanced (various)


Advanced-level courses vary each session, and may not be offered every session. To see full details on the current course offering (or else the most recent, including general information applicable to all Advanced-level courses), visit our Advanced classes website here






Registration / More Information


All registration is first come, first served by email request, until maximum enrollment. Please first check the class status (above--updated weekdays). To submit a registration request, indicate the specific class/group for which you would like to register in an email to Adam Wojciechowicz at adam@ksiwashingtondc.org. You will receive a reply with details on registration / payment forms within 1-3 days, in the case that the class is still open--thanks for your patience! If a class is full, we strongly recommend joining the waitlist, as additional sections might be added based on demand, or space may open up. There is no location restriction for online courses (but all class times are EDT).


PLEASE NOTE: Registration requests are taken in the order received until a class is full, at which point a waitlist option will be added to the website and existing registration requests will be confirmed. Classes may become full before we are able to update the website. Joining the waitlist is a good idea, as enrollment often shifts before the start of class and space opens up. Some classes fill up very quickly, especially with smaller online groups, so we appreciate your patience and understanding. For any questions, contact Adam at adam@ksiwashingtondc.org or (202) 587-6168 (email is best).


Nondiscrimination Policy

The King Sejong Institute Washington, D.C. admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to its students. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission and registration policies, support related to registration costs, and other school-administered programs. All are welcome!

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