How to Choose a Korean Language School

University language institutes vs private academies, what to compare before you pay, and the steps from choosing a school to getting your D-4 visa and residence card.

Updated Oct 21, 2026As of Oct 20267 min read

Most people who come to Korea to learn Korean study at a language school on a D-4 (general training) visa. The school you choose affects your class quality, your living cost and even your visa. Compare a few schools before you pay anything.

University institutes and private academies

University-affiliated language institutes (어학당): run by a university. They can usually issue the documents for a D-4 visa. You can use campus facilities, and some give benefits if you later apply to the same university.
Private language academies: often more flexible schedules and smaller classes. But many of them cannot issue documents for a D-4 visa, so they are mostly used by people who already have another visa.
Before you apply, ask the school directly: “Can you issue a certificate of admission for a D-4 visa?”

Most university institutes run 10-week terms with four intakes a year: spring, summer, fall and winter (roughly March, June, September and December). Exact dates differ by school. Tuition is roughly ₩1.5–2.0 million per 10-week term at many institutes, but it varies. The application fee, dormitory, insurance and books are usually extra.

What to compare

What to check	Why it matters	What to ask
Class hours per week	More hours means faster progress but less free time.	How many hours a day and how many days a week?
Class size	Small classes give you more speaking time.	What is the maximum number of students in a class?
Level test	You should start at the right level.	Is there a placement test on arrival? Can I change my level?
Nationality mix	If most classmates speak your language, you may speak less Korean.	Roughly what share of students comes from each country?
Location and living cost	Rent and food in Seoul usually cost more than in other cities.	What is a typical monthly rent near the school?
Dormitory	A dorm makes your first months much easier.	Is there a dorm for language students? What are the cost and rules?
Path to the university	Some universities give benefits to students of their own institute.	Is there an admission benefit, or can a finished level replace TOPIK?
Attendance rules	Your attendance affects your visa.	What attendance rate is required? What happens if it is low?
Refund rule	You may need money back if your visa is refused or your plans change.	How much is refunded before and after the term starts?

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Attendance is not only about grades. Immigration checks your attendance when you extend your D-4 visa and when you ask for part-time work permission. Low attendance can mean your extension or work permission is refused.

The Korean government evaluates how universities manage international students (International Education Quality Assurance System, 교육국제화역량 인증제). For schools with poor results, visa issuance can be restricted for a period. Before you choose, ask the school about its current status and check the latest government notice.

From choosing a school to arrival

1
Compare schools
Make a shortlist of 2–3 schools. Check term dates, total cost, the dorm and the refund rule.
2
Apply
Send the application form and documents before the deadline. Many schools ask for a passport copy, education certificates and proof of funds.
3
Get the certificate of admission
After the review and your tuition payment, the school issues a certificate of admission (표준입학허가서).
4
Apply for the D-4 visa
Apply at the Korean embassy or consulate (or an official visa application center) in your country. Requirements differ by country.
5
Arrive and register
Take the level test and start classes. If you stay longer than 90 days, you must register and get a residence card (ARC) at an immigration office within 90 days of entry. Book your visit on HiKorea.

Need help comparing schools? K-PASS GLOBAL counsellors can check your case (study, visa, jobs).

Official sources

We link to the original source so you can check it yourself.

TOPIK Requirements for University Admission6 min read

Korean Academic Calendar: March and September Intakes4 min read

D-4 Language Training Visa: Documents You Need6 min read