by Olly RichardsLearning Korean but have no-one to practise your speaking skills with? Then you need to discover these 5 best online Korean tutoring services.
Different online Korean tutoring platforms offer tutoring and classes that can be taken from the comfort of your own home.
These lessons may improve your understanding of the material, expand your knowledge, and help you get better grades if you’re taking them simultaneously with academic courses.
Here are 5 of the best online Korean tutoring services to consider if you feel like you need that extra speaking and confidence boost.
Pro Tip
By the way, if you want to learn Korean fast and have fun while doing it, my top recommendation is Korean Uncovered which teaches you through my fun, unique and effective StoryLearning® method.
If you’re ready to get started, click here for a 7-day FREE trial.
1. LanguaTalk
The top choice for finding certified online Korean tutors
Korean isn't one of the most commonly taught languages in many portions of the world, which means you might be feeling a bit discouraged about being able to find tutors.
The good news is that many reputable tutoring services have expanded their reach to include Korean as well. LanguaTalk is one such option. And a quality one at that.
You can be confident that your LanguaTalk Korean tutor is knowledgeable and experienced. They carefully screen all of their tutors to make sure they're the best fit for you.
LanguaTalk is a very picky company when it comes to approving applicants. In fact, only 10% are approved. This high level of selectivity means that you can be confident in the quality of the tutors on LanguaTalk.
Although native speakers may think that speaking ability is the most important thing to focus on when tutoring, LanguaTalk tutors' lessons courses are personalised.
This means that your needs always come first, no matter what. If you need to focus on business writing, for example, tutors can pivot to adapt.
LanguaTalk is a great way to learn Korean. However, if you’re looking to learn something highly specific, like medical Korean, you might not be able to find what you’re looking for.
In addition, you may need to ask your tutor for additional resources, as the site itself has a limited selection.
Pros
- Tutors are carefully vetted, so quality is high and they can adapt to your specific needs
- You can book a free, 30-minute trial (no card required)
- Students can view tutors’ reviews
- The website is intuitive and accessible
Cons
- If you need to learn highly specialised Korean, you might struggle to find the right tutor
- You’ll need to ask your tutor for additional learning resources
2. italki
A wide variety of options for maximum flexibility
italki is a popular name when it comes to Korean tutoring. One of its key features is the ability to provide two types of instruction: professional and community-based.
This makes it a great resource for those looking to improve their language skills.
There are “professional” tutors who have the credentials to teach Korean, whether that be certifications, academic degrees, or something else. You'll pay extra for their services, but they offer curriculums that can help you learn the language.
“Community” instructors are often less expensive than those who have recognised credentials. They are typically native speakers who are willing to practice their language skills with you.
While they may not be as qualified as some other instructors, they can still be a great option for language learners on a budget.
If you're looking to improve your Korean or learn another Asian language, italki is a great option with more than 30,000 tutors available. With such a large selection, you're sure to find the perfect tutor to help you reach your goals.
In order to learn Korean in a way that fits you, italki offers many different options to stay in touch, both as a desktop website and as an app.
Pros
- Tutors available to suit your budget
- Website offers lots of resources outside tutoring
- Accessible on phones, tablets, etc.
Cons
- Community tutor quality may vary
- The app is more responsive than the website
3. Verbling
For those who need to select tutors in specific locations
Verbling is an online tutoring service that provides Korean classes.
What distinguishes Verbling is its pricing model for teachers. Instead of charging a set hourly rate, Verbling lets teachers set their own price based on their experience and expertise.
Tutors can choose their own cost and adjust it at will, unlike other tutoring services. This allows them to better tailor their services to each individual client.
When it comes to finding a Korean tutor, you'll be able to search based on price and location. That means you can find someone who meets your needs and budget.
You'll also be able to narrow your search based on where the tutor is located specifically for the purpose of learning Korean dialects.
The website is well put together and easy to use, but the same can't always be said of the app. It has on and off days, but a patch should be coming soon. In the meantime, the website is a great resource for information, and it’s easy to use.
Korean is a beautiful language rich in history and culture. Learning Korean can be incredibly rewarding, allowing you to connect with people from all over the world who share your language. If you're looking for Korean tutoring, Verbling is a great option.
Pros
- Ability to filter by geographic location
- Accessible website
- Free trials on occasion
Cons
- The app needs a patch
- Tutors may be overpriced for their quality because they can set their own rates
4. MyLingoTrip
When a standard curriculum matters
MLT is a bit different than other language-learning programs in that you book your Korean lessons on a per-lesson basis.
These are each for one-on-one sessions, which means you'll have undivided attention from your teacher.
The number of classes you take each week will determine your fee, and taking more classes will result in a reduced cost overall. So if you want to save money, book more classes!
You will need to take a minimum of five classes, and you will be assigned a tutor based on your responses to questionnaires given before you start the program.
You may be apprehensive about being given a teacher rather than picking one, but the tutors are all native speakers who have certifications. This allows you to get the best possible education and learn from those who are certified in the language.
MyLingoTrip not only offers great Korean tutoring services, but all of the teachers adhere to a set, tried-and-true curriculum. This makes it stand out among online Korean tutoring services.
Thus, your experience with their Korean lessons will be just like if you were sitting in a classroom in Korea! You'll be able to see and hear your teacher, and they will be able to see and hear you.
Pros
- The curriculum is akin to an in-person class
- Discounts are available for groups of sessions
- Native speakers are the only ones eligible to teach
Cons
- The curriculum may create a very linear experience
- You’ll need to use Skype or another third-party platform
5. VerbalPlanet
If you need to hear how you’re doing as you go
If you're a Korean learner who wants to choose the best instructor and get feedback along the way, VerbalPlanet is the perfect tool for you.
At VerbalPlanet, they know that one of the most important things for teachers is to provide effective feedback.
That's why they make sure that all of their instructors are trained in giving comprehensive feedback that helps students learn and improve.
Tutors can help you stay motivated by using the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR) to identify your strengths and set achievable goals.
With the CEFR, tutors can create a personalised plan that helps you make the most of your time and improve your language skills.
You can also choose the platform that works better for you by taking classes on Zoom, Teams, or even Skype. With so many options available, you're sure to find a way to learn that works for your situation.
There are many online Korean tutoring programs that teach for an hour or more, but VerbalPlanet instructors usually only teach for about 40 minutes. This makes VerbalPlanet a great choice for those who want to learn Korean but don't have a lot of time to dedicate to lessons.
This is especially useful for aspiring students who struggle to incorporate language study into their day. There are many benefits to studying a language, and it can be difficult to find the time to do so, but VerbalPlanet makes it easy.
Pros
- You’re guaranteed to get regular feedback
- Lessons can be purchased in batches for cheaper than a single lesson
- Tutor information is readily available
Cons
- You might not be able to take a free trial
- Some people thrive with longer lessons
Best Online Korean Tutoring Services
It's true that there are a wealth of resources available online for those looking to learn Korean. K-pop, Korean learning apps, and more can all be found with a simple search. And many of these are available for free.
However, if you're looking to improve your skills and synthesise all the bits of knowledge you've acquired, a full-service tutoring program is the way to go.
There's no time like the present to get started down the path to success, and that path becomes a lot easier when you have a professional there to help you keep going.
Korean doesn’t have to be a difficult language to learn—and the best time to start is now!
So check out LanguaTalk, our top recommendation for finding the best online Korean tutors.
The platform stands out for its ease of use, and unlike other sites, identifies the top 10% of talent. It also offers a 30-minute free trial session to new students, though a few tutors do opt to charge a small fee for this. Click here to see tutors' availability, videos and reviews.
