Looking for a summer course that’s engaging, flexible, and globally focused? Beginning Korean online course (KOR 201) is open for Summer 2026. This course introduces the fundamentals of speaking, reading, and writing Korean, while incorporating Korean popular culture as authentic learning materials, making the experience both fun and meaningful. It’s an excellent option if you’re planning to study abroad in Korea (Fall 2026) and are interested in starting your journey in Korean language and culture.
Elementary Korean I (KOR 201) is a great course for those with no knowledge of Korean and want to get started. The course starts with the Korean alphabet (Hangul) and learning basic grammar, vocabulary, and commonly used expressions, to achieve beginning level of speaking, listening, reading, writing, and basic grammar skills in Korean. Elementary Korean is not for students who have a Korean language background. Students who have Korean background or have previously taken a course(s) in Korean must take the Korean placement test. For more information about Korean placement tests, visit the East Asian Languages & Cultures website at ealc.illinois.edu.
This course will begin on June 15th and will end on August 6th, 2026. The format of the class will be asynchronous with two weekly synchronous classes. Students enrolled in the course will receive 5 credit hours towards their graduation. This course is open to everyone. Undergraduates, graduates, graduating seniors, non-degree students and even high schoolers are welcomed to enroll. If you have additional questions about the course, email the Korean Language Program Director at j-ahn@3illinois.edu or the course instructor at jihye26@illinois.edu. Join us this summer and take your first step into Korean!