There are many ways to learn a language: lessons, books, social media, and my app ‘Podo Korean.’ Among these, private lessons with a native teacher tend to be the most effective. This is how to find a good Korean teacher—a quest that many serious learners embark on.
However, 1:1 lessons also come with significant drawbacks, like higher costs and time limitations, especially on platforms like italki. If you’ve decided to find an online Korean teacher, it’s important to choose the right one to maximize your learning experience.
In this post, I’ll share three tips for choosing a Korean teacher, based on my personal experiences both as a teacher and as a language student.
Consider the Hourly Rate (and Teacher Type)
First, you need to think about the Korean lesson cost. As mentioned, lessons with a native speaker are often the most expensive option. On platforms like italki, prices typically range from $10 to $30 per hour.
Finding a teacher within your budget is essential because ‘consistency’ is key. It’s unlikely that your Korean skills will improve significantly with just a few lessons, so it’s important to find an affordable option that you can stick with for at least a year. I recommend taking lessons 1-2 times a week for the best results.
Keep in mind that a higher price doesn’t always mean a better teacher for you. The price often reflects two different types of teachers:
- Professional Teachers (e.g., $20-$30+): These teachers are certified, have degrees in Korean education, and provide structured materials (like PowerPoints and PDFs). They are excellent if you need serious, structured learning for TOPIK exams or grammar.
- Community Tutors (e.g., $10-$18): These are native speakers who offer casual conversation practice. They are a fantastic, affordable option if your main goal is to improve your speaking fluency and confidence.
A lower price doesn’t mean a bad teacher. The key is to find a teacher that fits your learning style, but your budget will affect your options.
Know Exactly What You Want (and Tell Them)
This is one of the most important tips for choosing a Korean teacher. One time, before my first lesson with an American student, he sent me a detailed document via Google Docs outlining exactly what he wanted.
The document included:
- Topics he wanted to discuss (e.g., technology, Korean society).
- Subjects he didn’t like (e.g., K-pop, celebrities).
- How he preferred to learn (e.g., “Please correct every single mistake I make,” “I prefer free conversation over a textbook”).
At first, I was worried that this student might be too demanding. But once we started lessons, I realized how helpful it was. I knew exactly what to do.
Usually, the first lesson is focused on getting to know the student—their Korean level, motivation, and personality. But when a student clearly communicates their needs beforehand, it benefits both sides.
Later, when I was looking for an English teacher myself, I used this approach. I created a document outlining what I wanted and sent it to my teacher. This allowed me to quickly see if the teacher was a good fit.
“Date” Your Teachers (Take Many Trial Lessons)
It would be great to find the perfect teacher after just one lesson, but it’s not that easy. How to find a good Korean teacher is like dating—you have to meet a few people to find the right fit.
When I was looking for an English teacher on italki, I took trial lessons with over 10 different teachers before selecting 2-3 that fit me best.
Why not just one? As I mentioned, one of the downsides of 1:1 lessons is time limitations.
- Flexibility: If you only choose one teacher, there’s a chance they may not be available when you are, or they may have to cancel.
- Variety: Hearing a variety of accents and voices (e.g., a Seoul accent vs. a Busan accent) can be more beneficial than sticking to one person’s speech patterns.
- Security: Worst case, your teacher might stop teaching altogether—this actually happened to me. If I had only relied on one teacher, I would have had to pause my learning.
When you take a trial lesson (which is usually a cheap 30-minute session), be a good interviewer. Check for:
- Audio/Video Quality: Is it clear? Is their internet stable?
- Punctuality: Did they show up on time?
- Correction Style: Do they correct you too much? Not enough?
- Personality: Do you “click”? You will be spending hours with this person.
A Final Piece of Advice: Your Effort Matters Most
Finding a good online Korean teacher is important, but practicing what you learn on your own is even more crucial. If you don’t review or practice outside of class, you’re wasting your money. The lesson is for practice and correction; the learning happens when you review.
If your Korean is at a beginner or intermediate level, I recommend taking lessons 1-2 times a week. You’ll need time to absorb new expressions and come up with questions. If you’re an advanced learner focusing on speaking, I suggest shorter but more frequent sessions—about 30 minutes, 3-5 times a week.
➤ Are you looking for a native Korean teacher? Check out my “italki profile” to schedule a lesson. If your preferred time isn’t available, try my app, “Podo Korean,” designed for serious learners like you. 🙂
