Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Would-be Korean language learners will also find themselves spoiled for choice. While
studying Korean isn't absolutely necessary for a stay in the country, it certainly makes resid-
ing here an easier, and far more enriching, experience.
We might as well get the bad news out of the way first: learning Korean is not easy. Experts
rank the country's national language right up there with head-scratchers like Chinese,
Japanese, and Arabic in terms of the amount of study required to attain fluency. It has been
linked to everything from Hungarian to Japanese, yet academics still disagree on how to
classify it. Throw in a unique script, multiple levels of formality, and for Westerners, alien
grammar, and it's apparent why very few non-Koreans attain fluency.
The good news is that fluency doesn't have to be anyone's goal. English is now a core
component of the education system (and at the center of a massive tutoring craze) so most
South Koreans now have at least a passing knowledge of the language. Many important
businesses and government departments have made an effort to set up departments provid-
ing services in English and other major languages, and many more can rustle up an Eng-
lish speaker to assist if needed, particularly in cities like Seoul and Busan. There's also no
