How Long Does It Take to Learn Korean?
Learning Korean as an English speaker requires dedication and consistent practice. Our estimates are based on data from authoritative sources including the U.S. Foreign Service Institute (FSI), CEFR framework, and ACTFL guidelines.
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Korean vs Other Languages
See how Korean compares to other popular languages for English speakers. The chart shows estimated hours to reach basic conversational level.
Korean is considered one of the most challenging languages for English speakers due to significant differences in writing systems, grammar, and cultural context.
How We Calculate Language Learning Time
Our estimates combine data from multiple authoritative sources:
- CEFR Framework: European standards from institutions like the Goethe-Institut (German) and Alliance française (French)
- ACTFL Guidelines: American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages proficiency standards
- FSI Data: U.S. Foreign Service Institute's extensive research on language learning difficulty for English speakers
These estimates represent classroom hours and may vary significantly based on your learning method, motivation, and language background.