*This is the second part of an email interview conducted online with a Korean learner. For more details, please refer to the content below.
Read the first part here.
Section 3: Korean Culture Centre India
Q10. You also studied Korean in in-person classes at the Korean Culture Centre India. What made you take that step?
I always wanted to join KCCI, but didn’t get the chance earlier. After starting IGNOU in early 2023, I finally got the opportunity in mid-2023 to apply for KCCI, and I was fortunate to get in.
Q11. Could you share how the course was structured — free/ paid, enrollment process, duration, teaching style, teachers, exams, cultural exposure and learning pace?
The KCCI course is paid and runs in levels, each lasting about three months. Enrollment is through an online application and on First-come First-serve bases selection since demand is high.
The classes are taught by native Korean teachers in an interactive style, focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing. We had regular assessments and a final exam at the end of each level.
Along with language, there’s strong cultural exposure through events, activities, and immersion, which makes learning both fast-paced and engaging.
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Q12. How do the levels (1–4) progress in terms of difficulty? Which skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing) were emphasized most?
By the end of Level 1, I could actually put together short paragraphs in Korean and even handle the one-minute speaking tests we had at the end of each level. With every new chapter, we learned tons of vocabulary, and our teachers pushed us to use only Korean in class, which, at the time, felt like a challenge, but in hindsight was the reason we remembered things so quickly. The small activities they planned made learning feel less like studying and more like playing a game.
As I moved up the levels, my confidence grew. By Level 4, it almost felt like survival training. We were no longer just memorising simple phrases; we were writing small essays, making our own sentences with new grammar, doing role plays, listening to longer passages, and even giving short presentations.
- Speaking shifted from “just surviving” to actually expressing opinions and telling stories.
- Listening and speaking were definitely the main focus, since teachers constantly challenged us to respond instantly.
- Reading and writing, though often left for homework, kept getting tougher with each level and shaped our overall accuracy.
One of the best parts was that every level had a different teacher. Each brought their own style and energy, so the classes always felt fresh and interesting. Looking back, those four levels weren’t just language lessons; they were experiences that trained me to think, react, and express myself in Korean step by step.
Q13. Any specific advantage one gets while studying at KCCI (over other institutions in India)? How did cultural activities or events at KCCI enhance your learning?
From my experience, the biggest advantage of studying at KCCI is that it feels like learning Korean in a mini-Korea right here in India. The institute has a very authentic environment, classes are taught only in Korean and English by native teachers, which really pushes you to think in the language. The textbooks are directly from the King Sejong Institute, so the curriculum is standard and globally recognised.
What truly stood out for me were the cultural activities. Apart from language classes, KCCI organises events like Hangul Day celebrations, K-pop contests, movie screenings, cooking demos, and Korean festivals. Being part of those made me experience the language in real cultural settings, not just in textbooks. It gave me the confidence to not only speak Korean but also connect with the culture behind the words.
Q14. Do they prepare students for TOPIK or jobs in Korean companies?
Yes, KCCI definitely plays a supportive role in both.
For TOPIK preparation, the regular Sejong Institute curriculum itself builds the foundation you need. On top of that, the teachers guide you with exam strategies and extra practice closer to the test dates. Many students from KCCI actually clear higher levels of TOPIK because of this structured approach.
When it comes to career opportunities, while KCCI isn’t a placement cell, studying there gives you credibility. Korean companies in India recognise the King Sejong Institute name, so having it on your CV adds weight. Plus, the teachers often share information about internships, scholarships, or events where Korean firms are looking for talent. The cultural immersion and networking you get through KCCI also help you stand out in interviews with Korean employers.
Q15. Are there any opportunities for Korean trips or scholarships for Korean universities?
Yes, and this is one of the best parts of studying at KCCI.
Since KCCI is directly tied to the Korean Cultural Centre and King Sejong Institute HQ in Seoul, students sometimes get access to:
- Short-term cultural exchange trips: Occasionally, they select top-performing students to visit Korea for cultural immersion programs (like summer camps, cultural festivals, or Sejong Institute global exchanges). These are competitive, but they do exist.
- Scholarships to Korean universities: While KCCI itself doesn’t fund degrees, they guide students towards big programs like the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), as well as university-specific scholarships. Teachers often help with recommendation letters and preparation for these applications.
- Workshops & collaborations with Korean universities: Sometimes, Korean professors visit KCCI, and this networking can open doors for higher studies.
In short, studying at KCCI definitely increases your chances of getting into a Korean university or being chosen for a trip, because they look at your performance, participation in cultural events, and TOPIK level.
Section 4: Tips & Recommendations
Q16. Your personal favorites (study methods or resources) for learning Korean.
If I had to pick my personal favourites that really helped me learn Korean (beyond just the classroom), it would be these:
1. Writing everything by hand
I used to maintain a thick notebook just for Korean vocabulary and grammar explanations. Writing out Hangul repeatedly (try typing too, keep the Hangul keyboard) really cemented it in my memory.
2. Watching K-dramas & K-pop lyrics with a purpose
Instead of binge-watching, I’d pick one drama and pause to listen and understand useful phrases and sentences. With songs, I’d write down and read lyrics in Hangul instead of romanisation, and translation, which trained my listening.
4. Korean language YouTube channels
Channels like Talk To Me In Korean (TTMIK), 최수수 ChoiSusu and Seemile were great for bite-sized lessons. TTMIK especially made grammar less scary.
5. Language exchange & speaking out loud
At KCCI, we had chances to interact with classmates and sometimes with native Koreans. But even alone, I’d speak sentences out loud (yes, talking to myself in Korean!), which boosted confidence.
6. Consistent revision with sticky notes
I’d stick Korean words all around my room, on the mirror, fridge, and even on my laptop. Seeing them daily helped me absorb naturally.
If I had to give one golden tip, mix classroom study with real-life exposure. Don’t just rely on textbooks; immerse yourself in Korean in little ways every day.
Q17. How has learning Korean impacted professional life so far (career benefits)?
Learning Korean has definitely influenced my professional journey in meaningful ways. It has opened doors to unique opportunities, especially in teaching, translation, and cultural exchange, where the demand for Korean language skills is steadily growing in India.
Having certifications like Sejong course completion and TOPIK not only adds credibility to my profile but also helps me stand out in competitive spaces. It’s been easier to connect with Korean companies, language institutes, and even cultural organisations because of this skill. Beyond jobs, it has also expanded my confidence to explore freelance work, write about Korean culture, and even consider roles that bridge India and Korea.
In short, Korean has become more than just a language; it’s shaping my career path and giving me an edge that I might not have had otherwise.
Q18. Finally, what’s your long-term dream with the Korean language — teaching, research, interpretation, or something else? (optional)
My long-term dream with the Korean language is still unfolding. I imagine myself exploring different paths, teaching, creating content, translating, or even conducting cultural research, depending on where opportunities and interests take me.
What excites me most is the idea of using Korean as a bridge, whether that’s through education, storytelling, or helping people connect across cultures. I don’t see it as a fixed destination, but more as a journey where I want to keep growing, experimenting, and finding meaningful ways to use the language in my professional and personal life.
* This is the end of the second part of the interview. If you have any questions for the guest, please leave them in the comments. Read the first part here.
* If you wish to share your story with us, please reach out to us at campus.inb@gmail.com For more information, check our careers page.
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