Korean Language Classes for Kids (K–12)

Q: What Is a Heritage Learner?

At Korean American Center, we define a heritage learner as anyone with at least one grandparent who is ethnically Korean . This definition also includes Korean adoptees , who may not have grown up with the language.

Home KOREAN LANGUAGE PROGRAM Korean Language Classes for Kids (K–12)

Live Korean classes for kids that build fluency, confidence, and cultural pride—online or in person

All classes will be held both In-Person and online via Zoom. Our nationally recognized program is now accepting students throughout the country on a first come, first serve basis. Our online classes are dynamic LIVE CLASS – not self-study course or module-based learning. Our interactive classes are designed for young Korean learners.

Connecting with Culture

In addition to learning the language, students will learn about aspects of Korean culture and history through activity based learning.

Cultural Immersion

Online Classes for All Ages

Small Classes

Students will be able to increase their Korean language proficiency, critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Develop Pride

It is our goal that students develop a sense of pride and appreciation of their Korean heritage.

Developing Curious Learners

We Believe Learning Korean Should Be FUN from Anywhere!

Whether your child joins us in person or online, our classes are built around one big idea: kids learn best when they’re having fun.

From songs, stories, and games to hands-on activities and cultural projects, we make Korean come alive in every setting. In-person students get the joy of learning side by side with classmates, while online learners jump into interactive activities that keep them engaged right from home.

No matter where they log in—or walk in—kids will laugh, play, and grow their confidence in Korean. Because when learning is fun, the language sticks for life.

Our K–12 Korean language program offers a dynamic, age-appropriate path for kids to develop real language skills—while celebrating their heritage and having fun.

Did You Know That Korean is a "Critical Language"?

Korean is officially recognized by the U.S. government as a “critical language” vital for national security, global business, and international diplomacy. It’s called “critical” because the need for Korean speakers is growing rapidly, yet there are still far too few professionals with strong skills to meet that demand.

Korean Opens the doors to global opportunities

Students who know Korean stand out in college applications, scholarship programs, and future careers—whether in business, technology, government, or international fields.

Give your child a head start today!

Our Philosophy: Practical Language Learning: Focusing on Real-World Application—Built on ACTFL Standards

Language should work in real life and should be FUN! We focus on what a learner can do with Korean in everyday situations. We align to ACTFL, the only nationally recognized framework for language learning in the United States, so skills build in the right order and you can see clear progress every term.

Learn Hangul through stories and patterns (not rote charts).
Build real sentences with polite endings and core particles that are age-appropriate.
Use Korean out loud in games, partner tasks, and mini-presentations.
Read for joy (comics, captions, storybook snippets) and write with purpose (notes to grandparents, labels, postcards)
- Create & share cultural projects they’re proud of.

When your child learns Korean with us, they’re following the same gold-standard roadmap trusted by schools, universities, and even government programs to measure real language proficiency.

Korean American Center is proud to be a member of ACTFL

What makes Korean American Center Different?

The only U.S. institute recognized by both governments for Korean language education

We are the only institute in the nation designated by both the United States government and the Korean government for Korean language education. This unique dual recognition sets us apart as the trusted leader in Korean learning. This dual recognition reflects our twofold mission:

Korean As A Foreign Language
We provide high-quality, standards based instruction that builds language skills from the ground up, opening doors to academic and career opportunities worldwide.
Korean As A Heritage Language
For Korean American families, we serve as a heritage school where children and adults can reclaim language, deepen cultural connection, and strengthen intergenerational bonds.

We Are The Only WASC-Accredited Korean Language Institute in the United States
Ensures educational quality, accountability, and alignment with U.S. school systems.
We Hire Certified Instructors, Not Gig Tutors
Vetted, experienced educators trained to teach Korean as a foreign language with ongoing professional development.
Certified Instructors
Vetted, experienced teachers trained to teach Korean as a foreign language.
ACTFL-Aligned Curriculum
Follows internationally respected standards for language acquisition that is recognized everywhere (helps later with high-school placement and the Seal of Biliteracy).
Deep Cultural Integration
We connect learners to Korean culture through age appropriate folktales, songs, crafts, and K-culture projects.
Visible Progress Every Term
Parent-friendly snapshots tied to ACTFL (Interpretive / Interpersonal / Presentational) + specific next steps.

How Kids Build Real Korean Skills

Your child will build Korean step by step—always in age-appropriate ways. They’ll learn to understand what they hear and read, talk and interact with others, and share their own ideas. Each stage has clear goals, so you’ll see their progress every term.

First we Listen

Making sense of Korean you read, hear, or watch. Learners first build the ability to understand what they hear and read in Korean through songs, stories, and age-appropriate activities. This gives them the foundation to recognize meaning before they start producing language.

Real World Application: Reading a short comic; following teacher directions or a song chorus, getting the main idea from short stories/videos

“I can follow simple class directions.”

“I can understand the main idea of a story.”

“I can understand a short video made for kids.”

Then we Talk

Learners practice speaking in fun, interactive ways—through games, partner activities, and role-play. They learn how to greet, share, and respond naturally in everyday, age-appropriate situations.

Real World Application: partner chats about weekend plans; role-play ordering or asking for snacks.

"I can ask and answer simple questions about my family and school.”

“I can ask and answer how someone feels.”

“I can ask and answer questions about school or hobbies.”

Then We Share!

Planning and delivering something for others either spoken or written. Learners gain confidence to share their own thoughts—whether through short presentations, simple writing, or creative projects. This step helps them express themselves in meaningful, real-world ways.

Real World Application: a 30-second show-and-tell; a short note or card to grandparents.

"I can write my name and a label in Hangul."

“I can give a 30-second introduction with slides.”

“I can write a 3–4 sentence note to my grandparents.”

Korean American Center in the News

This KCAL News segment from CBS Los Angeles reports on a historic achievement by the Korean American Center (KAC) in Irvine, California. The center has become the first Korean language school in the United States to receive official accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Visit our Press Page to see more.

"The teachers are so patient and energetic. They make the lessons fun and age-appropriate, which really helps the kids remember new words and phrases. My daughter enjoyed this program much more than another she attended—and now she’s using Korean with relatives at home."

"I’ve taken other Korean classes before, but this program is the first one that really helped me understand instead of just memorizing. Being immersed in both the language and culture every day gave me confidence to speak with my family at home. Even small moments, like being able to answer my grandmother in Korean, felt so meaningful."

"What I loved most is how comfortable it felt to learn here. I wasn’t afraid to make mistakes because the teachers and classmates were all really supportive. The lessons didn’t just cover language, but also Korean history and culture, which made me feel closer to my heritage."

"What I love most is that this program doesn’t just teach Korean—it brings the culture to life. From crafts to cooking, every activity kept my child engaged and excited to learn. We’ve tried other programs, but this one stood out for its balance of language and cultural immersion."

"Through KAC, I gained so much knowledge about Korean history and language. The teachers were kind and patient, and I really appreciated how much effort they put into making class enjoyable. I’m glad I joined—it’s made me want to keep learning more Korean."

"Before this class, I always felt disconnected from Korean culture, but now I feel so much closer to my heritage. I’m not just learning words—I’m learning how to really speak, understand, and connect with my family in a meaningful way. I’m grateful for the supportive teachers."

Online Korean Classes for Kids and Teens

Korean Classes for kids both in person and online

Online and in person Korean Classes for Kids and Teens

Flexible Class Formats for Every Family

We offer flexible ways for K–12 students to learn Korean:

In-Person Classes (Irvine, CA)

Small-group, in-person classes offer a highly interactive, social setting. Students engage with peers and participate in hands-on cultural activities each week.
Korean American Center – 20 Truman St, Irvine, CA

Online Classes (Live via Zoom)

Students participate in real-time lessons from anywhere, with the same high-quality instruction and curriculum as in-person. Great for busy families or those outside the Irvine area.

Who Should Enroll

Our K–12 Korean language classes are perfect for:

Heritage learners looking to strengthen identity and communication.
First-time learners new to Korean.
Kids who thrive in structured, interactive environments.
Families who want a trusted, culturally grounded language program.
Parents aiming for future high-school success and eventually the Seal of Biliteracy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Korean Language Classes For Kids & Teens

Why Learn Korean?

Korean is an increasingly important language on the world stage. Korea has one of the world’s largest and most innovative economies. The Korean cultural impact around the world is representative of the continued growth of Asian influence in America.

Because Korean is still not a widely taught language, there will be a shortage of Americans who can speak Korean. Learning Korean connects your child to 75 million people worldwide and will provide your child them with greater opportunities in a 21st century global environment.

Will learning a second language be confusing for my child?

No. Learning a second language does not cause language confusion, language delay or cognitive deficit, which have been concerns in the past. In fact, according to studies at the Cornell Language Acquisition Lab (CLAL), students who learn a second language can maintain attention despite outside stimuli better than children who know only one language. Students in the process of learning a second language that have been evaluated on standardized testing procedures used in schools, received higher scores in more than just the verbal aspect of the tests. They also scored higher in math.

Will my child’s academic learning be compromised by spending time learning Korean?

No. Students are likely to have higher levels of academic success throughout school. When a students learns a second language, it not only activates the components of the brain that are responsible for verbal and written communication, but it also activates the areas of the brain that are directly responsible for reasoning, thinking, and numeric understanding. As a result, the student is capable of excelling in virtually every area of their academic careers.

What Is a Heritage Learner?

At Korean American Center, we define a heritage learner as anyone with at least one grandparent who is ethnically Korean. This definition also includes Korean adoptees, who may not have grown up with the language.

My child is not Korean, can they still take classes with you?

Yes you can! Our classes are suited for both Heritage and Non-Heritage Learners.

Does my child need any prior experience to enroll?

Absolutely not! Our classes are perfect for absolute beginners with no previous exposure to Korean language.

What’s the minimum age for students?

Our kids classes are designed for learners 5 years old and up. High School learners 16 years and up will have a choice to join either our adult or teen program.

What levels are offered?

We offer classes from Korean Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners, intermediate, and advanced classes. You’ll be guided to the level that best fits your goals.

Is there homework?

We don’t give homework just for the sake of it. Instead, we provide meaningful practice activities that help your child apply what they’ve learned in class to real life—like short conversations, fun games, or sharing new words at home.

Our goal is to reinforce learning in ways that are practical, age-appropriate, and never overwhelming.

Who teaches the classes?

All teachers are native speakers who are certified through either the Korean government or the state of California. We do not hire gig tutors – all our teachers are employees who have been vetted with background checks.

Are the online classes interactive?

Yes! We use Zoom tools like breakout rooms, whiteboards, and polls to keep classes dynamic and engaging.

Will my child learn about Korean culture too?

Definitely. Culture is a core part of our curriculum—from etiquette and holidays to music, food, and modern life in Korea.

How do I access materials?

All resources are shared digitally through our learner management system you will have access to, including class recordings, supplemental materials—so you can learn from anywhere, anytime.

How do I enroll?

Just visit our registration page, choose your level, and follow the enrollment steps. Our team is here if you need help at any point.

What if I have to miss a class?

We understand that people have busy schedules. Lessons will be uploaded in eKadence, our Learning Management System for easy access.

What are the class sizes?

Our class sizes are kept small to ensure personalized attention and an optimal learning environment, typically ranging from 8 to 10 students.

Is this affiliated with a church?

No, we are not affiliated with any church. We are a secular Korean education institution, cultural and community center.

🗓️ Class Schedule & Enrollment

Space is limited, and our small class sizes fill quickly. Early registration is encouraged.