King Sejong Institute

Home / KOREAN LANGUAGE PROGRAM / King Sejong Institute

Irvine king sejong institute - Korean Classes for Adults

Join our community of passionate Adult Korean learners - discover america's top rated korean program

As an official King Sejong Institute (KSI) designated by the Korean government since 2018, Korean American Center offers globally recognized Korean language and cultural programs, right here in Orange County and online across the United States and Canada. 

Join a global network of learners through high-quality, accessible classes taught by certified instructors using official Sejong curriculum.

What is King Sejong Institute?

Your Global Gateway to korean language & culture

Named after the inventor of the Korean alphabet, King Sejong Institute is a global initiative funded by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of the Republic of Korea and managed by the King Sejong Institute Foundation. The goal is to promote Korean language and culture worldwide.

This initiative offers comprehensive Korean language courses for adult learners from absolute beginner to advanced levels, focusing on reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to effectively communicate in Korean.

There are only 13 designated King Sejong Institutes in the United States — and we’re proud to be one of them. 

Check out our feature on NBC4 News. Get a look inside Korean American Center and meet some of the inspiring students at the heart of our community.

Why Learn Korean Through King Sejong Institute at KAC?

Official Government Designation

Recognized by the Korean government as the official source for Korean language instruction outside of Korea. 

Global Credibility

High-quality standardized curriculum and direct connection to the heart of Korean language and culture.

In-Person &
Online Classes

Join us in person in Irvine, CA or from anywhere in the United States online through Zoom. 

Exclusive Cultural Programs

Gain access to KSI-sponsored workshops, events, and cultural enrichment opportunities.

Experienced, Certified Instructors

Learn from credentialed educators with years of experience and cultural insight.

Hear From Our Learners

We asked some of our learners how they would describe our program and here's what they said -

Michelle T
Adult Learner (Beginner Level)
"A cultural language center that offers online and in person classes and also provides connection to a Korean community!"
David K
Absolute Beginner, Online
“I’ve taken Korean on apps before, but nothing compares to this. KAC’s Sejong program helped me build real skills — and I finally feel like I'm really learning”
Julia P
Beginner 2, In-Person Learner
“I joined to reconnect with my Korean heritage, but I stayed because of the community. The events and workshops helped me feel proud of my roots in a new way.”
Wendy S.
Beginner 1, In-Person Learner
"Awesome fun classes to be apart of. I have actually made friends with my classmates and hang out after class too."
Janice M.
Beginner 3, Online Learner
“The instructor is very good at explaining things and keeping the class engaged. The two hours go by so quickly!”
Jeremy K
Intermediate 2, Online Learner
"I have already recommended the class to several friends... I described the class as a great class with lots of levels for different experience levels, affordable, great teachers, good timing, and fun environment with other students and TAs."

Who should enroll here?

We welcome all learners to our award winning program— Korean heritage speakers, K-culture fans, professionals, and absolute beginners alike. We offer a full range of Sejong-approved Korean language classes throughout the year. 

Choose your korean learning path

In Person Classes

Irvine King Sejong Institute at Korean American Center

Small-group, weekly classes held at our Irvine campus. A great fit for those who enjoy face-to-face learning in a community setting.

ONLINE Classes

Online Korean Class

Learn from anywhere through our structured, instructor-led virtual courses. Same curriculum and quality—just more flexibility.

Global Recognition, Local Impact

As an official King Sejong Institute backed by the Korean government, we are part of a prestigious global network delivering world-class Korean language and culture education.

Based in Irvine, CA — but reaching students across the United States through both in-person and online programs.

Our Korean learners in action

 We’re proud to share that our very own students were featured on KBS TV’s “우리말 겨루기” (Woorimal Gyeorugi) — Korea’s iconic Korean language competition show — as part of its 50th anniversary global special

To celebrate this milestone, KBS traveled to four countries, including the United States, where they filmed right here in Irvine, California. Two of our students were selected to represent the U.S.:

  • 🇺🇸 Haley C. advanced to the international finals in Korea, competing against top Korean learners from Egypt, Vietnam, and France.

  • 🎉 Tom M., one of our most dedicated learners, was the oldest contestant among all global participants — proving it’s never too late to pursue your passion for Korean.

Their stories are a powerful reflection of what’s possible through our programs — and a reminder that language learning can lead to unforgettable, life-changing opportunities.

Korean Learners

In Person Classes

ONLINE Classes

American Korean Institute

Learn Korean. Experience Culture. Connect Community.From our roots in Orange County to learners everywhere, our accredited Korean language and culture programs bring expert teaching and cultural connection online and in person.

Recent Blogs