I have had the pleasure of taking adult classes at the Oakland Korean School for the last 2 semesters with Soran Min. She is a great teacher who has explained the pretty complicated Korean language to a bunch of beginners, starting with teaching us Hangul (the system of writing) and moving toward basic conversations, numbers, and useful vocabulary. They also offer classes for children, which seem to be the majority of their students. They hold events for all students periodically throughout the year - I spent last Saturday learning Korean calligraphy and eating some delicious Korean food prepared by volunteers! If you're thinking about learning Korean, start here. It's not easy, but you can't go wrong with this school! read more

Oakland Korean School - The adult students' attempt at Korean calligraphy! Definitely not traced... - Language Schools Near Me - Oakland, California

I like the Korean I think I was the first one there I love the teachers there the after school programs are good I love the school most of the teachers knew me but I had to move so I had to stop going I hope they stay in business they are a good Korean school I recommend read more

I am a student of Oakland Korean School. This is already my 3rd semester and I am loving it! I am so lucky to have teacher Min for all these classes. She is very knowledgeable, responsive, detailed oriented, accessible and caring. She always answers my questions even if they are not class related. She always prepares and updates her materials for her classes, never absent and never late. She also makes sure we do our homework and gives us serious feedbacks. She is just awesome. I have learned so much from her. From zero Korean to now I am able to make basic conversations with my Korean husband. Now, I also want to talk about the Kimjang event! Kimjang is a traditional Korean day for families to make kimchi together. Oakland Korean School started to hold this event since last year. Yesterday (11/09/19) was my second time to attend this event and it was wonderful! Many of the church people and teachers had worked so hard for 3 days straight just to prepare for this 3 hours event! All the ingredients were well-prepared for us to make kimchi!!! The only thing we had to bring with us was an apron. It is a very good experience for everyone regardless you are Korean or not. The one that I made last year was so delicious and now I cannot wait for these jars to ferment! I highly recommend this event to everyone who wants to try homemade kimchi. Almost forgot to mention, after kimchi making, they even served us traditional Bossam (Korean style boiled pork belly) lunch! I was so stuffed that I did not even need dinner! read more

Oakland Korean School - The kimchi that I made! - Language Schools Near Me - Oakland, California

Ms. Soran is an excellent educator. She really takes the time to make sure you understand, very patient, and makes the experience fun. You can tell she truly has a passion for teaching. The other staff members at the school are so friendly and welcoming! They really make you feel comfortable and part of the school family! I've learned so much and highly recommend anyone trying to learn Korean attend this school! Looking forward to taking Beginning 2! read more

I have wanted to learn Korean for years. I've searched and read various schools in the Bay Area; unfortunately, their reviews were never consistent until I found Oakland Korean School. OKS definitely deserve the five stars. You learn so much in one semester and come away at the end feeling confident about the knowledge you've gained. I believe part of a successful school are the teachers. They create a safe environment where students can challenge themselves, but enjoy the journey. This school provides that type of environment. Soran, our teacher was patient, helpful, and receptive to questions inside and outside of the classroom. I look forward to continuing my journey in expanding my Korean language with OKS. If you're looking to seriously learn Korean, I highly recommend Oakland Korean School! read more

OKS has been a great option for me to learn Korean on Saturdays, while still working full-time in the Bay Area. Ms. Soran Min and Ms. Kang have been integral in establishing the Korean Language program at OKS. There are different levels of Korean language classes. The classes are never boring, and practice in speaking, reading and writing is non stop. In addition, learning about Korean culture is incorporated with fun activities such as cooking. I highly recommend going to OKS!! read more

I have taken Beginning Korean Level 1 and 2 at OKS. The classes are very well structured and are supplemented with relevant handouts, videos, homework, and exams. Besides the language, our instructor also taught us a lot about Korean culture, which gave us a better understanding of certain phrases/expressions in context. I was very fortunate to have taken both classes with Soran Min, who is an excellent instructor. She was always very supportive, helpful with feedback and gave us many useful resources. Repetition was key, and she made sure that we master one topic before moving on to the next. Another upside to this language course is the group of students you take the class with. Everyone is equally supportive and friendly, which makes for a stress-free and comfortable learning environment. If you have always wanted to learn Korean, take a course here at OKS- you will not regret it. read more

I got into the adult program mainly because I was interested to send my young daughter to the children program, but my daughter is still too young to be admitted, so I thought why not mommy go learn Korean first. I enjoyed my Korean class so much. It's a language that is easy to learn. I was able to start reading Korean in about 5 weeks, although not really understand the meaning, but I can read labels and signs if I came across any. After 15 wks of class (2hr/class), I am now able to introduce myself fluently in Korean and can start a simple basic dialogue in Korean, of course with some limitations. But overall, I think my learning curve will be very high, once I start my second semester. read more

I just finished my first level of beginning Korean and was astonished at everything about it! Going into the class my goal was to just do whatever the teacher said and see where I would end up at the end of the semester. I was very pleasantly surprised! By the end of the semester, we were able to read the language and do general greetings and discussions but of course on a very basic level. Still absolutely amazing! I never would have imagined we would have progressed this far in such a short period of time! Really quite exhilarating! Class size was in the neighborhood of a dozen students or so. It wouldn't have mattered if there were one hundred students because teacher Min Soran was so incredibly accessible each student really felt as though they received superb attention. Every question answered. Every assignment checked and corrected with precision. The way that the class is run creates an extremely supportive atmosphere and definitely encourages giving one's best effort so as not to let the group down. The classes are comfortable, challenging, lively, and fun! If you are interested in learning Korean I couldn't possibly recommend this school strongly enough! I can't wait for summer break to be over so I can start the next level in the fall! read more

A year. I've taken Beginner 1.1 and 1.2 with Soran Min. I truly enjoyed the class - lessons, teacher, and classmates. You get the basics in 1 but in 2; that's were it gets interesting. I'm fortunate to have Soran Min as a teacher. She keeps the class interesting plus is so supportive outside of school hours. I don't know how she keeps up with all her students but you can tell she loves teaching. The class size is just right that everyone gets to participate and no one is left behind. I've done the Saturday morning classes with same group and have become good friends with everyone. It's summer break right now and I'll be back in the Fall. read more

A great confidence booster. You also learn so much! The teach is always supporting you and the classes are relaxed and makes you feel comfortable to practice speaking Korean! I learnt so many new phrases just from the teacher speaking . She will use Korean words when she speaks to you and it is one of the best ways to learn. You want to improve your Korean... This is definitely the place to go!! read more

I am amazed at the programs they have here for the students. The fees are cheap yet the quality of education is first class. To me it's more than a school, they promote the feeling of community among the attendees. My daughter took the Korean language class and her speaking skills improved tremendously. I was impressed that her teacher, Soran Min, kept in touch with her on a daily basis and responding almost immediately with any comments or answering questions on her assignments and homework. read more

I've taken 2 semesters of beginners Korean here and both classes were with Soran Min. She is a great teacher who teaches about the culture as well as the language. I truly enjoyed the courses and the interaction that is encouraged among the students. Both classes were about 6-8 students and it felt like family. I truly enjoyed class here and hope to return if my schedule permits in the future. read more

I highly recommend OKS! They have different class levels and offer programs for both Children and Adults. I had the pleasure to have Soran Min as my teacher. She's a talented professor who dedicates herself to the class. She helped me reach my goals for my first semester. The class setting is comfortable and fun. You also get a feel for Korean culture, such as learning about holidays or getting the opportunity to make homemade kimchi. I plan to continue my Korean Language courses with this amazing program. read more

This gem of a school has small classes, dedicated intelligent teachers and as it runs classes the same time as the Korean culture/language children's program, you get see all these adorable children as well! Another plus, it is reasonably priced. I have several classes there now and Hannah and Soran Min are fantastic! read more

Soran Min was such a great teacher! She is hilarious, adapts well to the pace of the class, and has high expectations. If we did not turn in our HW assignments on time or study what we were supposed to, she would let her disappointment be known, so it made me work much harder to not let her down! The teacher also had us repeat words/phrases with which we struggled before moving on to the next topic/concept, so we were able to really master the material (instead of covering a LOT of material but at a lower proficiency level). I liked the small class size because it helped us to get to know our classmates better, and everyone in the class was super nice and friendly. I'm a very introverted/shy person and was nervous about meeting others in the class, but everyone was so nice that it made for a very comfortable learning environment! There is a kitchen downstairs where they cook food during the day -- I only wish we could've gotten some hands-on cooking lessons because the food smelled so good and I want to make all of it at home! I would definitely recommend Oakland Korean School to others - the price is affordable, the teacher (Soran Min) was great, you learn a lot, and everyone is so down-to-earth :) read more

is a very nice teacher. She is very patient and will push you to learn more. She communicates with her students pretty well. There is no boring time in the class, she'll always pursue and make you practice through quizzes and flash cards. There's only 8-10 students in class which makes you feel like a family. I recommend this school to anyone who wants to learn not just the Language but the culture itself too. read more

I cannot speak more highly about my experiences at OKS. I was first introduced to OKS through my son's kindergarten-age Korean class. He is introduced to the Korean language and culture. Principal Sun does a wonderful job organizing the classes and extra activities. They send him home with fun homework each week. Because our family has signed up to take a school immersion trip with OKS and because I have wanted to study Korean (my husband is Korean-American) for years, I also signed up at OKS this semester. I am in the Beginning 1 Adult class with Min Soran. I can honestly say that she is one of the best teachers I have ever had. She is very organized and fun. I went from only being able to say about 5 Korean words to now being able to read and write Korean and to speak some very basic Korean. Although I have far to go, I cannot believe how much I have learned in about 3 months! We have homework every week and occasional quizzes, but Soran supports us at our individual levels and provides us with feedback throughout the week. This is an AMAZING program and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in studying Korean. read more

The courses are definitely worth it. The amount of resources available to the student both in class and out of class are amazing! The teacher provides online resources that help the student practice correctly after the class has finished. Small class sizes also helped remove any of the usual anxiety of being in a beginner language course. The teachers are upbeat and excited to share the language and culture. I would highly recommend the school to anyone who wants to start learning Korean! read more

This is a Korean school for kids and adults. The children section is bigger, but they do offer classes for adults. Classes are 3 hours long on Saturdays (for the children), and they have a great time. Teachers are very friendly and loving, and my child has learned quite a bit this year. I'm really thankful I came across this school! They also serve the kids a Korean lunch every Saturday for a measly additional 10.00 onto the tuition. No, not 10 per week, but 10.00 for the entire semester. This is for the kids only and adults have to pay 5.00 per lunch though, because they do need to raise some money to support the lunch meals. It's a great school and I highly reccomend it for the children! Not sure about the adult classes, because I never attended one. read more

If you're looking for casual Korean this isn't the school for you. Be prepared to forever change your life. Whether you come in already knowing some Korean or you're starting from scratch, this school will help you to be fluent. OKS and Min Soran (my teacher) in particular will make you feel like family. I'm so happy I chose OKS. I've learned so much in only 1.5 years and even better, I've made lifetime friends.! read more

I love this school! If i can give 10 stars, i will! I have no experience prior to beginners class besides my addiction to kdrama and kpop so i can recognize some words but other than that, i cant read, i cant understand, and i cant hold conversation but after beginners semester i can say that i can read, i can somewhat understand, and i wow my korean friends with some of the expressions i learned in class! Okay, so let me talk about the teacher, ms. min soran. I love her! I think she's the best teacher i had so far in my life! She communicates well, she's very hands on, she's patient, understanding, friendly. She makes everything interesting by having different exercises and practices. So you will definitely learn! It's really helpful to be around people who are also enthusiastic on learning the language! Everyone is so friendly and they greet you with "" everytime you bump in with somebody :) Overall, i would recommend this school to anyone who loves korean language! If you want that subtitles off the drama you're watching, dont hesitate and enroll! OKS ! read more

I just finished my third semester at OKS. The class provides a good mix of vocab, reading, writing, and conversation. The textbook and handouts complement each other. Class participation, homework, and occasional quizzes and tests are integral to the learning process. In addition to practical language skills, you also learn about Korean culture. No letter grades - just great teachers (Soran Min and Hannah Kang) who encourage and inspire you to learn. I really enjoyed my classmates as well. I didn't know one word of Korean when I started. For a modest fee and a bit of work, I ended up with a much better understanding and respect for the Korean language and culture and my long-ago Korean ancestors. read more

OKS is an amazing opportunity and setting to learn the Korean language. Classes meet on Saturdays and they offer adult and children classes. Classes start on time and I have never seen a class cancelled. You learn the basics and classes are adaptable to your level. At the beginning of each course, you get a few weeks to decide if you want to commit. My instructor, Soran, is passionate about teaching, available to answer questions and concerns, open to feedback, and implements various activities to help you learn. The classes are affordable, friendly, excellent value, and fun. I've taken the first and second level courses, and amazed at how much I have learned (alphabet, verbs, vocab, syntax, counting). The amount of effort and time you put in after class time obviously makes a difference in how fluent you become. It's truly an amazing experience, great setting, and efficient way to learn Korean and understand more of the culture. read more

I just finished my second class at OKS, and I can't recommend their program enough - they want you to succeed! I had no real exposure to the Korean language when I started the Beginning 1 class, but our teacher, Soran Min, was incredibly patient and absolutely fantastic at teaching us the very basics and then building on that knowledge. Class was always fun and challenging, and regardless of how fast you learn, you get constant support and assistance. I wasn't sure a once a week class was going to be enough, but you do exercises along with fun and creative projects, and get feedback, throughout the week, so you are constantly practicing. And I'll say it again - it was so much fun! I can't believe how much I have learned in the past few months. If you want to learn to speak and write in Korean, this is the place to start. A huge plus is that everyone is so welcoming and kind, and you feel like a part of the school. I can't wait to start Beginning 3 at OKS. read more

i found OKS just through a simple google search, and i am so happy that i did! i took korean lessons when i was a child and the language never stuck since the teachers were not that good. it's quite the opposite at OKS! our teacher, soran, was amazing and really helped all of us learn at a good pace. i found the classroom wonderful and all of the other students very friendly. we even got to take part in the kimjang event where we made kimchi to take home. i think what really stuck with me was the sense of community and warmth from everyone. can't wait to start the next level :) read more

I recently took Beginning Korean I for adults and the class was awesome! I was initially worried about whether I would enjoy the class (and be able to keep up not knowing any Korean) but both my teacher (Min Soran) and the other students made the semester a blast while we learned quite a bit of Korean. If you're interested in learning Korean with some really awesome people then OKS is the place for you. Can't wait for the next semester to begin this fall! read more

I search around Yelp to find a Korean school/teacher close to the east bay that would fit with my work schedule. I'm extremely glad I decided to attend OKS. So Ran is a great teacher and I highly recommend her if you want to learn the Korean language in a friendly/fun filled environment. I have learned so much and I attribute it to her teaching style- she's always willing to make that extra step to make sure you understand the material. I would suggest to take this class if you're seriously interested in learning the Korean Language. Having taken her Korean Beginners class I will definitely be returning for the next level in the fall! read more

I finally decided to dive in and learn Korean and was excited to find a class in Oakland. Soran responded promptly to my inquiry and made the registration process easy. I just finished the Beginning Korean I class and am really happy with the progress I've made! The small class sizes are really effective for targeted learning and Soran does a great job of making the class a fun, comfortable learning environment. I highly recommend Oakland Korean School for anyone who is interested in learning the language. It's definitely worth it! read more