How to Register for School Classes in Korean

Registering for classes at a Korean school or university involves specific terminology and procedures. This guide provides essential Korean vocabulary and phrases to help you navigate the course registration process (수강신청 – su-gang-sin-cheong) smoothly. Understanding these expressions will allow you to inquire about courses, complete registration forms, and handle potential issues effectively.

Core Expression

• Expression: 학교 수업 등록하기 (hak-gyo su-eop deung-nok-ha-gi)
  Pronunciation: hak-gyo su-eop deung-nok-ha-gi
  Meaning: Registering for school classes (This is a descriptive phrase for the action)

• Expression: 수강신청 (su-gang-sin-cheong)
  Pronunciation: su-gang-sin-cheong
  Meaning: Course registration (This is the common term used, especially in universities)

Essential Registration Vocabulary

This section covers key nouns and verbs you’ll encounter during the registration period.

• Expression: 과목 (gwa-mok)
  Pronunciation: gwa-mok
  Meaning: Course, subject

• Expression: 강의 (gang-ui)
  Pronunciation: gang-ui
  Meaning: Lecture

• Expression: 학점 (hak-jeom)
  Pronunciation: hak-jeom
  Meaning: Credit(s)

• Expression: 수강신청 기간 (su-gang-sin-cheong gi-gan)
  Pronunciation: su-gang-sin-cheong gi-gan
  Meaning: Course registration period

• Expression: 신청하다 (sin-cheong-ha-da)
  Pronunciation: sin-cheong-ha-da
  Meaning: To apply, to register

• Expression: 등록하다 (deung-nok-ha-da)
  Pronunciation: deung-nok-ha-da
  Meaning: To register, to enroll

• Expression: 마감일 (ma-gam-il)
  Pronunciation: ma-gam-il
  Meaning: Deadline

• Expression: 시간표 (si-gan-pyo)
  Pronunciation: si-gan-pyo
  Meaning: Timetable, schedule

• Expression: 정원 (jeong-won)
  Pronunciation: jeong-won
  Meaning: Class capacity, enrollment limit

• Expression: 필수 과목 (pil-su gwa-mok)
  Pronunciation: pil-su gwa-mok
  Meaning: Required course, mandatory subject

• Expression: 선택 과목 (seon-taek gwa-mok)
  Pronunciation: seon-taek gwa-mok
  Meaning: Elective course

• Expression: 학생증 (hak-saeng-jeung)
  Pronunciation: hak-saeng-jeung
  Meaning: Student ID card

Asking About Registration

Use these phrases to ask questions about the registration process and specific courses.

• Expression: 수강신청 기간이 언제예요? (su-gang-sin-cheong gi-gan-i eon-je-ye-yo?)
  Pronunciation: su-gang-sin-cheong gi-gan-i eon-je-ye-yo?
  Meaning: When is the course registration period?

• Expression: 어떻게 수강신청해요? (eo-tteo-ke su-gang-sin-cheong-hae-yo?)
  Pronunciation: eo-tteo-ke su-gang-sin-cheong-hae-yo?
  Meaning: How do I register for courses?

• Expression: 이 과목은 몇 학점이에요? (i gwa-mog-eun myeot hak-jeom-i-e-yo?)
  Pronunciation: i gwa-mog-eun myeot hak-jeom-i-e-yo?
  Meaning: How many credits is this course?

• Expression: 이 수업 정원이 몇 명이에요? (i su-eop jeong-won-i myeot myeong-i-e-yo?)
  Pronunciation: i su-eop jeong-won-i myeot myeong-i-e-yo?
  Meaning: What is the enrollment limit for this class?

• Expression: 이 과목 신청 마감됐어요? (i gwa-mok sin-cheong ma-gam-dwae-sseo-yo?)
  Pronunciation: i gwa-mok sin-cheong ma-gam-dwae-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: Is the registration for this course closed? / Is this course full?

• Expression: 강의 계획서 어디서 볼 수 있어요? (gang-ui gye-hoek-seo eo-di-seo bol su i-sseo-yo?)
  Pronunciation: gang-ui gye-hoek-seo eo-di-seo bol su i-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: Where can I see the syllabus?

• Expression: 선수과목이 있나요? (seon-su-gwa-mog-i it-na-yo?)
  Pronunciation: seon-su-gwa-mog-i it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Are there any prerequisite courses?

• Expression: 온라인으로 신청해야 하나요? (on-la-in-eu-ro sin-cheong-hae-ya ha-na-yo?)
  Pronunciation: on-la-in-eu-ro sin-cheong-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
  Meaning: Do I have to register online?

• Expression: 수강신청 변경 기간은 언제까지예요? (su-gang-sin-cheong byeon-gyeong gi-gan-eun eon-je-kka-ji-ye-yo?)
  Pronunciation: su-gang-sin-cheong byeon-gyeong gi-gan-eun eon-je-kka-ji-ye-yo?
  Meaning: Until when is the add/drop period?

• Expression: 최소 학점 요건이 있나요? (choe-so hak-jeom yo-geon-i it-na-yo?)
  Pronunciation: choe-so hak-jeom yo-geon-i it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Is there a minimum credit requirement?

• Expression: 이 수업은 어느 학과 학생들을 위한 건가요? (i su-eob-eun eo-neu hak-gwa hak-saeng-deur-eul wi-han geon-ga-yo?)
  Pronunciation: i su-eob-eun eo-neu hak-gwa hak-saeng-deur-eul wi-han geon-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Which department’s students is this class for?

• Expression: 교수님 성함이 어떻게 되세요? (gyo-su-nim seong-ham-i eo-tteo-ke doe-se-yo?)
  Pronunciation: gyo-su-nim seong-ham-i eo-tteo-ke doe-se-yo?
  Meaning: What is the professor’s name?

Stating Your Intentions or Actions

These sentences help you express what you want to do or have already done regarding registration.

• Expression: 이 수업을 신청하고 싶어요. (i su-eob-eul sin-cheong-ha-go si-peo-yo.)
  Pronunciation: i su-eob-eul sin-cheong-ha-go si-peo-yo.
  Meaning: I want to register for this class.

• Expression: 수강신청을 완료했어요. (su-gang-sin-cheong-eul wan-lyo-hae-sseo-yo.)
  Pronunciation: su-gang-sin-cheong-eul wan-lyo-hae-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: I have completed the course registration.

• Expression: 시간표를 짜고 있어요. (si-gan-pyo-reul jja-go i-sseo-yo.)
  Pronunciation: si-gan-pyo-reul jja-go i-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: I am making my timetable.

• Expression: 이 과목을 취소하고 싶어요. (i gwa-mog-eul chwi-so-ha-go si-peo-yo.)
  Pronunciation: i gwa-mog-eul chwi-so-ha-go si-peo-yo.
  Meaning: I want to drop this course.

• Expression: 다른 과목으로 변경하고 싶어요. (da-reun gwa-mog-eu-ro byeon-gyeong-ha-go si-peo-yo.)
  Pronunciation: da-reun gwa-mog-eu-ro byeon-gyeong-ha-go si-peo-yo.
  Meaning: I want to change to a different course.

• Expression: 대기 명단에 올려주세요. (dae-gi myeong-dan-e ol-lyeo-ju-se-yo.)
  Pronunciation: dae-gi myeong-dan-e ol-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please put me on the waiting list.

• Expression: 수강신청 확인서를 출력해야 해요. (su-gang-sin-cheong hwa-gin-seo-reul chul-lyeok-hae-ya hae-yo.)
  Pronunciation: su-gang-sin-cheong hwa-gin-seo-reul chul-lyeok-hae-ya hae-yo.
  Meaning: I need to print the course registration confirmation.

• Expression: 제 시간표를 확인하고 싶어요. (je si-gan-pyo-reul hwa-gin-ha-go si-peo-yo.)
  Pronunciation: je si-gan-pyo-reul hwa-gin-ha-go si-peo-yo.
  Meaning: I want to check my timetable.

• Expression: 등록금 납부 방법을 알고 싶어요. (deung-nok-geum nap-bu bang-beob-eul al-go si-peo-yo.)
  Pronunciation: deung-nok-geum nap-bu bang-beob-eul al-go si-peo-yo.
  Meaning: I want to know how to pay the tuition fee.

• Expression: 필요한 서류를 제출했어요. (pil-yo-han seo-ryu-reul je-chul-hae-sseo-yo.)
  Pronunciation: pil-yo-han seo-ryu-reul je-chul-hae-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: I submitted the necessary documents.

• Expression: 학사과에 문의해야 할 것 같아요. (hak-sa-gwa-e mun-ui-hae-ya hal geot ga-ta-yo.)
  Pronunciation: hak-sa-gwa-e mun-ui-hae-ya hal geot ga-ta-yo.
  Meaning: I think I need to inquire at the academic affairs office.

• Expression: 최대 수강 가능 학점을 확인해 볼게요. (choe-dae su-gang ga-neung hak-jeom-eul hwa-gin-hae bol-ge-yo.)
  Pronunciation: choe-dae su-gang ga-neung hak-jeom-eul hwa-gin-hae bol-ge-yo.
  Meaning: I will check the maximum number of credits I can take.

Handling Registration Problems

Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Use these phrases to address common issues.

• Expression: 수강신청 시스템이 작동하지 않아요. (su-gang-sin-cheong si-seu-tem-i jak-dong-ha-ji a-na-yo.)
  Pronunciation: su-gang-sin-cheong si-seu-tem-i jak-dong-ha-ji a-na-yo.
  Meaning: The course registration system isn’t working.

• Expression: 로그인이 안 돼요. (ro-geu-in-i an dwae-yo.)
  Pronunciation: ro-geu-in-i an dwae-yo.
  Meaning: I can’t log in.

• Expression: 신청하려던 과목이 이미 마감됐어요. (sin-cheong-ha-ryeo-deon gwa-mog-i i-mi ma-gam-dwae-sseo-yo.)
  Pronunciation: sin-cheong-ha-ryeo-deon gwa-mog-i i-mi ma-gam-dwae-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: The course I wanted to register for is already full.

• Expression: 수강신청 기간을 놓쳤어요. (su-gang-sin-cheong gi-gan-eul no-chyeo-sseo-yo.)
  Pronunciation: su-gang-sin-cheong gi-gan-eul no-chyeo-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: I missed the registration period.

• Expression: 시간표가 겹쳐요. (si-gan-pyo-ga gyeop-chyeo-yo.)
  Pronunciation: si-gan-pyo-ga gyeop-chyeo-yo.
  Meaning: There’s a schedule conflict. / My classes overlap.

• Expression: 이 수업을 들으려면 교수님 허가가 필요해요? (i su-eob-eul deu-reu-ryeo-myeon gyo-su-nim heo-ga-ga pil-yo-hae-yo?)
  Pronunciation: i su-eob-eul deu-reu-ryeo-myeon gyo-su-nim heo-ga-ga pil-yo-hae-yo?
  Meaning: Do I need the professor’s permission to take this class?

• Expression: 정원 외 신청이 가능한가요? (jeong-won oe sin-cheong-i ga-neung-han-ga-yo?)
  Pronunciation: jeong-won oe sin-cheong-i ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Is it possible to register beyond the enrollment limit? (Over-enrollment)

• Expression: 시스템 오류인 것 같아요. (si-seu-tem o-ryu-in geot ga-ta-yo.)
  Pronunciation: si-seu-tem o-ryu-in geot ga-ta-yo.
  Meaning: I think it’s a system error.

• Expression: 수강신청 내역이 잘못됐어요. (su-gang-sin-cheong nae-yeog-i jal-mot-dwae-sseo-yo.)
  Pronunciation: su-gang-sin-cheong nae-yeog-i jal-mot-dwae-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: My registration details are incorrect.

• Expression: 추가 신청 기간이 있나요? (chu-ga sin-cheong gi-gan-i it-na-yo?)
  Pronunciation: chu-ga sin-cheong gi-gan-i it-na-yo?
  Meaning: Is there an additional registration period?

• Expression: 비밀번호를 잊어버렸어요. (bi-mil-beon-ho-reul i-jeo-beo-ryeo-sseo-yo.)
  Pronunciation: bi-mil-beon-ho-reul i-jeo-beo-ryeo-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: I forgot my password.

• Expression: 담당자에게 문의해 보세요. (dam-dang-ja-e-ge mun-ui-hae bo-se-yo.)
  Pronunciation: dam-dang-ja-e-ge mun-ui-hae bo-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please inquire with the person in charge.

Korean Culture Notes

Understanding the cultural context can make the registration process less daunting.

• 수강신청 (Su-gang-sin-cheong) Intensity: Course registration, especially at popular universities, can be highly competitive. Popular courses fill up within seconds of the registration period opening. Students often prepare meticulously, sometimes even practicing clicks or going to PC rooms (PC방 – pi-ssi-bang) with faster internet connections.
• Online Systems: Most Korean universities use sophisticated online systems for registration. Familiarize yourself with your university’s portal (포털 – po-teol) or registration website beforehand. Check for browser compatibility or required plugins.
• Add/Drop Period (수강신청 변경 기간 – Su-gang-sin-cheong Byeon-gyeong Gi-gan): There’s usually a period after the main registration where students can add or drop courses. This is a second chance if you couldn’t get into a desired class initially or need to adjust your schedule.
• Importance of Planning: Due to the competitive nature, planning is crucial. Have backup courses ready in case your first choices are full. Check prerequisites (선수과목 – seon-su-gwa-mok) and credit limits carefully.
• Seeking Help: Don’t hesitate to contact the department office (학과 사무실 – hak-gwa sa-mu-sil) or the academic affairs office (학사과 – hak-sa-gwa) if you encounter problems or have questions. Senior students (선배 – seon-bae) can also be a valuable source of information and tips.

Real Conversation Example

Situation: A student is asking an administrative staff member at the department office about registering for a specific course.
Roles: A: Student, B: Department Staff

• Expression: A: 안녕하세요, 문의할 것이 있어서 왔는데요. (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, mun-ui-hal geo-si i-sseo-seo wan-neun-de-yo.)
  Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, mun-ui-hal geo-si i-sseo-seo wan-neun-de-yo.
  Meaning: Hello, I came because I have something to ask.

• Expression: B: 네, 무엇을 도와드릴까요? (ne, mu-eo-seul do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?)
  Pronunciation: ne, mu-eo-seul do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Yes, how may I help you?

• Expression: A: ‘한국 문화의 이해’ 과목을 수강신청하고 싶은데, 이미 마감된 것 같아요. (han-guk mun-hwa-ui i-hae gwa-mog-eul su-gang-sin-cheong-ha-go si-peun-de, i-mi ma-gam-doen geot ga-ta-yo.)
  Pronunciation: han-guk mun-hwa-ui i-hae gwa-mog-eul su-gang-sin-cheong-ha-go si-peun-de, i-mi ma-gam-doen geot ga-ta-yo.
  Meaning: I want to register for the ‘Understanding Korean Culture’ course, but it seems it’s already full.

• Expression: B: 잠시만요, 확인해 볼게요. … 네, 맞아요. 정원이 다 찼네요. (jam-si-man-yo, hwa-gin-hae bol-ge-yo. … ne, ma-ja-yo. jeong-won-i da chan-ne-yo.)
  Pronunciation: jam-si-man-yo, hwa-gin-hae bol-ge-yo. … ne, ma-ja-yo. jeong-won-i da chan-ne-yo.
  Meaning: One moment, let me check. … Yes, that’s correct. The class capacity is full.

• Expression: A: 혹시 대기 명단에 올릴 수 있을까요? (hok-si dae-gi myeong-dan-e ol-lil su i-sseul-kka-yo?)
  Pronunciation: hok-si dae-gi myeong-dan-e ol-lil su i-sseul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Is it possible to be put on the waiting list?

• Expression: B: 죄송하지만, 이 과목은 대기 명단 운영을 안 하고 있어요. 수강신청 변경 기간에 자리가 생기는지 확인해 보셔야 할 것 같아요. (joe-song-ha-ji-man, i gwa-mog-eun dae-gi myeong-dan un-yeong-eul an ha-go i-sseo-yo. su-gang-sin-cheong byeon-gyeong gi-gan-e ja-ri-ga saeng-gi-neun-ji hwa-gin-hae bo-syeo-ya hal geot ga-ta-yo.)
  Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man, i gwa-mog-eun dae-gi myeong-dan un-yeong-eul an ha-go i-sseo-yo. su-gang-sin-cheong byeon-gyeong gi-gan-e ja-ri-ga saeng-gi-neun-ji hwa-gin-hae bo-syeo-ya hal geot ga-ta-yo.
  Meaning: I’m sorry, but we don’t operate a waiting list for this course. You’ll have to check if a spot opens up during the add/drop period.

• Expression: A: 알겠습니다. 수강신청 변경 기간은 언제부터인가요? (al-ge-sseum-ni-da. su-gang-sin-cheong byeon-gyeong gi-gan-eun eon-je-bu-teo-in-ga-yo?)
  Pronunciation: al-ge-sseum-ni-da. su-gang-sin-cheong byeon-gyeong gi-gan-eun eon-je-bu-teo-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: I understand. When does the add/drop period start?

• Expression: B: 다음 주 월요일부터 금요일까지입니다. 학교 포털 공지사항을 확인해 주세요. (da-eum ju wol-yo-il-bu-teo geum-yo-il-kka-ji-im-ni-da. hak-gyo po-teol gong-ji-sa-hang-eul hwa-gin-hae ju-se-yo.)
  Pronunciation: da-eum ju wol-yo-il-bu-teo geum-yo-il-kka-ji-im-ni-da. hak-gyo po-teol gong-ji-sa-hang-eul hwa-gin-hae ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: It’s from next Monday to Friday. Please check the announcements on the school portal.

• Expression: A: 네, 감사합니다! (ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da!)
  Pronunciation: ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
  Meaning: Okay, thank you!

Practice Tips

Familiarizing yourself with these terms before the actual registration period is key! Try navigating your university’s online registration system (even just browsing courses) to see these words in context~ Role-playing conversations with friends or language partners can also be very helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask questions at the relevant offices if you’re unsure about anything. Good luck with your 수강신청! Fighting! (화이팅! hwa-i-ting!)