The purpose of this study is to analyze the motivation and de-motivation factors of the beginner learners of Korean language. The survey was conducted for the self-determination motivation and de-motivation factors in 297 Vietnamese and Chinese learners studying at a Korean language institute in Seoul. According to the results of the study, the beginner learners of Korean language appeared to be intrinsic motivated. This study confirms previous research results that motivation is generally high in the early stages of learning. Among the de-motivational factors, ‘difficulty of learning’ was the most important factor in both groups. It is difficult to avoid the unfamiliarity and difficulties of Korean language itself, but a methodological approach to solve it in the teaching and learning process will be needed. Anxiety about learning failure also appeared to be an important motive for de-motivation, which is also closely related to external factors. (Hankuk University of Foreign Studies)