This study aims to compare reading ability and vocabulary and grammar competence of Korean language learners by dividing them into two groups, i.e. a Hanja (Chinese characters) culture group and a non-Hanja culture group. It also aims to examine the correlation of reading ability and vocabulary/grammar competence. Despite a large number of studies on mother tongue influence in Korean language education, no study yet has distinguished between the Hanja and the non-Hanja culture groups. The study showed no significant difference between the two groups in case of vocabulary and grammar competence. However, the Hanja group displayed better reading ability than the non-Hanja group. Also, the Hanja group learners showed higher improvement in their vocabulary and grammar competence and reading ability at the intermediate level when examining by Korean proficiency level changes in their vocabulary/grammar scores and reading scores. Moreover, as proved in the previous researches, a strong correlation was confirmed between the vocabulary/grammar scores and the reading scores in both groups. The correlation was stronger at the beginner level than at the intermediate level. (Keimyung University)