In the recent few years, the number of Korean language learners for academic purpose has been sharply increased. A group of the learners can be foreign exchange students who take academic courses and learn Korean language at the university. However, few researches about the exchange students can be found. The aim of this study is to discuss the characteristics of the beginning exchange students and to eventually design a learner-centered Korean language curriculum for the exchange students based on the results of needs analysis. The needs analysis has been conducted by interviews and a questionnaire. The results show that the exchange students set their learning goals as survival Korean. They would like to learn not only Korean language but also Korean culture, society and economy in class even if their Korean language is in the beginning level. Considering the results and educational settings, the integrated syllabus, especially functional-situational syllabus, has been selected. The contents include 1) reading and writing Hangul, 2) greeting and introducing, 3) conversation with friends, 4) ordering meals at restaurants, 5) buying goods, and 6) asking for locations and directions and using public transportations. Cultural items related to each function or situation are also covered under the conditions of Korean-English bilingual class. (Hankuk University of Foreign StudiesㆍThe Catholic University of Korea)