Is language study in Korea really worth it?

Question

Hello! I am considering studying language in Korea for a year, and I would like to hear your opinions.

I am debating between a university language institute or a private academy. Where have you studied? And did studying directly in Korea really help more than self-study in your home country?

Currently, I am at a beginner level in Korean (levels 1-2). My goal is to become fluent as quickly as possible. I applied for the GKS scholarship (Embassy Track) but did not make the final list. So I am considering starting a master's program right away.

1) I am independently applying to SKY universities. In particular, Seoul National University can be affordable even without a scholarship, but Yonsei University and Korea University require scholarships.

2) Korean is not mandatory for my master's degree, but I should reach about level 3 proficiency upon completion.

3) If I postpone my master's degree, there is an opportunity for GKS reapplication and publishing a thesis after graduating.

In this situation and with these goals in mind, is studying language in Korea a worthwhile choice? In what situations would you recommend it?