Everything you need to know about Korea's Immigration & Integration Program (사회통합프로그램). Who it's for, what you'll learn, and why it matters for your life in Korea.
KIIP stands for Korea Immigration & Integration Program (사회통합프로그램). It's a government education program run by the Korean Ministry of Justice, designed to help immigrants and foreign residents learn Korean and understand Korean society.
The program covers Korean language from beginner to advanced, plus Korean culture, history, laws, and institutions. It's the main pathway the government provides for immigrants to build the language skills and cultural knowledge needed to live, work, and settle in Korea long-term.
Completing KIIP gives you real, practical benefits when applying for permanent residency or citizenship. You can skip the naturalization written test entirely.
If you're a foreign resident in Korea with an Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증), you're almost certainly eligible. The program is open to a wide range of visa holders:
This includes marriage migrants (F-6), foreign workers (E-9, E-7, and other E-series visas), long-term residents (F-2, F-5), students (D-series), F-1 visitors, refugees (G-1), and more.
Naturalized Korean citizens who acquired nationality within the past 3 years can also participate. If you hold a valid visa and plan to stay in Korea, you're likely eligible.
KIIP is divided into 6 levels. Levels 0 through 4 focus on Korean language and culture. Level 5 covers Korean society, history, and institutions. That's the stuff you need to know for naturalization or permanent residency.
| Level | Name | Hours | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Basic Korean | 15h | Hangul (Korean alphabet), basic greetings |
| 1 | Beginner 1 | 100h | Self-introduction, daily life, shopping, directions |
| 2 | Beginner 2 | 100h | Public services, health, family, transportation |
| 3 | Intermediate 1 | 100h | Workplace Korean, phone calls, news, opinions |
| 4 | Intermediate 2 | 100h | Abstract topics, current events, formal language |
| 5 | Korean Society | 70h basic / 100h with citizenship track | Korean history, law, politics, economics, culture |
Total program: Up to 485 hours from Level 0 to Level 5 completion. But you don't have to start from zero. A placement test determines your starting level, so you only take the classes you actually need.
Before you start classes, you take a placement test (사전평가) that determines which level you begin at. This means if you already speak some Korean, you can skip the lower levels entirely.
The test has two parts:
48 multiple-choice questions plus 2 short writing questions. Covers grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
Read a short passage aloud and answer questions from the evaluator. If your speaking score is 3 or below, you'll be placed in Level 0 regardless of your written score.
The placement test is offered multiple times per year, usually every 1 to 2 months. You register for it through the Socinet website when you sign up for KIIP.
KIIP isn't just Korean class. Completing it gives you real immigration benefits:
Skip the naturalization test. Complete Level 5 and you're exempt from the written test and interview for Korean citizenship. Faster processing. KIIP completion can reduce waiting times when applying for naturalization. Points for F-2-7 visa. Up to 28 additional points on the points-based residential visa system. Prove Korean fluency. Counts as proof of language ability for permanent residency (F-5) applications, no separate TOPIK required.
Bottom line: If you're planning to stay in Korea long-term or apply for citizenship, KIIP is how you get there faster.
Registration is done online through Socinet, the Ministry of Justice's social integration portal. Here's the process:
Go to socinet.go.kr and register as a member. You'll need your Alien Registration Number and basic personal information.
Once logged in, apply for the Social Integration Program. Select your preferred region and class schedule.
Register for and take the level test (사전평가). Your score determines which level you start at. Tests are offered multiple times per year.
After your level is assigned, register for classes at a designated education center near you. KIIP runs 3 semesters per year.
Starting January 1, 2025, KIIP is no longer fully free. The Korean Ministry of Justice introduced partial tuition fees to help fund the program's growth and encourage participant commitment. The fees are low. They only cover about 20% of the actual program cost.
| Level | Hours | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 15h | Free |
| 1 | 100h | ₩100,000 |
| 2 | 100h | ₩100,000 |
| 3 | 100h | ₩100,000 |
| 4 | 100h | ₩100,000 |
| 5 – Basic (permanent residency) | 70h | ₩70,000 |
| 5 – Advanced (naturalization) | 30h | ₩30,000 |
Fees are paid after completing each level, before you apply for the level assessment. If you haven't paid, you won't be allowed to take the assessment.
Full exemptions (no fee): Recipients of basic living subsidies, individuals with severe disabilities, independence patriots and national merit honorees (and their families), and minors on F-1, F-2, or G-1 visas who meet specific criteria.
50% discount: Participants with perfect attendance (100% of class hours), or participants recommended by their instructor for outstanding attitude.
Log in to socinet.go.kr → 마이페이지 (My Page) → Click 결제 (Payment) under your level status → Pay by credit card or bank transfer.
Also note: The placement test, midterm, and comprehensive tests each have a separate application fee of ₩38,000.
Levly covers the same topics and vocabulary as the KIIP curriculum. Use it to prep for the placement test, study alongside your classes, or review between semesters.
Every lesson covers real KIIP topics. Self-introductions, hospital visits, public services, and more.
Practice on your phone between classes, on the bus, or during breaks. No fixed schedule.
Get a personalized explanation every time you get something wrong. Like a tutor on call.
We made downloadable vocabulary lists organized by KIIP level, with Korean, romanization, and English meanings. Yours to keep.
Browse study resourcesYour first 18 lessons are free. No sign-up needed. Just pick a lesson and go.
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