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.
More importantly, completing KIIP gives you real, practical benefits when applying for permanent residency or citizenship — including skipping 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:
F-6 visa holders married to Korean nationals
E-series visa holders (E-9, E-7, etc.)
F-2 residents and F-5 permanent residents
D-series students, F-1 visitors, refugees (G-1), and more
Naturalized Korean citizens who acquired nationality within the past 3 years can also participate. Essentially, if you're building a life in Korea and hold a valid visa, KIIP is for you.
KIIP is divided into 6 levels. Levels 0 through 4 focus on Korean language and culture. Level 5 shifts to Korean society, history, and institutions — the knowledge you need 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 — typically every 1–2 months. You register for it through the Socinet website when you sign up for KIIP.
KIIP isn't just Korean class. Completing the program gives you concrete immigration benefits that can save you months (or years) of paperwork and waiting:
Completing Level 5 exempts you from the written test and interview required for Korean citizenship.
KIIP completion can significantly reduce waiting times when applying for naturalization.
Earn up to 28 additional points on the points-based residential visa (F-2-7) system.
Serves as proof of Korean language ability for permanent residency (F-5) applications — no separate TOPIK required.
Bottom line: If you're planning to stay in Korea long-term, apply for permanent residency, or eventually become a citizen, KIIP is the most direct path to getting there.
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 don't pay, your level won't be marked as complete.
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's lessons are aligned with the same topics and vocabulary covered in the KIIP curriculum. Whether you're preparing for the placement test, studying alongside KIIP classes, or reviewing between semesters, Levly gives you a structured way to build your Korean.
Every lesson covers real KIIP topics — from self-introductions to hospital visits.
Practice on your phone between classes, on the bus, or during breaks — no fixed schedule needed.
Wrong answers get personalized explanations — like having a tutor available 24/7.
Your first 18 lessons are free — no sign-up needed. Build the Korean skills you need for KIIP, one lesson at a time.
Try a free lesson