Korea Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP)

What is KIIP?

The Korea Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP) is a government-run education initiative designed to help foreigners living in South Korea adapt to Korean society through structured language and cultural education. Overseen by the Ministry of Justice and implemented by the Korea Immigration Service, KIIP aims to support long-term residents and potential citizens in becoming integrated, informed, and empowered members of Korean society.

Purpose of the Program

KIIP serves as a bridge for immigrants, helping them:

• Improve Korean language proficiency

• Understand Korean history, law, culture, and social systems

• Strengthen their capacity for economic and social participation

• Prepare for naturalization or permanent residency applications

  
  

Program Structure

KIIP is divided into multiple levels based on the participant’s proficiency and residency goals:

Level	Course Title	Hours	Focus
0	Basic Korean	15	Introduction to Hangeul and simple phrases
1–4	Korean Language & Culture (Beginner to Intermediate)	100 each	Grammar, conversation, culture
5	Understanding Korean Society	70	Law, history, social systems
5+	Advanced Course (optional)	30	Further integration and advanced topics

Participants take a placement test to determine their starting level. Progression depends on completing each course and passing an evaluation exam.

Testing Places

Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Suwon, Jeju, Daegu, Daejeon, Yeosu, Yangju, Gwangju, Changwon, Jeonju, Chuncheon, Cheongju, and Ulsan are among the 15 cities where tests can be taken. When applying, candidates can look up the test location on the registration sheet (tests may be canceled in some places.)

They only accept online applications for the basic test; they do not accept applications received in person or by mail.

Test Fees

• Application Fee: 38,000 KRW for the Level Test, Midterm Test, and Comprehensive Test.

• Computer-Based Test (CBT): Monthly options for 사전평가 (pre-assessment) and twice-monthly for 종합평가 (comprehensive). 

  
  

Tuition Fees

• General Rate: 1,000 KRW per class hour

• When to Pay: Fees are generally paid at the end of the class before the final exam.

  
  

***Note: applicants who want to participate from level 0 may be exempted from the level test

KIIP Tuition Fees (Effective from 2025)

• Level 0 (Introductory, 15 hours): Free

• Levels 1–4 (100 hours each): 100,000 KRW per level

• Level 5 Basic Course (70 hours): 70,000 KRW

• Level 5 Advanced Course (30 hours): 30,000 KRW

  
  

These fees represent approximately 20% of the actual program costs, with the government subsidizing the remaining expenses. 

Exemptions and Discounts

Full Tuition Exemptions:

• Independence patriots and their families

• National merit honorees and their families

• Recipients of basic living subsidies

• Individuals with severe disabilities

• Minors under specific visa categories (e.g., F-1, F-2, G-1)​

  
  

50% Tuition Discounts:

• Participants with 100% class attendance

• Students recommended by instructors for exceptional learning attitudes​

Detailed eligibility criteria are available on the Social Integration Information Network (socinet.go.kr). ​

Payment Process

• When to Pay: After completing each class level and before applying for the corresponding assessment.

• How to Pay: Log in to socinet.go.kr, navigate to My Page → Status → Payment, and choose either credit card or bank transfer.​

  
  

Please note that failure to pay the tuition fee on time may result in your level not being marked as complete. ​

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply.

Step 1: Go to the Official KIIP Website

Website: 사회통합정보망: https://www.socinet.go.kr

Korean name you’ll see:

• 사회통합정보망 (Social Integration Network)

This is the only official platform for KIIP registration.

Step 2 : Sign Up (회원가입)

Look for the 회원가입 (Sign Up) button on the homepage.On the sign-up page, you will be asked for:

• 외국인등록번호 (Alien Registration Number)

• 여권정보 (Passport Info)

• 전화번호 (Phone Number / Verification)

Complete the verification steps and create your Socinet ID.

Step 3 : Log In (로그인)

After registering, go back to the home page and click 로그인 (Log In).

Once logged in, you’ll be taken to 마이페이지 (My Page), your user dashboard.

Step 4 : Apply for Placement Test (사전평가 신청)

From your dashboard:

• Go to 사회통합프로그램 → 사전평가 신청 (Apply for Placement Test)

• This is usually required unless you’re starting at level 0.

• You will sent to https://www.kiiptest.org/main

• After Log In choose the ones below

  

  
  

Here you choose:

• 시험 날짜 (Test Date)

• 시험 장소 (Test Location)

After applying, you’ll get a confirmation message.

Step 5 : Check Your Level Assignment (평가결과 조회)

After the placement test date:

• Go back to 사전평가 결과조회 (Check Placement Results).You’ll see your assigned level (0 ~ 5).

• Your level will be assigned from:

  • 0단계 (Beginner)

  • 1–4단계 (KIIP levels)

  • 5단계 (Korean society & laws, usually for residency)

    
    

Step 6 : Register for Classes (수강신청)

Once your level is assigned, find 수강신청 (Class Registration) in your menu.

Choose:

• 교육기관 (Education Center)

• 수업시간 (Class Time)

• 온라인 or 오프라인 (Online / Offline)

Then click 신청 (Apply).

Step 7: Track Your Attendance & Progress

Use 마이페이지 to check:

• 출결현황 (Attendance)

• 수료여부 (Completion status)

Attendance is very strict, especially if you need KIIP for visa points.

Difference Between PBT and CBT (KIIP / Korean Tests)

When applying for KIIP (사회통합프로그램) or other Korean government exams, you may see two test formats: PBT and CBT.

PBT : Paper-Based Test (지필시험)

Korean term:

• 지필시험 (Paper test)

What it is:

• The test is taken on paper

• Answers are marked with a pencil or pen

• Very similar to traditional school exams

Key characteristics:

• Question booklet + answer sheet

• Listening section played over speakers

• Writing done by hand

• Results usually take longer to be announced

When PBT is used:

• Some KIIP placement tests (사전평가)

• Areas with limited computer facilities

• Older or smaller testing centers

Best for:

• People who are more comfortable writing by hand

• Test-takers who prefer seeing all questions at once

CBT : Computer-Based Test (컴퓨터 시험)

Korean term:

• 컴퓨터 시험 (CBT)

What it is:

• The test is taken on a computer

• Answers are selected using a mouse and keyboard

• Listening is done with headphones

Key characteristics:

• Questions appear one by one on screen

• Automatic answer saving

• Faster scoring and quicker results

• Clear audio for listening sections

When CBT is used:

• Most recent KIIP placement tests

• Urban test centers

• High-volume test locations

Best for:

• People comfortable with computers

• Those who prefer clear audio and faster results

PBT vs CBT : Quick Comparison

Category	PBT (지필시험)	CBT (컴퓨터 시험)
Format	Paper	Computer
Answer method	Handwriting	Mouse / Keyboard
Listening	Loudspeakers	Headphones
Result speed	Slower	Faster
Availability	Limited	More common
Question navigation	All at once	One by one

Which One Should You Choose for KIIP?

You usually don’t choose.The test format is decided by the test center and shown when you apply for 사전평가 신청 on Socinet.

However:

• CBT is now more common in big cities

• PBT may still appear in smaller regions

Pro Tip for Foreigners in Korea

• CBT interfaces are Korean-only, so learn key buttons:

  • 다음 = Next

  • 이전 = Back

  • 제출 = Submit

• Bring your ARC and passport regardless of test type

Important Tips

• Use Chrome with auto-translate if you’re not confident in Korean

• Registration dates are limited, check often

• Missing classes can disqualify you from completion benefits

• Most KIIP classes fill up quickly, so check the website regularly during registration windows.

• For the placement test, make sure to bring your ARC and passport.

• Some users report having to link the main Socinet account with the KIIP test site via a consent step before being allowed to register, often on the placement test application screen.

  
  

Benefits of Completing KIIP

Completing the program can:

• Waive certain requirements for permanent residency (F-2) or naturalization

• Improve employment and communication opportunities

• Offer official certification of language and integration skills

• Foster a deeper connection with Korean society

  
  

The KIIP is more than just a language program, it’s a structured pathway to understanding and becoming part of Korean life. Whether you're in Korea for work, study, marriage, or long-term settlement, KIIP is a valuable investment in your future.

For more information on KIIP registration, schedules, and eligibility, visit the official KIIP portal.

If you need assistance with registration or understanding the program structure, feel free to ask!