There are four main ways to learn Korean in Korea: a university language institute (full-time, paid, and the route to a D-4 student visa), the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP, cheap and useful for visas and citizenship), free classes at family centers and global centers, and free online courses. Which one fits depends on your visa and your goal.
Key facts
| University institutes | 10-week terms, about 200 hours, four terms a year. Example: University of Seoul ₩1,600,000 per term (2026) |
| KIIP (사회통합프로그램) | Levels 0 to 5. Level 0 free; levels 1 to 4 ₩100,000 each; level 5 ₩70,000 (basic) and ₩30,000 (advanced), as of 2025 |
| KIIP registration | socinet.go.kr, with a residence card |
| Free classes | Family centers (for marriage migrants and families), Seoul Global Center, many city foreign resident centers |
| Test | TOPIK (한국어능력시험), levels 1 to 6, at topik.go.kr |
Option 1: University language institutes (어학당)
Most large universities run a Korean language institute. Classes are about four hours a day, five days a week.
- Schedule. Four 10-week terms a year, typically starting in March, June, September and December.
- Cost. Set by each school. The University of Seoul’s 2026 brochure lists ₩1,600,000 per 10-week term. Large Seoul schools are often higher, and there is usually a separate application fee.
- Visa. A university institute can issue the admission letter for a D-4 (general training) visa. You usually need to register for at least two terms, and some nationalities must pay for up to a year in advance. Attendance is checked; many schools require 80% or more.
- Deadlines. Usually about two to three months before the term starts, earlier if you need a visa.
This is the standard path if you plan to enter a Korean-taught degree. See applying to universities.
Option 2: KIIP, the immigration program (사회통합프로그램)
KIIP is run by the Ministry of Justice. It teaches Korean language and Korean society, and finishing it counts for visa and citizenship applications.
| Level | Hours | Fee (from January 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 15 | Free |
| 1 to 4 | 100 each | ₩100,000 each |
| 5 basic | 70 | ₩70,000 |
| 5 advanced | 30 | ₩30,000 |
- Who can join. Foreign residents with a residence card (외국인등록증), and some others the ministry allows. Marriage migrants are a major group.
- Fee details. The fee is about ₩1,000 per hour, paid at the end of each level before the exam. Students with perfect attendance or chosen as outstanding pay half.
- Fee exemptions. Holders of certain G-1 visas (G-1-1, G-1-2, G-1-7, G-1-9, G-1-10, G-1-11), minor children on F-2-2 or F-1-52, people on basic livelihood benefits, people with severe disabilities and family members of national merit recipients.
- How to start. Register on socinet.go.kr. Start at level 0, take the placement test (사전평가), or use a TOPIK score to skip levels. Popular classes fill quickly.
- Why it matters. According to the Ministry of Justice, completion gives extra points for permanent residency (F-5) and exempts you from the naturalization written test. KIIP also counts for points on the F-2-7 visa. See long-term residency.
Separate exam fees and textbook costs may apply on top of the class fee. Check the current notice on Socinet before you register.
Option 3: Free classes
- Family centers (가족센터). Run Korean classes for marriage migrants and their families, often free, sometimes with childcare. Recently arrived marriage migrants can also get home-visit Korean lessons. See family centers and Danuri.
- Seoul Global Center and global village centers. Free or low-cost Korean classes for foreign residents in Seoul. Programs and dates are on global.seoul.go.kr.
- City and district foreign resident centers. Many cities run evening or weekend Korean classes for workers. See foreign resident support centers.
- Libraries, churches and NGOs. Many offer volunteer-taught classes, especially on Sundays for workers.
Option 4: Online and self-study
- King Sejong Institute (세종학당). The government-funded foundation runs free online materials at nuri.iksi.or.kr and a free “Sejong Korean” app.
- University online courses. Some universities publish free courses on K-MOOC and similar platforms.
Choosing the right option
| Your situation | Best fit |
|---|---|
| Want to enter a Korean university | University language institute (D-4), then TOPIK |
| Working full-time, staying long-term | KIIP evening or weekend classes |
| Marriage migrant | Family center classes plus KIIP |
| Planning F-5 or citizenship | KIIP to level 5 |
| Just want everyday Korean | Free global center or library classes |
TOPIK
TOPIK is the standard Korean test for university admission, scholarships and many visas. TOPIK I gives levels 1 and 2; TOPIK II gives levels 3 to 6. Scores are valid for two years. It is held several times a year in Korea, with paper and internet-based (IBT) versions. Dates and fees are announced on topik.go.kr.
Leila holds an E-7 visa and wants permanent residency in five years. She takes the KIIP placement test, starts at level 2, and does one 100-hour level each term on weekends. Each level costs ₩100,000 (half if she keeps perfect attendance). By the time she applies, her KIIP record can count toward the F-5 requirements, which she confirms with 1345 first.
Common questions
Is KIIP still free?
Only level 0. Since January 2025, levels 1 to 5 charge fees, except for the exempt groups listed above.
Can I get a visa just to learn Korean?
Yes. The D-4 visa covers language study at a university institute. Private language academies (학원) usually cannot sponsor a D-4.
Can I study Korean on a work visa?
Yes. KIIP, evening classes and online courses are all open to working residents. You do not need to change your visa.
Do I need TOPIK for a residence card or visa extension?
Not for most visas. TOPIK or KIIP matters for D-2 students, some points-based visas, F-5 and citizenship.
Where do I find classes near me?
Search Socinet for KIIP sites, call Danuri (1577-1366) for family center classes, or 1345 for general guidance.
Official sources
This guide explains the general rules as of the date above. Rules change and every case is different, so confirm with the office named here (or the 1345 Immigration Contact Center) before an important decision. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.