Are there free Korean language classes available for foreigners in Korea?

There are several options for free Korean classes. The most widely available are through the Social Integration Program called 사회통합프로그램 (KIIP), run by the Ministry of Justice. You register on the Socinet website at socinet.go.kr, take a placement test, and attend classes at designated centers across the country. This program is especially valuable because completing it gives you points toward visa changes like F-2 or F-5.

Local community centers called 주민센터 also often offer free Korean classes for foreign residents. Check with your district office or the multicultural family support center (다문화가족지원센터) in your area, which provides free Korean education along with other integration services. Many universities and churches run volunteer-taught Korean classes on weekends for free. The King Sejong Institute has branches in Korea and offers affordable classes at very low cost. For self-study, the Talk To Me In Korean website and app have excellent free content, and KBS World has a free Korean learning program called Let s Learn Korean. The Seoul Global Center also runs seasonal Korean class programs for foreign residents in Seoul.