How to Find Free Korean Classes

Why learn Korean

• E-7-4 skilled worker visa: You need at least 50 points in Korean. TOPIK level 2, KIIP level 2, or a pre-assessment score of 41–60 each give 50 points.
• At work: If you understand work instructions and safety signs, you are less likely to have an accident.
• Daily life: You can handle things by yourself at the hospital, with contracts, and at the bank.

Where you can learn for free

1. Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP)

• This is a course of 법무부 (Ministry of Justice). Level 0 is free. Levels 1–4 cost 100,000원 each.
• When you complete it, you can use it for the E-7-4 Korean points and for the basic knowledge requirement for permanent residence (F-5).
• Apply at: socinet.go.kr. For details, see the article on the Korea Immigration and Integration Program.

2. Local government foreign resident support centers and global centers

• These are run by the city, county, or district office (시·군·구), or by groups they hire. Many are free or charge only a small fee for books.
• How to find one: On the website of your city, county, or district office (시·군·구청), search for "외국인 한국어 교실" (Korean class for foreigners). Or call 1345, say the name of your area, and ask.

3. Family centers (가족센터, Multicultural Family Support Centers)

• Korean classes are mainly for marriage migrants and children who came to Korea later in their childhood.
• In some areas, a center opens classes that foreign workers can also join. Each center is different.
• To check: Call the Danuri Call Center (다누리콜센터) 1577-1366 (24 hours, many languages), or find a nearby center on the Danuri portal liveinkorea.kr and ask them directly.

4. Online King Sejong Institute and Nuri King Sejong Institute (누리 세종학당)

• The King Sejong Institute Foundation (세종학당재단) runs these. They offer online lessons, textbooks, and culture materials.
• If you sign up, you can use them in many languages. The address is nuri.iksi.or.kr.

5. EPS-TOPIK website

• 한국산업인력공단 runs this. You can see the standard textbook, listening materials, and practice questions in the same style as past tests for free.
• If you are already in Korea, the study materials will help you more than the test.

6. 한국산업인력공단 training courses

• The return-home support program includes a 60-hour Korean course (8 hours a day, weekends included, goal: TOPIK level 3).
• It is for certain people, such as those who have worked 3 years or more. For full eligibility and how to apply, check eps.hrdkorea.or.kr or call 1577-0071.

7. Weekend classes at religious groups and civic groups

• In industrial complex areas, many churches, Buddhist temples, and migrant groups teach Korean on Sundays. Most are free.
• We do not recommend any specific group here. Here is how to check:
  1. Call 1345 or 1577-0071, say your area, and ask.
  2. Ask the foreigner affairs office at your city, county, or district office.
  3. Get the name and class time from a local community of people from your country, then call the place yourself.
• Avoid places that ask for money or personal information first.

How to find time while working

• Look for weekend classes first. Many free classes are on Sunday mornings.
• Few places run evening classes. If there are none, study online instead.
• Online is the safest choice for shift workers. Choose a course with no fixed class time.
• Listen to audio materials again and again on your way to and from work. 20 minutes every day is better than studying a lot only on weekends.

How to choose apps and videos

• Look first at materials made by public institutions. These include materials from King Sejong Institute, EPS-TOPIK, and 국립국어원 (National Institute of Korean Language).
• Check if it is really free. Some are free only at the start, and soon ask you to pay.
• If you plan to take a test, check that the materials match the TOPIK question style.
• If it asks for your card number, foreign registration number (외국인등록번호), or a photo of your passport, stop using it.
• This article does not recommend any specific app or private school. Use the points above to choose by yourself.

Set your goal

Goal	Level needed	What it is for
Start basic daily conversation	KIIP level 0–1	Understanding work instructions, shopping
E-7-4 Korean 50 points	TOPIK level 2 / KIIP level 2 / pre-assessment 41–60 points	Minimum requirement in the points system
E-7-4 Korean 80 points	TOPIK level 3 / KIIP level 3	Getting extra points to be safe
E-7-4 Korean 120 points	TOPIK level 4 or higher / KIIP level 4 or higher	Highest score, preparing for permanent residence

A realistic first goal is TOPIK level 2 or KIIP level 2.

Things to be careful about

• Free classes have few seats, and registration closes fast. Ask early when registration starts.
• Certificates from free classes usually do not count as visa points. If you need points, prepare for TOPIK or KIIP at the same time.
• If you miss class often, you will be moved to the next term. Look at your work schedule and choose a class on days you can go.
• If you change workplaces or move, your class may become far away. Look for a class in your new area first.
• If someone says "Pay money and we guarantee a TOPIK level or a visa," it is a scam.

Frequently asked questions

Q. I have an E-9 visa. Can I join the Korea Immigration and Integration Program? A. If you have done your foreigner registration, you can join. Check eligibility and schedules at socinet.go.kr.

Q. Can I learn for free at a family center? A. The classes are mainly for marriage migrants and children who came to Korea later in their childhood. Call 1577-1366 or a nearby center and ask if they have a class for foreign workers.

Q. Can I reach TOPIK level 2 just by going to free classes? A. Yes, it is possible. But you need to get used to the test style, so also practice questions with EPS-TOPIK and King Sejong Institute materials.

Q. My company does not give me time for classes. A. Classes outside working hours are your own choice. Use weekend classes and online courses. You can also study using the internet in your dormitory.

Q. Do I need to buy textbooks? A. You can download e-textbooks for free from King Sejong Institute and the EPS-TOPIK website. Many free classes charge only for textbooks.

Where to get help

• Social Integration Information Network (사회통합정보망) socinet.go.kr (KIIP registration)
• Nuri King Sejong Institute nuri.iksi.or.kr (online learning)
• Immigration Contact Center (외국인종합안내센터) 1345 (many languages, questions about local classes)
• Danuri Call Center 1577-1366 (24 hours, information about family centers)
• Counseling Center for Foreign Workers (외국인력상담센터) 1577-0071 (counseling in your native language)