Where can I learn Korean, including free classes?

Public centers for foreign residents run free or low-cost Korean classes, the government's KIIP program teaches Korean step by step, and there are official self-study materials online. What to do 1. Start with a public center. In Seoul, the Seoul Foreign Resident Center offers free services including practical Korean classes, and Global Village Centers such as Gangnam's run Korean classes and conversation groups. Seoul's foreign resident portal lets you filter programs by Korean Language and Free. 2. Marriage immigrants, and children who joined them from abroad, can take Korean lessons at Family Centers (가족센터). Find one at familynet.or.kr. 3. Consider KIIP (Korea Immigration & Integration Program, Ministry of Justice). Apply online at socinet.go.kr; a placement test sets your level, and you join a class at an institution covering your registered address. Completing it can help with visa, permanent residency and naturalization applications. 4. For self-study, the King Sejong Institute Foundation's Nuri-Sejong site has textbooks, learning materials and an online level test. Good to know • KIIP now charges a fee for most levels. Check current fees and discounts on socinet.go.kr. • Long unexcused absences can get you removed from a KIIP class. • The Ministry of Justice has announced plans to reform KIIP, so check socinet.go.kr for the current rules. Official sources • KIIP (Socinet): https://www.socinet.go.kr/soci/main/main.jsp?MENU_TYPE=S_TOP_SY • Seoul, programs for foreign residents: https://global.seoul.go.kr/hmpg/ainf/prgm/prgmListPage.do?lang=en • Nuri-Sejong: https://nuri.iksi.or.kr/front/main/main.do?language=en Checked by the Verihood team on October 3, 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you act.