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The naturalisation test and interview

As of August 2026Machine translatedSource: 법무부 국적·통합정책단0 views

Naturalisation includes a test of basic knowledge.

What is assessed

  • Written test — Korean language ability and basic knowledge of Korean history, culture and institutions.
  • Interview — conducted in Korean. It checks basic civic knowledge, the national anthem and general knowledge.

How to prepare

  1. Complete the KIIP programme. Completion can exempt you from the written test and brings other advantages. It is the surest preparation. See kiip-program.
  2. Use the study materials on the Ministry of Justice's Socinet portal (www.socinet.go.kr).
  3. Attend Korean classes at family centres and migrant centres.
  4. For the interview, practise actually speaking.

Steps

  1. After applying you are notified of the test schedule.
  2. Sit the written test (unless exempt).
  3. Attend the interview.
  4. If you fail, you can retake. Ask the office about the number of attempts and conditions.

Where to go

  • 1345 Immigration Contact Centre (20 languages)
  • Socinet www.socinet.go.kr
  • The nationality section of your local immigration office
  • Your nearest family centre (Korean classes)
  • 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline

Questions people ask

My Korean isn't good. Use free Korean classes at family centres and the KIIP Korean course. It takes time but it is the surest route.

What do they ask in the interview? Personal details, family relations, life in Korea and general knowledge, in Korean. The national anthem is sometimes asked.

Are there exemptions? Completing the KIIP programme can exempt you from the written test. Other grounds such as age may exist — check with 1345.

What if I fail? You can retake. Your residence status must stay valid throughout.

Take care

Having someone sit the test for you, or cheating, leads to refusal and criminal prosecution. Prepare honestly, however long it takes. Free Korean classes are widely available.

Related

naturalization-overview · kiip-program · kiip-levels · korean-language-classes

Source

Nationality and Integration Policy Division, Ministry of Justice www.hikorea.go.kr / As of 2026-08

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This is reference information. Confirm officially with the source or the responsible agency.