Enhancing the Integration of Foreign Residents in South Korea: Seoul’s New CBT Center

The social integration program designed to help foreigners settle and become self-sufficient in South Korea has taken a significant leap forward. The “Ministry of Justice Social Integration Program” has introduced a permanent assessment center for pre-evaluations and comprehensive evaluations, expanding beyond its initial location in Daejeon to also include Seoul. In this article, we’ll dive into the opening of the Seoul CBT Center and outline the key features of the social integration program.

What is the Social Integration Program?

The Social Integration Program is an educational initiative that systematically teaches immigrants about the Korean language, culture, and society. Through this program, immigrants gain the foundational knowledge they need to integrate into South Korean society. Completing the program not only enriches their understanding but also grants them various benefits when applying for residency permits, permanent residency, or citizenship. The legal basis for this program is outlined in Article 39 of the Immigration Control Act. Under the guidance of the Minister of Justice, programs supporting social adaptation through education, information provision, and counseling can be executed.

Significance of the Seoul CBT Center

The Seoul CBT Center is the third computer-based assessment center to open in the country, following the Gwangmyeong Center in 2022 and the Daejeon Center in 2023. Located in the accessible Jongno District of Seoul, it is conveniently situated for both metropolitan and regional residents. This center will host ongoing, computer-based pre-evaluations and comprehensive evaluations for participants in the social integration program.

• Pre-evaluation: A test that assigns participants to appropriate stages of the education program.
• Comprehensive evaluation: An assessment of the language proficiency and cultural understanding of immigrants applying for naturalization.

With the opening of the Seoul Center, opportunities for participation in the Social Integration Program are set to expand even further. For specific application methods and assessment schedules, you can check the Social Integration Program Assessment Website.

Key Components of the Social Integration Program

1. Target Audience
   The Social Integration Program is aimed at legal foreign residents who have completed foreign registration in South Korea and naturalized individuals who have not passed three years since acquiring citizenship.

• (Eligibility): All legal foreign residents with completed registration and those who have acquired citizenship (naturalization, nationality determination, or recovery) within the last three years.
• (Institutions): Education is conducted through universities, local governments, public agencies, family centers, and private organizations designated by the Minister of Justice (as of November 2024, there are 335 nationwide).

1. Curriculum
   The program comprises two main educational tracks: Korean language and culture (415 hours) and understanding Korean society (100 hours). Each track is designed to provide structured education from beginner to advanced levels:

• Korean Language and Culture:
  • Level 0 (Beginner): 15 hours
  • Level 1 (Elementary 1): 100 hours
  • Level 2 (Elementary 2): 100 hours
  • Level 3 (Intermediate 1): 100 hours
  • Level 4 (Intermediate 2): 100 hours
• Understanding Korean Society:
  • Level 5 (Basic): 70 hours
  • Level 5 (Advanced): 30 hours

1. Current Participation
   The program started in 2009 with around 1,300 participants in its inaugural year. Fast-forward to November 2024, and the cumulative number of participants has reached over 510,000. The program has seen a significant increase in participation in recent years, highlighting its vital role in helping immigrants establish themselves in South Korea.

The Social Integration Program serves as a crucial stepping stone for fostering mutual understanding and coexistence between immigrants and South Korean society. With the establishment of the Seoul CBT Center, we hope for a more effective environment for immigrants to complete their programs.

Important Note

This information is accurate as of the time of writing and is subject to change based on government policies. Please keep in mind that the content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal interpretation or advice.

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