Is this your situation?
- I recently arrived in Korea and do not know how to enrol.
- I studied abroad and do not know which grade I belong in.
- My Korean is weak and I worry about following lessons.
- I was told I cannot go to school because of my visa status.
Rights you should know
The right to education does not depend on nationality
Young people living in Korea can attend school even if they are foreign nationals. An unstable visa status does not remove the right to education itself.
There is a process to recognise previous study
Study completed abroad is reviewed by the school to decide your grade. Transcripts and enrolment certificates help a lot.
Korean language support is available
Many areas run Korean language classes, preparatory schools or after-school Korean lessons. Ask the school or the district education office.
There are routes outside mainstream school
If regular school is difficult, qualification exams and alternative education institutions can also lead to a recognised certificate.
Try this
- 1.
Gather as many documents as you can
Passport, alien registration card, and transcripts or certificates from your previous school. A local Family Center can help with translation.
- 2.
Contact the district office of education where you live
They can tell you most accurately which school to apply to and what documents are needed.
- 3.
Ask the Rainbow Youth Center
Call 02-733-7587 for combined advice on enrolment, Korean language and future study.
- 4.
Use the Danuri Call Center if you need interpretation
Call 1577-1366 for guidance in several languages.
Please note
Grade placement and required documents vary by region and school. Confirm with your district education office or the Ministry of Education.
Checklists to use with this information
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A bank account and a phone are basics for life in Korea. With a residence card you can usually get both, but if you are a minor you may need a guardian's consent.
Where to get help
Ministry of Education
Area: NationwideEducation & school
How they can help
The government ministry with official information on school admission, transfer and recognition of prior study.
- Languages
- Korean · English
Rainbow Youth Center for Migrant Youth
Area: NationwideEducation & schoolMental health
How they can help
A specialist centre supporting migrant-background youth with study, careers, Korean language and counselling.
- Languages
- Korean
- Opening hours
- Weekdays 09:00-18:00
WebsitePhone 02-733-7587
rainbowyouth.or.kr
What to say once the call connects
- “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
- “My Korean isn't very good. Can I still get advice?”
- “Can young people get advice here too?”
- “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”
These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026
Local Family Center (Multicultural Family Support)
Area: NationwideLocal centresFamilyEducation & school
How they can help
Local centres offering Korean lessons, interpretation and study support. On the Family Center portal (familynet), choose your city or province to see nearby centres and their contact details.
Find one near youPhone 1577-9337
familynet.or.kr
What to say once the call connects
- “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
- “My Korean isn't very good. Can I still get advice?”
- “Can young people get advice here too?”
- “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”
These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.
Last reviewed 16 September 2026
Danuri Call Center 1577-1366
Emergency lineArea: NationwideFamilyViolence & safety
How they can help
A 24-hour multilingual call center for migrants, covering daily-life questions and violence support.
- Languages
- Korean · English · Chinese · Vietnamese · other languages
- Opening hours
- 24 hours
WebsitePhone 1577-1366
liveinkorea.kr
What to say once the call connects
- “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
- “Can I get advice in English, Chinese, Vietnamese?”
- “Can young people get advice here too?”
- “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”
These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026
Government Complaints Hotline 110 (e-People)
Area: Nationwide
How they can help
A single government window that tells you which office handles your issue, and lets you file a complaint.
- Languages
- Korean · English
- Opening hours
- Weekdays 09:00-18:00
WebsitePhone 110
epeople.go.kr
What to say once the call connects
- “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
- “Can I get advice in English?”
- “Can young people get advice here too?”
- “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”
These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026
What to say once the call connects
If you are not sure how to start the call, use these sentences as a guide. They are only examples and do not replace advice from the organisation.
- 1. “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about School & Education.”
- 2. “This is what happened. (Briefly say when, where and what happened.)”
- 3. “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”
Tips for the call
- If Korean is hard for you, ask: "Can I get advice in another language?"
- Keep dates, places and things like text messages or contracts next to you so it is easier to explain.
- You only need to give your name or contact details if the counsellor asks for them.
Follow the organisation's own guidance on how advice works. If you are in danger now, call 112 (police) or 119 (ambulance) straight away.
Sources for this page
Official sources (organisation websites, open in a new window)
- Ministry of Education · Ministry of Education website
- Ministry of Gender Equality and Family · Danuri portal (support information for multicultural families)
Last reviewed 6 September 2026
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