KIIP Level 5 Test key terms

The legal status that allows a foreigner to stay in Korea, such as study, employment, marriage, or permanent residence. Each status carries its own rules, permitted activities, and duration of stay.

The mandatory registration of a foreigner staying in Korea beyond a set period, done at a local immigration office. It produces an alien registration card used as identification for banking, phones, and official business.

The card issued after a foreigner registers with immigration. It shows name, nationality, status, and stay period, and functions as the main identity document for foreigners in daily transactions.

The procedure for extending the length of stay before the current permitted period ends. Applications are filed with immigration, usually with proof of continued eligibility such as enrollment or employment.

An entry permit stamped or issued by a Korean consulate abroad that allows a foreigner to enter Korea for a stated purpose. It is distinct from the stay status granted at entry.

The inspection at a port of entry where an immigration officer checks a traveler's passport, visa, and purpose of visit before granting entry and a permitted stay period.

The legal process by which a foreigner acquires Korean nationality. Requirements typically include residence duration, lawful status, Korean language ability, and an interview or written test.

Permanent residence status allowing a foreigner to live in Korea indefinitely without renewing a time-limited stay status. Eligibility usually requires long residence, income, and language or social integration criteria.

A Korean government program of Korean language and understanding-Korea courses for immigrants, organized into levels from basic to advanced. Completion gives points or exemptions in naturalization and residency processes.

The comprehensive assessment used in the social integration program to measure language and cultural knowledge before granting benefits such as naturalization eligibility. It combines written and interview components.

The legal membership of a person in a state, carrying rights such as voting and duties such as military service. Korea generally does not permit dual nationality for adults without specific exceptions.

The rights guaranteed to citizens by the Constitution, such as freedom of expression and equality, together with duties like paying taxes, education, and national defense.

The supreme law of Korea that establishes the structure of government, fundamental rights of citizens, and limits on state power. Ordinary laws and regulations must be consistent with it.

The principle dividing state power among the legislature, executive, and judiciary so that each checks the others. Korea's Constitution assigns lawmaking to the National Assembly and interpretation to the courts.

The unicameral legislature of Korea, responsible for making laws, approving the budget, and overseeing the executive. Members are elected by citizens and serve fixed terms.

The system in which local residents elect their own councils and heads of local government to manage regional affairs. It covers services such as local roads, welfare, and education offices.

The local administrative office where residents handle civil affairs such as address registration, certificates, and some benefit applications. Foreign residents also use it for certain registrations.

The required report of a change of address to the local office within a set deadline after moving. It updates official records and protects certain housing rights.

An official date stamp on a lease contract that establishes when a tenant's claim arose. It affects priority in disputes over deposits and is obtained at a local office.

A Korean housing arrangement in which a tenant pays a large lump-sum deposit instead of monthly rent and receives the deposit back at the end of the lease. The deposit amount and term are set by contract.

A contract between a landlord and a tenant setting rent, deposit, duration, and repair responsibilities. Korean law gives tenants certain protections, including renewal rights and notice requirements.

The public health insurance system that covers a share of medical costs for enrolled residents. Foreigners staying long term are generally required to enroll and pay monthly contributions.

The state pension system financed by contributions from workers and employers, providing payments after retirement age. Foreign workers from certain countries may receive refunds or transfers under agreements.

An agreement between an employer and a worker defining wages, working hours, duties, and leave. Korean labor law requires written terms and sets minimum standards that the contract cannot undercut.

The legally mandated minimum hourly wage that employers must pay, revised annually. Paying less is unlawful, and the rate applies regardless of the worker's nationality or visa status.

The core labor law setting standards for wages, working hours, rest, and termination. It guarantees rights such as severance pay and limits on overtime for covered workplaces.

The polite speech level in Korean used toward superiors, strangers, and in formal settings. Choosing the correct level is essential for social appropriateness in speaking and writing.

The casual speech level used among close friends, family, or toward those clearly younger. Using it with strangers or superiors can be perceived as rude.

The grammatical system of honorifics that raises the subject or addressee through verb endings and special vocabulary. Correct use signals respect and reflects social relationships.

The grammatical system of honorifics that raises the subject or addressee through verb endings and special vocabulary. Correct use signals respect and reflects social relationships.

A verb ending that joins clauses to express relations such as cause, contrast, or sequence, for example endings meaning because or although. Mastery supports complex sentences in writing and speech.

The written register of Korean used in reports, essays, and formal documents, typically ending sentences in plain declarative forms. It differs from conversational style in endings and connectors.

Outlining before writing, arranging main points and supporting details in logical order. In exam writing tasks it helps keep structure clear and prevents off-topic content.

The writing pattern of stating a position and supporting it with reasons and examples. Korean essay tasks often require a clear claim followed by evidence and a conclusion.

Words or phrases that organize conversation, such as signals for starting, shifting, or closing a topic. Recognizing them helps follow spoken discourse in listening tasks.

Proficiency in Korean across listening, speaking, reading, and writing, often measured by standardized tests. It affects eligibility for study, work, and residence benefits in Korea.

Differences in values, speech, and customs between age groups in Korean society. Understanding these helps interpret intergenerational conflict discussed in reading and listening texts.

A cultural orientation emphasizing group harmony, loyalty, and shared goals over individual preference. It appears in Korean workplace and family norms and is often contrasted with individualism in exam texts.

The social skill of reading others' moods and expectations without explicit instruction. It is a frequently discussed cultural concept in Korean interpersonal relationships.