By Park Hye Ri and Lee Hana

Sam Okyere, a TV personality from Ghana, speaks fluent Korean on talk shows and other programs. But getting used to life in Korea was far from easy for him.

During his early days in Korea, he said he struggled with the language and an unfamiliar culture on many levels. What helped him learn Korean and decide to live permanently in the country, Okyere said, was the Immigration & Social Integration Network (Soci-Net), a program run by the Ministry of Justice.

Thanks to the information available on the website as well as hard studying of the language, he made a name for himself in the Korean entertainment industry. Whenever newcomers to Korea ask Okyere for advice, he recommends that they visit Soci-Net.

Conceived back in 2007, when the number of foreigners living in Korea exceeded 1 million, the program is designed to help non-Koreans assimilate into Korean society. Its five-step approach includes classes on the Korean language and culture and a 70-hour course on Korean society.

Each applicant must take a placement test to determine his or her course level. Those wishing to start from the very beginning, however, may skip the test.

Officially started in 2009, the program has had more than 540,000 participants from 126 countries. Successful completion exempts the graduate from taking a test when applying for permanent residency or citizenship, which explains the high level of participation, the ministry said.

With the program marking its tenth anniversary this year, the ministry on May 10 announced an upgrade to Soci-Net to better meet the needs of participants. From next year, the curriculum will include chapters reflecting a more accepting and multicultural Korean society and others outlining duties non-Koreans should uphold as members of society. Rules and regulations for daily life as well as finance and consumer education will be added to the syllabus.

Those eligible for the program include marriage immigrants, foreign students and other non-nationals with valid visas; naturalized citizens can apply for up to three years after the date of obtaining citizenship. Classes are offered at some 309 universities, multicultural centers and other organizations designated by the ministry nationwide.

Those wishing to sign up for the program can do so on the website provided below: http://www.socinet.go.kr/soci/main/main.jsp?MENU_TYPE=S_TOP_SY

hrhr@korea.kr