If you plan to launch Wi-Fi products in the Korean market, you need to meet both industry standards and government regulations. This involves two parallel and complementary certifications: the global "Wi-Fi Alliance Certification" and the local Korean "MIC Certification" (formerly KCC). The former is your product's "global passport" proving compatibility and performance, while the latter is the "market access license" for legal sales in Korea.

I. Latest Wi-Fi Alliance Certification Programs: Three Major 2025 Updates

Wi-Fi Alliance certifications are globally unified standards. In 2025, the following updates directly impact future product planning.

1.6GHz Band Test Updates: If you plan to launch routers or end-user devices supporting Wi-Fi 6/6E (using the 6GHz band), this update is crucial. Its core is to ensure devices can intelligently identify and comply with different countries' spectrum rules, for example, by correctly broadcasting "Regulatory Information" and distinguishing operation modes like "Low Power Indoor (LPI) Only."

·Key Timeline: This new compatibility test started on October 1, 2025, and will become mandatory on January 1, 2026. We are currently in a transition period, so early preparation is needed.

2."Wi-Fi for Matter" Certification: If your product is core network equipment in the smart home ecosystem (e.g., routers, gateways supporting the Matter protocol), this new program launched in September 2025 is worth attention. It is not an entirely new standard but integrates requirements like Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6, WPA3 security, and Extended Sleep into a specialized certification package, aiming to provide stable, low-power connectivity for smart home devices.

3.Localized Testing Convenience in Korea: Previously, Wi-Fi Alliance certification testing in Korea might have required sending samples overseas. Now, the Korea Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA) has become a Wi-Fi Alliance Authorized Test Laboratory. This means manufacturers can complete Wi-Fi certification testing locally in Korea, helping to reduce logistics and time costs and facilitating communication with technical experts.

  II. Core Standards for Korean MIC (KCC) Mandatory Certification:

This is the legal threshold for product entry into the Korean market. Its technical standards are updated by Korean authorities, with the following key aspects:

1.RF Performance Standards: Devices must strictly adhere to Korean-regulated wireless frequencies, power, and other parameters.

·Frequency Range: For example, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi devices can use channels 1-13, which differs from some regions (like North America), and channel 14 requires special handling in Korea. Devices operating in the 5GHz band must have DFS and TPC functions enabled.

·New Security Requirement: Since January 2024, devices supporting Wi-Fi 6/6E must pass WPA3 encryption protocol testing when applying for MIC certification.

·Local Specifications: Product transmit power, spectrum mask, etc., must comply with Korean standards like KSX 3123.

2.Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards: This requirement was upgraded in 2025, raising the threshold.

·Latest Change: Korea's National Radio Research Agency (RRA) updated multiple EMC test standards in June 2025. The new standards became mandatory on December 1, 2025. For example, the standard for general wireless equipment KS X 3124 was synchronized to the latest international version ETSI EN 301 489-1:2019.

·Important Note: This means even if your product has passed EMC tests in other regions, it may require additional testing or re-evaluation against Korea's latest standards.

3.Electrical Safety and Localization Requirements: This part is equally important.

·Safety Standards: The electrical safety standard for IT equipment is transitioning from KS IEC 60950-1 to KS IEC 62368-1, with the latter becoming mandatory in 2025.

·Special Testing: Devices used close to the human body (e.g., phones, some wearables) require SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) testing, and Korea's SAR limits are stricter than the EU's.

·Localization Labeling: The MIC certification number must be permanently and clearly marked on the product. Packaging and manuals must also include Korean information.

  III. Product Scope Requiring MIC Certification:

Simply put, any product with wireless communication functions intended for sale in Korea almost certainly requires MIC certification. This specifically includes:

·Wireless LAN Equipment: Such as Wi-Fi routers, repeaters, IoT modules.

·Short-Range Communication Devices: Such as Bluetooth headsets, smartwatches, wireless keyboards.

·Smart Devices with Wi-Fi Functionality: Such as smart speakers, security cameras.

·Other Specific RF Devices: Such as drone controllers, industrial wireless sensors.

We hope this analysis focusing on standards, programs, and products for Korean Wi-Fi Alliance certification provides clear guidance for planning your market access. BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140, offers professional certification consulting services.