An image information coding method for performing a motion vector search based on hierarchical search in an image compression information device adapted to output image compression information. The image information coding method includes the steps of, compressing a plurality of frame images at a predetermined compression ratio to generate a plurality of reduced screens of lower hierarchical levels, searching for a first motion vector using the plurality of reduced screens, switching between search areas in a memory in which the frame images are stored, and searching for a second motion vector using the first motion vector in the switched search area.