How many times will TOPIK online test sessions be held next year?

The online-based Korean language proficiency test will be held six times next year, double the current number. The ministry said the change is meant to meet growing demand from people overseas.

Which countries will be added to internet-based TOPIK testing next year?

Romania, Malaysia, Guam, Vietnam, Thailand, Paraguay and Pakistan will be added. That expands internet-based TOPIK availability to 13 countries from the current six.

Why are more people taking TOPIK overseas?

The ministry said demand has risen sharply, with 428,585 applicants this year, a 71.3 percent increase from 2016. TOPIK is used by non-native Korean speakers when applying to universities or for jobs in Korea.

Online Korean language test sessions to double next year to meet growing demand

Listen

Summary

The education ministry said online-based TOPIK sessions will double to six next year to meet rising demand from overseas applicants. The internet-based test will also expand to 13 countries, with Romania, Malaysia, Guam, Vietnam, Thailand, Paraguay and Pakistan newly added. The ministry said 428,585 people applied this year, up 71.3 percent from 2016.

Key Facts

The paper-based TOPIK tests will be held six times next year, along with three speaking tests.
TOPIK was introduced in 1997.
The test is used by non-native Korean speakers for university admission or employment in Korea.

Published Oct 10, 2024 2:23 pm KST
Updated Oct 10, 2024 2:23 pm KST

Foreign students participate in a Korean language test at Keimyung University in Daegu, Oct. 8. Yonhap

The online-based Korean language proficiency test sessions will be doubled to six next year to meet growing demand from people overseas, the education ministry said Thursday.

The internet-based Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) will also be available in 13 countries next year, compared with the current six, as Romania, Malaysia, the U.S. territory of Guam, Vietnam, Thailand, Paraguay and Pakistan were newly added, the ministry said.

Demand for the test has risen sharply, with 428,585 people applying this year, a 71.3 percent jump from 2016, according to the ministry.

The paper-based TOPIK tests will separately be held on six occasions next year, along with three speaking tests, according to the ministry.

"In addition to making sure the internet-based tests are conducted securely, we will strive to establish a digital platform using AI technology to ensure Korean linguistic ability can be assessed anytime, anywhere," a ministry official said.

TOPIK, introduced in 1997, is used by non-native Korean speakers when applying for admission to universities or employment in Korea. (Yonhap)

Explore More