Korean proficiency test gains in popularity

Foreign students are learning Korean in Paejae University, Daejon.

30,000 expected to take exam this year

　

The popularity of the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) has increased ten times since the first test nine years ago, according to education ministry figures released Wednesday. This year, the test will be administered in 73 areas in 28 countries, a six-fold increase since the first test. Ministry officials expect 30,000 people to take the test in 2006.

Beginning in 2007, the TOPIK will be held twice a year, in May and September. So far it has been offered only once each year.

Some 7,998 Japanese citizens took last year's test, along with 6,003 Chinese, 1,281 Vietnamese, 1,229 Americans, and 1,065 Uzbekistanis.

The 2006 test will be held September 23 and 24 (simultaneously, in different time zones) in 28 countries. Applications are being accepted online only, at the Korea Institute of Curriculum and Evaluation web site (http://topik.or.kr) between June 23 and August 2.

Heo Mi-gyeong, [e-mail]