Seoul, Apr 23 (Korea Newswire)-- Starting 2007, the Test of Proficiency in Korean(TOPIK) will be conducted twice every year, according to the Ministry of Education & Human Resources Development and the Korea Institute of Curriculum & Evaluation(KICE) on April 19. A “Business Korean Proficiency Test” will also be newly added to help diversify the assessment program.
The number of test applicants grew to 30,259 in 2006, up nearly 7,000 compared to 2005. The increase is the reflection of a stronger overseas recognition of Korean companies, and a sweeping interest in Korean culture abroad, often referred to as the “Korean Wave,” especially across neighboring Asian countries.
In order to accommodate growing demands, the education ministry has thus decided to carry out the test twice a year, on April 22 and September 16 in 2007. The Spring TOPIK will take place in 36 test venues of 15 countries including Korea. The first Fall TOPIK will take place on September 16 in about 20 countries.