Korean language proficiency test conducted in Azerbaijan

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development and the Korea Institute of Curriculum and Education have been jointly administering the test since 1997.

The annual test is intended to offer direction in the study of Korean to foreigners and Korean expatriates abroad, measure and evaluate their vocabulary, grammar, hearing, reading and writing of Korean, and accredit their ability to use the language, the ministry said.

The number of test-takers is surging in recent years amid "hallyu," or Korean culture wave overseas, especially in Southeast Asia. Korea's prestige and corporate brand value have been enhanced in the international community.

And more and more foreigners are taking the Korean proficiency test to study or get job here in Korea. To meet the growing demand, the ministry will hold the examination twice a year - in May and September - starting next year.

The number increased 10 times in nine years, given 2,692 applicants from four countries taking the inaugural exam in 1997 and 26,611 sitting for the test in Korea and 24 countries last year.

Thanks to hallyu, India, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan were added to the list of test locations this year.

The number of applicants stood at 33,973 this year, a 27.7-percent increase from the previous year.

In China, the test was taken in Beijing and five other areas in 2005. This year four areas in Tianjin, Guangzhou, Yantai and Nanjing were added and the number of test-takers doubled to 12,813 from 6,003.

In five cities in Korea, 5,034 foreigners and overseas Koreans took part in the test.

/The Korea Times/