Korea turns to AI to modernize TOPIK national language exam
Korea’s national Korean language proficiency exam is preparing for a major digital overhaul, introducing artificial intelligence (AI) to draft test questions and grade essays as global demand to learn the language surges. The Ministry of Education and the National Institute for International Education unveiled a comprehensive strategy Tuesday to modernize the Test of Proficiency in Korean, widely…
Korea’s national Korean language proficiency exam, TOPIK, is set for a significant digital transformation. The Ministry of Education and the National Institute for International Education unveiled plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the exam, replacing traditional paper-based testing with an AI-driven digital platform by 2029.
This modernization aims to accommodate the growing demand for the language, driven by an increasing number of foreign students, job seekers, and professionals looking to establish careers in Korea. Since its inception in 1997 with under 3,000 test-takers across four countries, TOPIK has evolved into a vital credential for foreign nationals seeking university admissions, corporate employment, or residency visas in Korea.
The number of annual applicants surged from around 329,000 in 2018 to over 566,000 in 2025, with registrations reaching 564,606 by September, marking a 10 percent increase from the same period the previous year.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- Korea turns to AI to modernize TOPIK national language exam koreatimes.co.kr
