It has been reported that a system malfunction occurred during the Korean Language Proficiency Test (TOPIK) primarily taken by foreigners. The test in question was conducted in a total of nine countries, including South Korea, with disruptions occurring in seven of those countries.
The National Institute for International Education noted on the 24th that a system issue occurred during the 6th internet-based TOPIK test (IBT) held domestically and internationally on the 22nd.
TOPIK is the test administered by the Ministry of Education. The target participants are foreigners and overseas Koreans, specifically individuals whose mother tongue is not Korean. It is primarily known as a test taken by foreigners, utilized for purposes such as university admission, graduation, naturalization, and employment.
The test during which the system issues occurred was conducted in a total of nine countries, including South Korea.
In foreign countries, issues occurred in six nations (Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the Philippines), excluding Romania and Paraguay, across a total of 22 test centers. It has been reported that the candidates at these test centers were unable to take the exam due to computer system failures.
In South Korea, the test was conducted at a total of 38 test centers, but it has been determined that keyboard issues arose in about 10 of those locations. As a result, candidates at those test centers reportedly took the written exam by hand.
The National Institute for International Education stated, "We are preparing to ensure that the candidates who were unable to take the exam properly can participate in the PBT scheduled for April 14" and noted, "If they wish for a refund, we will provide it."