
How to Ask About Taking an Exam in Korean
Understanding how to inquire about exam procedures is crucial whether you’re a student, a professional seeking certification, or applying for a visa in Korea. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for asking about exam applications, schedules, requirements, and other related details. Mastering these expressions will help you navigate the process of signing up for and taking exams in Korea smoothly.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 시험 응시 방법
Pronunciation: si-heom eung-si bang-beop
Meaning: How to apply/take an exam (Exam application method)
Basic Questions about Exams
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Expression: 시험이 언제예요?
Pronunciation: si-heom-i eon-je-ye-yo?
Meaning: When is the exam? -
Expression: 시험 장소가 어디예요?
Pronunciation: si-heom jang-so-ga eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where is the exam location? -
Expression: 시험 응시 자격이 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: si-heom eung-si ja-gyeok-i eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What are the eligibility requirements for the exam? -
Expression: 시험 접수는 어떻게 하나요?
Pronunciation: si-heom jeop-su-neun eo-tteo-ke ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How do I register for the exam? -
Expression: 시험 관련 정보를 어디서 얻을 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: si-heom gwal-lyeon jeong-bo-reul eo-di-seo eo-deul su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Where can I get information about the exam? -
Expression: 시험 응시료는 얼마인가요?
Pronunciation: si-heom eung-si-ryo-neun eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: How much is the exam fee? -
Expression: 시험 준비물은 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: si-heom jun-bi-mul-eun mu-eot-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What materials do I need to prepare for the exam? -
Expression: 시험 결과는 언제 나오나요?
Pronunciation: si-heom gyeol-gwa-neun eon-je na-o-na-yo?
Meaning: When will the exam results be released? -
Expression: 시험 시간표를 알 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: si-heom si-gan-pyo-reul al su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can I know the exam schedule? -
Expression: 이 시험에 대해 더 자세히 알고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: i si-heom-e dae-hae deo ja-se-hi al-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: I want to know more details about this exam.
Asking About Application Procedures
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Expression: 시험 접수 기간이 언제부터 언제까지인가요?
Pronunciation: si-heom jeop-su gi-gan-i eon-je-bu-teo eon-je-kka-ji-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is the registration period for the exam (from when to when)? -
Expression: 온라인으로 접수할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: on-la-in-eu-ro jeop-su-hal su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I register online? -
Expression: 방문 접수도 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: bang-mun jeop-su-do ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is in-person registration also possible? -
Expression: 신청서 양식은 어디서 받을 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: sin-cheong-seo yang-sik-eun eo-di-seo ba-deul su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Where can I get the application form? -
Expression: 필요한 서류가 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: pil-yo-han seo-ryu-ga mu-eot-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What documents are required? -
Expression: 사진 규격이 있나요?
Pronunciation: sa-jin gyu-gyeok-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there photo specifications? -
Expression: 응시료 납부 방법을 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: eung-si-ryo nap-bu bang-beo-beul al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please tell me how to pay the application fee. -
Expression: 접수 마감일이 언제인가요?
Pronunciation: jeop-su ma-gam-il-i eon-je-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: When is the application deadline? -
Expression: 접수 확인은 어떻게 할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: jeop-su hwa-gin-eun eo-tteo-ke hal su it-na-yo?
Meaning: How can I confirm my registration? -
Expression: 시험 접수 사이트 주소를 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: si-heom jeop-su sa-i-teu ju-so-reul al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please tell me the website address for exam registration. -
Expression: 신청서 작성 시 주의할 점이 있나요?
Pronunciation: sin-cheong-seo jak-seong si ju-ui-hal jeom-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any points to be careful about when filling out the application form?
Inquiring About Exam Details
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Expression: 시험 과목은 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: si-heom gwa-mok-eun mu-eot-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What are the exam subjects? -
Expression: 시험 형식은 어떻게 되나요? (객관식, 주관식)
Pronunciation: si-heom hyeong-sik-eun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo? (gaek-gwan-sik, ju-gwan-sik)
Meaning: What is the exam format? (Multiple choice, subjective/written) -
Expression: 총 시험 시간은 얼마나 되나요?
Pronunciation: chong si-heom si-gan-eun eol-ma-na doe-na-yo?
Meaning: How long is the total exam duration? -
Expression: 각 과목별 배점은 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: gak gwa-mok-byeol bae-jeom-eun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: How are the points distributed for each subject? -
Expression: 합격 기준 점수는 몇 점인가요?
Pronunciation: hap-gyeok gi-jun jeom-su-neun myeot jeom-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is the passing score? -
Expression: 시험 볼 때 신분증이 필요한가요?
Pronunciation: si-heom bol ttae sin-bun-jjeung-i pil-yo-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do I need an ID card when taking the exam? -
Expression: 시험장에 몇 시까지 입실해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: si-heom-jang-e myeot si-kka-ji ip-sil-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: By what time do I need to enter the exam hall? -
Expression: 시험 중 화장실 이용이 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: si-heom jung hwa-jang-sil i-yong-i ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Can I use the restroom during the exam? -
Expression: 시험 관련 문의는 어디로 해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: si-heom gwal-lyeon mun-ui-neun eo-di-ro hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Where should I direct inquiries related to the exam? -
Expression: 시험 샘플 문제나 기출문제를 볼 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: si-heom saem-peul mun-je-na gi-chul-mun-je-reul bol su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I see sample questions or past exam papers? -
Expression: 시험 취소나 환불 규정이 있나요?
Pronunciation: si-heom chwi-so-na hwan-bul gyu-jeong-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there regulations for exam cancellation or refunds?
Korean Culture Notes
Exams hold significant importance in Korean society, particularly major ones like the university entrance exam (수능, Su-neung). Understanding the context can be helpful. Procedures are often very formal and strictly followed.
Many official exams, like the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean), have dedicated websites with detailed information about registration periods, required documents, fees, and test locations. Familiarizing yourself with these websites is key.
Deadlines are strictly enforced in Korea. Missing a registration deadline usually means you cannot take the exam, so it’s crucial to check dates carefully and apply well in advance.
While online registration is common, some exams might require submitting documents by mail or in person. Always double-check the specific requirements for the exam you plan to take.
On exam day, punctuality is extremely important. Arriving late might result in being denied entry to the exam hall. Also, be sure to bring your identification card (신분증, sin-bun-jjeung) and admission ticket (수험표, su-heom-pyo) as they are usually mandatory.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A student (A) calls the TOPIK administration office to ask about the application process. An administrator (B) answers.
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Expression: A: 여보세요, 토픽 시험 응시 방법에 대해 문의하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: yeo-bo-se-yo, to-pik si-heom eung-si bang-beo-be dae-hae mun-ui-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Hello, I would like to inquire about how to apply for the TOPIK exam. -
Expression: B: 네, 안녕하세요. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: ne, an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. mu-eo-seul do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: B: Yes, hello. How may I help you? -
Expression: A: 다음 시험 접수 기간이 언제인가요? 그리고 온라인으로 접수할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: da-eum si-heom jeop-su gi-gan-i eon-je-in-ga-yo? geu-ri-go on-la-in-eu-ro jeop-su-hal su it-na-yo?
Meaning: A: When is the registration period for the next exam? And can I register online? -
Expression: B: 네, 다음 시험 접수 기간은 X월 X일부터 X월 X일까지입니다. 저희 공식 웹사이트에서 온라인으로만 접수 가능합니다.
Pronunciation: ne, da-eum si-heom jeop-su gi-gan-eun X-wol X-il-bu-teo X-wol X-il-kka-ji-im-ni-da. jeo-hui gong-sik wep-sa-i-teu-e-seo on-la-in-eu-ro-man jeop-su ga-neung-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Yes, the next registration period is from [Month] [Day] to [Month] [Day]. Registration is only possible online through our official website. -
Expression: A: 알겠습니다. 필요한 서류는 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. pil-yo-han seo-ryu-neun mu-eot-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: A: I understand. What documents are required? -
Expression: B: 웹사이트에서 회원가입 후, 규격에 맞는 증명사진 파일을 업로드하시고 응시료를 결제하시면 됩니다. 자세한 내용은 웹사이트 공지사항을 확인해 주세요.
Pronunciation: wep-sa-i-teu-e-seo hoe-won-ga-ip hu, gyu-gyeok-e mat-neun jeung-myeong-sa-jin pa-il-eul eom-no-deu-ha-si-go eung-si-ryo-reul gyeol-je-ha-si-myeon doem-ni-da. ja-se-han nae-yong-eun wep-sa-i-teu gong-ji-sa-hang-eul hwa-gin-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: B: After registering as a member on the website, you need to upload a valid ID photo file that meets the specifications and pay the application fee. Please check the website announcements for details. -
Expression: A: 네, 감사합니다! 웹사이트 주소 좀 알려주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da! wep-sa-i-teu ju-so jom al-lyeo-ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: A: Okay, thank you! Could you please tell me the website address? -
Expression: B: 네, 주소는 www.topik.go.kr 입니다.
Pronunciation: ne, ju-so-neun www-jeom-to-pik-jeom-go-jeom-kr im-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Yes, the address is www.topik.go.kr.
Practice Tips
Knowing how to ask about exam procedures is very practical! Try practicing these phrases by role-playing with a friend or tutor~ Imagine you are calling an exam center or asking a school administrator.
Look up the official websites for exams you might be interested in (like TOPIK or driver’s license tests) and try to understand the application information using the vocabulary you learned today. This real-world application will greatly boost your confidence!
Don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions if you don’t understand something. Using phrases like “다시 한번 설명해 주시겠어요? (da-si han-beon seol-myeong-hae ju-si-ge-sseo-yo? – Could you explain that again?)” is perfectly fine. Keep practicing, and you’ll navigate these processes with ease! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/You can do it!)