South Korea plans AI-based overhaul of TOPIK Korean language exam by 2029

South Korea's Ministry of Education and the National Institute for International Education announced a plan on September 29, 2026, to modernize the Test of Proficiency in Korean, known as TOPIK. The Korea Times reported that the plan would move the state-run exam toward a digital testing platform by 2029, with artificial intelligence used to help generate questions and score answers.

The Korea Times reported that a reform committee is to be set up in October 2026. Both newspapers reported that a new evaluation framework is due by June 2027, pilot tests are planned for 2028 and the revised exam is scheduled for 2029. Experts would review the output of the AI system. A home-based version is to be introduced gradually, starting with lower-level tests. The ministry also announced tighter exam security, including wider use of radio-frequency detectors to find prohibited devices and an exam ban of as long as five years for serious rule breaches. The 2027 schedule lists 15 exam cycles: six paper-based, six internet-based and three speaking tests.

TOPIK results are used for university admission, visa applications and employment. Ministry data cited by The Korea Herald showed applications rising from 421,812 in 2023 to 566,665 in 2025, and reaching 564,606 by September 2026, up 10.2 percent from the same period a year earlier. The Korea Times reported that the current test framework dates from 2014.