East Asian Languages, Literatures & Cultures
East Asian Languages, Literatures & Cultures

Korean Placement Testing

KOREAN PLACEMENT TESTING, Spring 2026

Spring 2026 Testing Period 

  • Written Test: October 27 – November 2, 2025
  • Essay Writing & Oral Interview: November 3, 2025
     

I. Test Format

The Korean Placement Test consists of three parts:


1. Written Test (Vocabulary, Grammar, and Reading):

  • Online multiple-choice test (40-minute time limit)
  • Taken on Canvas

2. Essay Writing:

  • One essay question (40-minute time limit)
  • Conducted in person

3. Oral Interview:

  • 10-minute interview with a Korean instructor
  • Conducted in person


II. Steps

1. Sign Up

2. Access to Canvas & Instructions

  • After signing up, you will be added to the Korean Placement Test Canvas site and receive an email with detailed instructions.
  • Please read this email carefully for information on the date, time, and location of the in-person essay writing and oral interview.

3. Take the Online Written Test

  • You must complete the online written test (vocabulary, grammar, and reading) on Canvas before taking the essay writing and oral interview.

4. Bring Photo IDs

  • Please bring two photo IDs when you come for the essay writing and oral interview.

5. Announcement of Results

  • In most cases, the instructor who interviews you will provide placement advice immediately after your oral interview.
  • If you receive an exemption, the Registrar’s Office will record your result and update your World Language (WL) requirement status in SIS after the second week of the new semester.

6. Questions

  • For any questions related to the Korean Placement Test, please contact Yoon Hwa Choi by email.

III. GENERAL INFORMATION 

1. Who should take the Korean Placement Test?

You should take the Korean Placement Test if you:

(1) Have studied Korean before at home, through self-study, or at another school or institution and are not sure which class you should register for at UVA. Please take the placement test before registering for any Korean language course.

(2) Are interested in enrolling in KOR 1060 or KOR 2060. These courses are designed for heritage learners who can speak or understand Korean well but need to strengthen their reading and writing skills. 

(3) Would like to be exempted from the World Language requirement because you believe your Korean proficiency is equivalent to completing two full years of college level study (KOR 2020 or KOR 2060).

(4) Are a study abroad returnee and seeking to receive transfer credit for a Korean language course you completed while abroad.


2. Who does not need to take the Korean Placement Test?

(1) If you do not have any prior knowledge or background in Korean, you do not need to take this test. You may simply register for KOR 1010.

(2) Students with standardized test scores: If you have an IB score of 5 or higher or an SAT II score of 700 or higher, you should be able to fulfill the World Language requirement at UVA. Please contact Yoon Hwa Choi directly to request exemption without taking the Korean Placement Test. However, if you wish to take a Korean course at UVA, you must take the placement test to determine the appropriate level for your study. 

(3) Echols Scholars: Echols Scholars are exempt from the World Language requirement and therefore do not need to take the placement test. However, if you later decide to major or minor in East Asian Studies or Korean, or plan to apply to the McIntire School of Commerce, you will need to take the test to document fulfillment of the World Language requirement.

3. What if I have a schedule conflict during the testing period?

(1) The Korean Placement Test is offered twice a year, once before the fall semester and once before the spring semester. If you do not need to take Korean immediately, you may wait until the next testing period.

(2) If you need course placement for the upcoming semester but cannot take the test at the scheduled time, please contact Yoon Hwa Choi as soon as possible to discuss your situation.