Korean Language

Screening for Korean language courses

All new students who have any prior knowledge of Korean should consult the instructional staff, to be placed in a course suitable to their level of Korean proficiency. Please download the questionnaire to fill out and bring the completed form when you contact the screening coordinator. For more information, please contact Dr. Kyungsook Kim, Korean language coordinator.
Note: Any students providing false information on their language background for academic advantages will be in violation of the policies of academic honesty under the Student Code of Behavior. The Department may withhold credit from students when completing courses for which prior background is deemed and invalidate their registration. Such an offence is grounds for suspension and/or expulsion from the university.

Registering for Korean language courses

The course was designed for absolute beginners and is not open to students with previous knowledge of Korean. Students from a Korean heritage background should consult with the Korean language coordinator for the evaluation of their Korean proficiency.
This course is a continuation of Korea 101. Prerequisite for this course is Korea 101, or consent of the Department.
Basic communication in modern Korean, integrating speaking, listening, reading and writing. Prerequisite: Korea 102 or consent of Department.
Intermediate communication in modern Korean, integrating speaking, listening, reading and writing. Prerequisite: Korea 202 or consent of Department.
Advanced communication in modern Korean, integrating speaking, listening, reading and writing. Prerequisite: Korea 302 or consent of Department.

Korean program events

Korean speech contest is annually held at the University of Alberta with the sponsorship of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea. Anyone whose native language is not Korean can apply for the contest.

The Department of East Asian Studies biennially opens Korean Cultural Festival with the sponsorship of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea. The event showcases various Korean cultural performances held by students, including singing, dancing, acting, and musical instruments as well as demonstrations of Korean martial arts. Please join us for this celebration.

The recent popularity of K-Pop has attributed to the success of our Korean K-Pop Contest. With over 700 people in attendance, this biennial competition is organized by the Department of East Asian Studies and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in November.

TOPIK is held twice a year in May and October at the University of Alberta. TOPIK is administered by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea. Anyone whose native language is not Korean can apply for this test. Candidates who are successful in completing the TOPIK exam will be eligible to apply for

  1. the Korean Government scholarship program;
  2. admission to Korean universities; and
  3. employment in companies and public institutions in Korea and abroad.

105th TOPIK Guide

We are pleased to announce that our university will host the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK), a standardized examination conducted by the Korean government. The exam is open to anyone interested and allows participants to formally evaluate their Korean language skills and earn official certification.
Details of the examination are outlined below.

Exam Date: April 11, 2026

Recommended Test Levels:

  • TOPIK I – For students currently enrolled in Korea 102 or 202 classes
  • TOPIK II – For students currently enrolled in Korea 302 or 402 classes                

*Students can choose to take either or both levels of the exam based on their comfort and proficiency. For instance, 400-level students have the option to take both TOPIK I and TOPIK II on the same exam day.

Timetable 
Level       Period   Section                        Entry          Start     Close  Time
TOPIK Ⅰ   1            Listening / Reading  09:10 AM   09:40   11:20   100
TOPIK Ⅱ  1            Listening / Writing   12:20 PM   12:50    14:40   110
                 2            Reading                     15:00 PM   15:10    16:20    70

Application Process:

To register for the TOPIK exam, please follow these steps:

  1. Please visit the official TOPIK registration website to obtain detailed information.
  2. Prepare your application package and submit it to your Korean instructor in class or Jin Mi Kwon (jinmi@ualbert.ca) by January 30, 2026. Your application package should include the following items:

(1) Application form

(2) Two sheets of colour ID photos (3x4 cm)

You can take photos at a    photoshop. Or Photos may be taken with a cell phone,  and inserted into the application form, and the application must be printed in color. When you take an ID photo with your cellphone, you should use a white background and capture only your face similar to a standard ID photo, rather than your whole body.

(3) A copy of your ID (Passport or Driver's License).

(4) Application fee: $50 for TOPIK I, $60 for TOPIK II (Cash, Cheque or Money order payable to Korean Consulate).

3. If you choose to submit your package on your own, the mailing address is as follows:
                                  Korean Consulate in Vancouver, TOPIK team,
                                  #1600-1090 W. Georgia St. Vancouver. BC. V6E 3V7

4. Inquiry:  Phone 604-681-9581 / E-mail: vanedu@mofa.go.kr

A language exchange group for English and Korean speakers to mingle, learn, and make new friends. Follow us on Facebook!
For more information about Korean program events, please contact Dr. Kyungsook Kim, Korean language coordinator (kk5@ualberta.ca).