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Korean History Proficiency Test — Basic (한국사능력검정시험 기본, South Korea)

Practice Questions
Exam Review

Key Facts: Korean History Proficiency Test — Advanced Exam

50 items

Official Advanced question count

National Institute of Korean History (historyexam.go.kr)

80 minutes

Official Advanced testing time (10:30–11:50)

National Institute of Korean History (historyexam.go.kr)

KRW 27,000

Official Advanced application fee

National Institute of Korean History (historyexam.go.kr, checked 2026-09-20)

80 / 70 / 60

Passing score thresholds for Grades 1, 2, and 3

National Institute of Korean History (historyexam.go.kr)

5 sessions

Advanced exam sessions scheduled in 2026

NIKH 2026 Examination Schedule (Sessions 77–81)

Org-set window

Certificate recognition period set by each requesting body, not a single NIKH expiry

NIKH 활용 및 특전 (historyexam.go.kr)

한국사능력검정시험 심화 is NIKH's separately registered Advanced paper certifying Grades 1–3. The official exam is 50 five-choice Korean items in 80 minutes (10:30–11:50) with a KRW 27,000 fee, passing at 80 (Grade 1), 70 (Grade 2), or 60 (Grade 3). OpenExamPrep provides independent English-language MCQ practice for the tested history, not an official translation.

Sample Korean History Proficiency Test — Advanced Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Korean History Proficiency Test — Advanced exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which archaeological artifact discovered at the Jeongok-ri site in Yeoncheon is considered definitive evidence that Acheulean-type hand axes existed in East Asia during the Paleolithic period (구석기 시대)?
A.Comb-pattern pottery (빗살무늬 토기)
B.Acheulean double-sided hand axe (주먹도끼)
C.Mandolin-shaped bronze dagger (비파형 동검)
D.Polished stone dagger (간돌검)
Explanation: The Jeongok-ri site in Yeoncheon yielded Acheulean-type bifacial hand axes (주먹도끼), disproving the Movius line theory that previously claimed East Asia lacked Acheulean hand-axe stone technology during the Lower/Middle Paleolithic.
2Which set of economic and cultural characteristics correctly identifies the Korean Neolithic period (신석기 시대)?
A.Nomadic hunting of mammoths, cave habitation, and chipped pebble choppers (슴베찌르개)
B.Widespread wet-rice paddy cultivation, bronze mirrors with coarse geometric patterns, and dolmen burials
C.Beginning of agriculture (millet cultivation), semi-subterranean pit dwellings (움집), and comb-pattern pottery (빗살무늬 토기)
D.Development of iron plowshares, underfloor heating (ondol), and horse-rider aristocracy
Explanation: The Korean Neolithic began around 8000 BCE and was characterized by early dry-field farming of foxtail millet, ground stone tools, settlement in circular or rounded pit dwellings near rivers and coasts (e.g., Amsa-dong), and comb-pattern pottery.
3Which pair of artifacts serves as the primary geographical indicator demarcating the cultural sphere and sphere of influence of Gojoseon (고조선)?
A.Iron armor plates (비늘갑옷) and gilt-bronze crowns (금동관)
B.Slender bronze daggers (세형 동검) and iron sickle blades (쇠낫)
C.Comb-pattern pottery (빗살무늬 토기) and bone needles (바늘귀)
D.Mandolin-shaped bronze daggers (비파형 동검) and northern-style table dolmens (탁자식 고인돌)
Explanation: The geographical distribution of mandolin-shaped bronze daggers (bipa-hyeong donggeom) and northern-style table dolmens across the Liaoning basin and the northwestern Korean peninsula marks the core cultural territory of Gojoseon.
4What significant political and economic transformation occurred in Gojoseon when Wiman (위만) seized the throne from King Jun (준왕) in 194 BCE?
A.Expansion of iron culture, territorial growth, and control of intermediary trade between Han China and southern Korean chiefdoms (Jin)
B.Abolition of the Eight Articles of Law (범금 8조) and adoption of Chinese characters as the sole script
C.Immediate submission to Emperor Wu of Han and establishment of the Four Han Commanderies
D.Conversion of the entire state religion to Mahayana Buddhism and construction of stone stupas
Explanation: Wiman Joseon accelerated the spread and use of iron technology, expanded territorial control over neighboring groups, and prospered by mediating trade between Han China and polities of the southern peninsula such as Jin (진).
5In the early state of Buyeo (부여), what was the administrative structure and name of the national sacrificial festival held in the twelfth lunar month?
A.Collegiate council of nobility (Jaesang) and the Dongmaeng (동맹) harvest thanksgiving festival
B.Rule divided among the king and four animal-titled aristocratic chiefs (Maga, Uga, Jeoga, Guga in the Sachuldo), with the Yeonggo (영고) festival
C.Monarchical absolute rule over twelve administrative districts, celebrated with the Mucheon (무천) festival
D.Leadership by tribal elders (Eupgun and Samno) holding the Gyeongdang (경당) youth assemblies
Explanation: Buyeo was governed as a confederation where the king ruled the center while four regional aristocrats titled after livestock—Maga (horse), Uga (ox), Jeoga (pig), and Guga (dog)—ruled the Four Outlying Circuits (Sachuldo / 사출도). Its December festival was Yeonggo (영고).
6Which unique sociopolitical and religious institution distinguished the Samhan (삼한) confederacies of the southern Korean peninsula?
A.Total integration of secular law and religious authority under supreme pontiff-monarchs called Sinji (신지)
B.A matrilineal ruling council where female priestesses selected regional garrison commanders
C.Strict separation of politics and religion, where religious headmen (Cheongun / 천군) governed sacred sanctuary precincts called Sodo (소도)
D.Strict prohibition of wet-paddy farming in favor of mobile pastoralism governed by the Hwabaek council
Explanation: The Samhan polities (Mahan, Jinhan, Byeonhan) featured distinct separation of political and religious power: political rulers like the Sinji (신지) and Eupcha (읍차) held secular authority, while heavenly shamans called Cheongun (천군) controlled inviolable sacred precincts known as Sodo (소도).
7Which monumental military expedition and diplomatic action is explicitly recorded on the Gwanggaeto Stele (광개토대왕릉비) for the year 400 CE (Gyeongja year)?
A.Joint expedition with the Sui dynasty to subdue the Rouran Khaganate
B.Conquest of the Han River valley and execution of King Gaero of Baekje
C.Maritime invasion of the Shandong peninsula and sacking of Dengzhou
D.Dispatch of 50,000 infantry and cavalry to rescue Silla (King Naemul) and drive Wa (Japanese) forces from Geumgwan Gaya
Explanation: The Gwanggaeto Stele records that in 400 CE King Gwanggaeto sent 50,000 infantry and cavalry to aid Silla and drive out Wa forces. The campaign expanded Goguryeo's influence in the southern peninsula.
8What strategic domestic reform and foreign expansion milestone marked the reign of Goguryeo's King Jangsu (장수왕)?
A.Relocation of the capital to Pyongyang (427 CE), southern expansion capturing Hanseong (475 CE), and erection of the Chungju Goguryeo Stele
B.Promulgation of the Yullyeong legal code and establishment of the Taehak academy in Gungnae Fortress
C.Construction of the Cheollijangseong defensive wall and defeat of the Tang army at Ansi Fortress
D.Establishment of the Nine Provinces and Five Sub-capitals across the Korean peninsula
Explanation: King Jangsu moved Goguryeo's capital south from Ji'an (Gungnaeseong) to Pyongyang in 427 CE to pursue an active southward policy, captured Baekje's capital Hanseong in 475 CE, and commemorated his reach in the Namhan River basin through the Chungju Goguryeo Stele.
9Which Baekje monarch presided over the kingdom's greatest territorial zenith in the 4th century, subjugating the remnants of Mahan and dispatching the Seven-Branched Sword (칠지도) to the ruler of Wa?
A.King Goi (고이왕)
B.King Geunchogo (근초고왕)
C.King Muryeong (무령왕)
D.King Seong (성왕)
Explanation: King Geunchogo (r. 346–375 CE) expanded Baekje across the entire Mahan territory, defeated Goguryeo at Pyongyang Fortress (killing King Gogugwon in 371 CE), established maritime trade networks with Eastern Jin and Japan, and sent the Seven-Branched Sword to Wa.
10The Tomb of King Muryeong (무령왕릉) in Gongju is an exceptional archaeological monument of Baekje primarily because it:
A.Contains vibrant fresco murals depicting the Four Guardian Deities and celestial constellations in Goguryeo style
B.Is a wooden chamber tomb covered with stone mound (돌무지덧널무덤) containing golden horse-trappings
C.Is an unplundered brick tomb (전축분) constructed under Southern Dynasties (Liang) influence, containing an inscribed stone land-purchase deed (매지권)
D.Features a Buddhist stone pagoda integrated directly inside the burial burial chamber
Explanation: The Tomb of King Muryeong (discovered intact in 1971 at Songsan-ri, Gongju) is built of fired Chinese-style patterned bricks reflecting close ties with China's Liang Dynasty, and preserved a carved stone tablet (Maejigwon) recording the purchase of the tomb plot from the earth deity.

About the Korean History Proficiency Test — Advanced Exam

The Korean History Proficiency Test — Advanced (한국사능력검정시험 심화) is the separately registered advanced sitting of South Korea's national history proficiency examination, administered by the National Institute of Korean History (국사편찬위원회, NIKH) under the Ministry of Education, with delivery contracted to Hyundai Asan (현대아산). Candidates register for 심화 (not 기본). The official Korean paper is 50 five-option items (5지 택1형) in 80 minutes, scored out of 100 with 1–3 points per item, and awards Grade 1 (80+), Grade 2 (70–79), or Grade 3 (60–69). NIKH evaluates systematic understanding of events and concepts, source analysis, and grasp of period issues; it does not publish era percentages. Official uses include Grade 5 civil-service and diplomat-candidate eligibility at Grade 2 or above, teacher-recruitment eligibility at Grade 3 or above, and replacement of the Korean-history paper in several public recruitments. Official questions are in Korean. The questions on this page are an independent English-language four-option MCQ study adaptation, not an official translation or format simulation.

Exam sponsor: National Institute of Korean History (국사편찬위원회, NIKH) / Ministry of Education (교육부); delivery contractor Hyundai Asan (현대아산). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

50 five-option multiple-choice questions across Prehistory to Contemporary Korean History, weighted 1, 2, or 3 points for a total of 100 points, administered in an 80-minute paper.

Time Limit

80 minutes (10:30 to 11:50)

Passing Score

Grade 1: 80+, Grade 2: 70–79, Grade 3: 60–69 out of 100 (below 60 is fail)

Exam / Certification Fees

KRW 27,000 (NIKH Advanced fee from the 67th examination; still the published 2026 fee)

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

Practice coverage (6 of 100 items)

Prehistory and Early States (선사 시대 및 초기 국가)

Paleolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Gojoseon, Buyeo, Goguryeo, Okjeo, Dongye, and Samhan confederacies. NIKH does not publish era percentages; this share reflects this independent practice bank.

Practice coverage (16 of 100 items)

Three Kingdoms and Northern-Southern States (삼국 및 남북국 시대)

Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla, and Gaya development; political systems, foreign relations, Unified Silla, Balhae, and Buddhist culture.

Practice coverage (14 of 100 items)

Goryeo Dynasty (고려 시대)

Founding of Goryeo, political institutions, external conflicts (Khitan, Jurchen, Mongol), military rule, Yuan intervention, and reform efforts.

Practice coverage (22 of 100 items)

Joseon Dynasty (조선 시대)

Central and local governance, Neo-Confucian social order, factional politics, foreign invasions, Daedongbeop, Silhak, and socio-economic changes.

Practice coverage (20 of 100 items)

Modern Enlightenment and Korean Empire (개항기 및 대한제국)

Treaties of opening, enlightenment policies, Donghak Peasant Movement, Gabo Reforms, Independence Club, and Korean Empire Gwangmu Reforms.

Practice coverage (10 of 100 items)

Japanese Colonial Period and Independence Movement (일제강점기 및 독립운동)

Colonial rule phases (1910s, 1920s, 1930s-40s), March 1st Movement, Provisional Government, armed resistance, and cultural defense.

Practice coverage (12 of 100 items)

Contemporary Korean History (현대사)

Post-liberation politics, Korean War, democratization movements (April 19, May 18, June 1987), economic development, and inter-Korean relations.

Preparing for the Korean History Proficiency Test — Advanced Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Grade 1: 80+, Grade 2: 70–79, Grade 3: 60–69 out of 100 (below 60 is fail)
  • Assessment: 50 five-option multiple-choice questions across Prehistory to Contemporary Korean History, weighted 1, 2, or 3 points for a total of 100 points, administered in an 80-minute paper.
  • Time limit: 80 minutes (10:30 to 11:50)
  • Exam / certification fees: KRW 27,000 (NIKH Advanced fee from the 67th examination; still the published 2026 fee) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Korean History Proficiency Test — Advanced: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the chronological sequence of major historical periods, especially the rapid shifts during the late 19th-century Enlightenment period and the Japanese colonial era.
2Pay special attention to primary source excerpts (사료) such as royal edicts, political declarations, and reform proclamations, which are central to Advanced exam items.
3Understand the institutional distinctions between government bodies across dynasties (e.g., Three Chancelleries of Goryeo vs. Uijeongbu and Yukjo of Joseon).
4Review cultural heritage, including Buddhist art, pagoda architecture, historic chronicles (Samguk Sagi, Samguk Yusa, Joseon Wangjo Sillok), and UNESCO World Heritage sites in Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Korean History Proficiency Test — Advanced (한능검 심화)?

It is the Advanced sitting of the national Korean History Proficiency Test administered by NIKH. Candidates register for 심화 rather than 기본. One 50-item Korean paper awards Grade 1 (80+), Grade 2 (70–79), or Grade 3 (60–69) out of 100.

What is the official 2026 structure and fee?

The official Advanced paper is 50 five-option items (5지 택1형) in Korean, 80 minutes of testing from 10:30 to 11:50, with 1–3 points per item totaling 100. The published Advanced fee is KRW 27,000. NIKH scheduled Advanced at all five 2026 sittings (Sessions 77–81).

What language is the official exam, and what is this bank?

The official examination is conducted in Korean. This bank is an independent English-language four-option MCQ study adaptation for the underlying history; it is not an official translation and does not simulate the official five-option Korean paper.

How does NIKH use Advanced grades?

NIKH's 활용 및 특전 page states that Grade 2 or above is required for the Grade 5 civil-service exam and the diplomat-candidate exam, and Grade 3 or above for teacher recruitment. Several later recruitments (Grade 7, police, firefighters, postal Grade 9, National Assembly Grade 8, military civilians) replace their Korean-history papers with this test. Certificate recognition windows are set by each requesting organization. NIKH announced that Grade 9 civil-service Korean history is planned to be replaced from 2027.

Is this the same exam as CSAT Korean History?

No. CSAT/Suneung Korean History is a KICE high-school admissions section. 한능검 심화 is NIKH's independently registered Advanced proficiency sitting.