Free Practice Questions for Korean History Proficiency Test — Basic
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Key Facts: Korean History Proficiency Test — Basic Exam
50 items
Official Basic question count
National Institute of Korean History (historyexam.go.kr)
70 minutes
Official Basic testing time (10:30–11:40)
National Institute of Korean History (historyexam.go.kr)
KRW 22,000
Official Basic application fee
National Institute of Korean History (historyexam.go.kr, checked 2026-09-20)
80 / 70 / 60
Passing score thresholds for Grades 4, 5, and 6
National Institute of Korean History (historyexam.go.kr)
4-choice
Official Basic question format (4지 택1형)
National Institute of Korean History regulations
2 sittings
Basic sessions scheduled in 2026 (77 and 79)
NIKH 2026 examination schedule
한국사능력검정시험 기본 is NIKH's separately registered Basic paper certifying Grades 4–6. The official exam is 50 four-choice Korean items in 70 minutes (10:30–11:40) with a KRW 22,000 fee, passing at 80 (Grade 4), 70 (Grade 5), or 60 (Grade 6). OpenExamPrep provides independent English-language MCQ practice for fundamental Korean history, not an official translation.
Sample Korean History Proficiency Test — Basic Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Korean History Proficiency Test — Basic exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which artifact is the most representative stone tool used by people during the Paleolithic period in the Korean Peninsula for multipurpose cutting and digging?
2What major lifestyle change occurred during the Neolithic period in Korea, symbolized by the use of comb-pattern pottery (Bitsalmunui togi)?
3Which monumental stone structure was constructed as a burial tomb for ruling tribal chieftains during the Bronze Age in Korea?
4According to Korean founding mythology recorded in Samguk Yusa, who established Gojoseon, the first state in Korean history, based on the principle of Hongik Ingan ('broadly benefiting humanity')?
5The Eight Articles of Law (Beomgeum Paljo) of Gojoseon, of which three clauses survive in historical records, protected which foundational values of the society?
6Which early Korean state located in the Songhua River basin held the December harvest festival called Yeonggo and had local administrative areas (Sachuldo) governed by animal-named officials such as Maga (Horse) and Uga (Ox)?
7Which ancient marriage custom was practiced in early Goguryeo, where the groom lived in a small annex behind the bride's family home until their children grew up?
8In the Samhan confederacy of southern Korea, what was the name of the sacred religious sanctuary where state political authority could not enter and fugitives could seek refuge?
9During the 4th century, which Baekje monarch brought the kingdom to its peak of territorial expansion and maritime trade, securing control over the fertile Han River basin and establishing ties with Jin and Wa (Japan)?
10Which Goguryeo ruler led vast military expeditions across Manchuria and northern Korea, defeated invading Wa forces in Silla at King Naemul's request, and had his achievements commemorated on a massive stone stele erected in Ji'an?
About the Korean History Proficiency Test — Basic Exam
The Korean History Proficiency Test — Basic (한국사능력검정시험 기본) is the separately registered foundational 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 기본 (not 심화). The official Korean paper is 50 four-option items (4지 택1형) in 70 minutes, scored out of 100 with 1–3 points per item, and awards Grade 4 (80+), Grade 5 (70–79), or Grade 6 (60–69). NIKH evaluates essential historical knowledge and basic chronological flow; it does not publish era percentages. In 2026 Basic is scheduled only at Sessions 77 and 79. 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 four-option multiple-choice questions across Prehistory to Contemporary Korean History, weighted 1, 2, or 3 points for a total of 100 points, administered in a 70-minute paper.
Time Limit
70 minutes (10:30 to 11:40)
Passing Score
Grade 4: 80+, Grade 5: 70–79, Grade 6: 60–69 out of 100 (below 60 is fail)
Exam / Certification Fees
KRW 22,000 (NIKH Basic fee from the 67th examination; still the published 2026 fee)
Exam sponsor websiteFees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Official sources
- NIKH Korean History Proficiency Test official portal · Source checked 2026-09-20Official registration, schedules, past papers, and answer keys.
- NIKH exam guideline (시험 요강) · Source checked 2026-09-20Official Advanced vs Basic item counts, formats, and grade cut scores.
- NIKH basic information for applicants · Source checked 2026-09-20Current testing windows from Session 77: Basic 10:30–11:40 (70 minutes); Advanced 10:30–11:50 (80 minutes).
- NIKH 76th-exam results and 2026 schedule (국사편찬위원회 보도자료) · Source checked 2026-09-202026 Basic sittings only at Sessions 77 and 79.
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.
Prehistory and Early States (선사 시대 및 초기 국가)
Lifestyles, tools, and social organization in Paleolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, and early confederacies including Gojoseon.
Three Kingdoms and Northern-Southern States (삼국 및 남북국 시대)
Key monarchs of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, battle of Salsu, unification wars, Balhae founding, and iconic relics.
Goryeo Dynasty (고려 시대)
Wang Geon's founding, civil service system (Gwageo), resistance against foreign invasions, Tripitaka Koreana, and Goryeo celadon.
Joseon Dynasty (조선 시대)
Founding of Joseon, King Sejong and Hangul creation, Imjin War and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, Silhak thinkers, and folk culture.
Modern Enlightenment Period (개항기)
Heungseon Daewongun's reforms, Treaty of Ganghwa, Donghak Peasant Movement, Independence Club, and Korean Empire.
Japanese Colonial Period and Independence Movement (일제강점기 및 독립운동)
March 1st Movement, Kim Gu and the Provisional Government, Patriot Yoon Bong-gil, Korean Liberation Army, and preservation of the Korean language.
Contemporary Korean History (현대사)
National liberation on August 15, 1945, Korean War, April 19 Revolution, Seoul Olympics, and economic development.
Preparing for the Korean History Proficiency Test — Basic Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Grade 4: 80+, Grade 5: 70–79, Grade 6: 60–69 out of 100 (below 60 is fail)
- Assessment: 50 four-option multiple-choice questions across Prehistory to Contemporary Korean History, weighted 1, 2, or 3 points for a total of 100 points, administered in a 70-minute paper.
- Time limit: 70 minutes (10:30 to 11:40)
- Exam / certification fees: KRW 22,000 (NIKH Basic 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 — Basic: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Korean History Proficiency Test — Basic (한능검 기본)?
It is the Basic sitting of the national Korean History Proficiency Test administered by NIKH. Candidates register for 기본 rather than 심화. One 50-item Korean paper awards Grade 4 (80+), Grade 5 (70–79), or Grade 6 (60–69) out of 100.
How is the Basic exam structured in 2026?
The official Basic paper is 50 four-option items (4지 택1형) in Korean, 70 minutes of testing from 10:30 to 11:40, with 1–3 points per item totaling 100. The published Basic fee is KRW 22,000. NIKH scheduled Basic only at Sessions 77 (7 February 2026) and 79 (9 August 2026).
What language is the official exam, and how does this practice bank work?
The official exam is conducted in Korean. This bank is an independent English-language four-option MCQ study adaptation for major figures, events, and heritage; it is not an official translation.
How does the Basic tier differ from the Advanced tier?
They are separately registered sittings. Basic uses 50 four-option items in 70 minutes and awards Grades 4–6. Advanced uses 50 five-option items in 80 minutes and awards Grades 1–3. NIKH describes Basic as essential knowledge and chronological flow, and Advanced as systematic understanding plus source analysis.
Is this the same exam as CSAT Korean History?
No. CSAT/Suneung Korean History is a KICE high-school admissions section. 한능검 기본 is NIKH's independently registered Basic proficiency sitting.