Korean History Proficiency Test - Basic study guide
Korean History Proficiency Test - Basic · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Korean History Proficiency Test (Basic), often searched as 한국사능력검정시험 기초, is a multiple-choice Korean history examination offered at an introductory level by the National Institute of Korean History (국사편찬위원회). It certifies that a candidate commands the broad narrative of Korean history at a basic standard: the sequence of periods, the defining institutions and events of each, and the major figures and cultural treasures that anchor that narrative. The Korean History Proficiency Test - Basic study guide has 10 sections and about 2,626 words.
01Prehistoric Korea and Early State Formation
Prehistoric Korea and Early State Formation covers the shift from hunting-gathering to farming, pottery sequences, megalithic tombs, and the first proto-states. Questions ask you to place artifacts and polities in order, not just recall names.
296 words, about 1 min02Three Kingdoms and Unified Silla
This domain asks for the founding, expansion, alliances, and fall of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, plus Gaya and Balhae. Expect date-order questions and "which king" questions.
319 words, about 2 min03Goryeo Dynasty
Goryeo questions test the dynasty's founding, Confucian-Buddhist institutions, civil service exams, foreign invasions, military rule, and cultural achievements such as celadon and the Tripitaka. Wang Geon founded Goryeo in 918 and unified the Later Three Kingdoms by 936 ; Goryeo fell in 1392 .
273 words, about 1 min04Joseon Dynasty: Politics, Society, and Culture
Joseon questions cover the 1392 founding, Confucian bureaucracy, social status, education and examinations, King Sejong's cultural projects, and major political and military crises. Yi Seong-gye founded Joseon in 1392 ; the capital moved to Hanyang in 1394 .
254 words, about 1 min05Late Joseon and Modernization Movements
This domain tests Silhak, new religions and peasant movements, the 1894 reforms, the Korean Empire, and the loss of sovereignty. Expect cause-and-effect questions.
256 words, about 1 min06Japanese Colonial Rule and Independence Movement
Questions cover the 1910 annexation, colonial policies, the March First Movement, the Provisional Government, armed resistance, and wartime mobilization. Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty : 1910 ; colonial rule lasted to 1945 .
245 words, about 1 min07Establishment of the Republic of Korea and Contemporary History
This domain tests liberation, division, the Korean War, authoritarian rule, democratization, and recent inter-Korean relations. Dates and regime names matter.
262 words, about 1 min08Historical Figures
Figure questions ask you to match a person to an era, achievement, or text. The exam favors people whose actions changed institutions or events.
259 words, about 1 min09Cultural Heritage
Heritage questions test identification, location, period, and UNESCO status of major sites and artifacts. Precision about what a site is matters.
239 words, about 1 min10Chronology
Chronology questions ask for order, century, or a single date. The safest method is to anchor a few fixed points and place other events around them.
223 words, about 1 min