[Korean Language Learning] I took the Hangul Proficiency Test Level 5

On November 12, 2023, I took the Hangul Proficiency Test Level 5.

This time, I will write about how I studied for the Hangul Proficiency Test Level 5.

Study Methods

Past Exams

For past exam preparation, I used the 'Hangul Proficiency Test Official Past Exam Collection Level 5 (2023 Edition)'.

This contains two exams administered in 2022.
The listening audio can be heard on the official listening website.

I solved the two exams twice each, grasped the question trends, and reviewed the parts I got wrong many times.

Vocabulary

For vocabulary study, I used 'hana's Korean Vocabulary (Introductory/Beginner Edition) Hangul Proficiency Test Level 4/5'.

It contains Level 4 and 5 vocabulary.
Audio files can be downloaded from the web.

The scope of Level 5 vocabulary overlapped with the Introductory level I took in July, so I knew most of the words.

However, looking at the Level 4 vocabulary, there are many I don't know...
I must study hard when I take Level 4!

Grammar

For grammar, I studied with 'Learn Thoroughly from Zero! Korean Grammar Training'.

The explanations were easy to understand, and it was perfect for learning the basics of Korean grammar.

I finished it to the end, but there are still some grammar points that haven't stuck, so I plan to learn them from scratch again.

Others

In addition, I used a language learning app called Duolingo and solved Hangul Proficiency Test Web Mock Exams.

Study Status

I started studying Korean in August 2022.
(Counting back from the exam date, that's a study period of 1 year and 3 months)

I passed the Hangul Proficiency Test Introductory level in July 2023 and immediately decided to take Level 5.

I gathered the materials, started working on past exams in September, and studied vocabulary and grammar while also using Duolingo in parallel.

In mid-October, my son and I both caught a cold, and I had to stop studying.
My poor health dragged on, and I wasn't able to study as I had hoped for about three weeks.

Even so, the reason I was able to pass is,

1. The hurdle for passing Level 5 is low
(Level 5 is the easiest level in the Hangul Proficiency Test (excluding the introductory level). The pass rate for this exam was 85.2%.)

2. I was able to grasp the scope and trends of the questions, understand the types of problems I tend to get wrong, and prepare for the exam in my own way

, I think.

Exam Results

On the evening of the exam day, the official Hangul Proficiency Test X account released the correct answers.

According to my self-grading,
Listening: 40/40 points, Writing: 56/60 points,Pass!

In the writing section, I ended up getting the questions I was unsure about wrong.
I had originally circled the correct answer, but I went out of my way to change it to the wrong one, losing 4 points (2 points x 2 questions).

It's frustrating, but this is my current level of ability.

Next time I take it, I will build up my skills so I can submit my answers with confidence.

Then, on December 7th, I checked my results online, and the official pass notification arrived on December 11th.

The result was exactly as I had self-graded.
I'm so glad I didn't make any marking errors!

Reflections

The introductory level exam in July was taken at home, so I didn't really feel like I had taken an exam.

This time, I took it at an exam venue.
Waiting for the start time while nervous in the tense atmosphere, checking the questions and answer sheet over and over, regretting mistakes I realized after the exam, and checking the answer key with a pounding heart...

By experiencing that whole process, I was able to truly feel that I had taken an exam and passed it!

Starting from not being able to read Hangul at all, my study pace has been slow, and I'm still at a beginner level, but passing this test has definitely given me confidence.

This is all thanks to BTS, who gave me the spark of interest in the Korean language.

I will continue to work hard as I study for Level 4 and Level 3, so that I can understand their words even a little better by 2025 when all seven members are back together!

Thank you for reading until the end.

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