What is EPS?

EPS Go KR: Fulfill your dream of working in Korea! EPS is a system allowing Korean SMEs to legally employ foreign workers, contributing to national economic development.

Agreed upon by governments to hire foreigners from 16 countries, including:
🇵🇭 Philippines 🇲🇳 Mongolia 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka 🇻🇳 Vietnam 🇹🇭 Thailand 🇮🇩 Indonesia 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan 🇵🇰 Pakistan 🇰🇭 Cambodia 🇨🇳 China 🇧🇩 Bangladesh 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan 🇳🇵 Nepal 🇲🇲 Myanmar (Burma) 🇹🇱 East Timor (Timor-Leste) 🇱🇦 Laos

Applicants undergo Korean language evaluation, skill level assessment, job competency evaluation, and health check. Ultimately, successful candidates receive a work visa to enter and work in Korea.

Industries Covered

Manufacturing	Companies with less than 300 full-time workers or less than KRW 8 billion in capital
Construction	Any type of construction project ※ Excluding construction companies building power plants, steelworks and petrochemical     facilities holding industrial environment facilities licenses
Service	Construction waste management, recycled material collection and sales, warehousing and cold storage (inland), publication of books, magazines and printed materials, publication of music and audio contents
Fishing	Deep sea and coastal fishing, fish farming, extraction of salt
Agriculture and Stock-breeding	Plant cultivation, stock-breeding, and its service

Process of EPS

Registration Process > TOPIK Test (1st round) > Skills and Competency Test (2nd round > Job Seeker’s Roster > Labor Contract > Pre-Departure Education > Visa issuance > Deployment Process > Post-Deployment

Registration process

Applicants shall register their application within the scheduled 3-day period either through manual or online procedure.
Following, corresponding test fee shall be charged per applicant payable directly to the HRD-Korea account.

EPS – Test on Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK)

The 1st round of Test (either Paper-based or Computer-based Test) wil consist of Reading and Listening modules of 25 minutes each module.

Skills and Competency Test

Only Passers from the 1st round of test wil be eligible ot take this 2nd round of test. Skills test will consist of three (3) parts, that is,
a. Physical strength Test including Ishihara Color Blind test,
b. Basic Skills Test, and
c. Interview.

Competency Test is the submission of Certificates of Employment for those who have work experiences in their chosen industries and/or a National Certificate and Diploma or completed Training Course related to their chosen industries.

Generally, ONLY passers of the 2nd round can move forward to the next step : Job Seeker’s Roster > Labor Contract > Pre-Departure Education > Visa issuance > Deployment Process > Post-Deployment

1st round: EPS-TOPIK
Test Section	Listening & reading(25 questions each)
	Multiple choice (4 options)
	★Caution★ Passing is a basic requirement of employment in Korea but it does not guarantee employment
Pass Criterion	Among scorers above the lowest standard by industry, successful candidates are determined in the order of grades up to the expected number.

2nd round: Skills Test
Test Section	Physical fitness, interview, basic job performance skills
Application	The examination result is provided to the employer as basic data along with the interview video and other relevant information.

What is EPS-TOPIK? (1st round)

The EPS-TOPIK Test, also known as KLT, is conducted by the Ministry of Employment and Labor of South Korea. This test is designed for the selection of foreign workers to engage in various sectors such as manufacturing units, construction sites, agriculture, and more. In essence, it evaluates the language proficiency of potential foreign employees, ensuring their capability to perform job responsibilities efficiently and navigate daily life without language barriers.

Furthermore, the EPS-TOPIK score plays a crucial role as it determines the eligibility of foreign job seekers. Subsequently, those who qualify based on their scores can proceed to apply for jobs and secure the necessary working visa (E-9).

Who conducts the test?

The Human Resources Development Service of South Korea administers the test.

The HRD Korea operates under South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor.

Additionally, they collaborate with various governments to facilitate the organization of the test.

What is the Eligibility for EPS TOPIK?

• Person should be aged between 18 and 39
• Person should not have any criminal record in relation to serious offence punishable by imprisonment
• Person should not have any past records of deportation or departure under a departure order from the Republic of Korea
• Person should not be subject to travel ban in his/her home country
• Person should fulfil the eligibility requirements decided by both countries

Overview of the EPS TOPIK

Test structure

This is a single-level exam. There are two sections:

• Listening: 20 questions — 100 points, 25 minutes.
• Reading: 20 questions — 100 points, 25 minutes

The total number of questions is 40, and the duration is 50 minutes. There is no break between these two modules.

Candidates can choose between two methods:

• PBT (Paper-Based Test), and
• CBT (Computer-Based Test).

All questions are MCQ (Multiple-Choice Questions), and you have to pick one correct answer out of 4 choices.

To pass, candidates need at least 80 out of 200 marks. They also maintain a list that has the highest score from the top. However, the final selection depends on the other eligibility criteria and the total number of applicants. HRD Korea decides this.

Crucially, the ‘EPS-TOPIK’ test focuses on fundamental grammar and vocabulary. Ensure you invest time to extensive reading and the memorization of a broader range of vocabulary. Visit our mainpage and register to claim free learning materials.

How to apply?

There are two ways to register for the test — offline and online.

Addition, you can visit the approved place. Fill out the form, choose the dates and test center, and submit the registration fee.

You can register online on the HRD Korea government website when dates are available. This is the simplest way.

Fill out the form with personal details and things related to this test. Additionally, attach a scanned copy of your passport and a photo. Conclude the process by submitting the form and making the necessary payment.

Validity

The score is valid for only two years from the date of test result announcements. Once the actual term expires, one has to retake to apply for EPS jobs in Korea.

Testing Centers Across The World

The testing centers depend on the MoU between the two countries.

However, if your country is not on the list, there is no arrangement, and you’re not eligible to appear for the test

EPS TOPIK 2024 Dates

They conduct the test once a year. The EPS TOPIK test dates and timing vary depending on the test centers. They often declare the result within 2-4 weeks.

Also, you can get in touch with the respective center for more details.

Due to various reasons, there is a possibility of the upcoming test being postponed or canceled. Therefore, it is advisable to contact them directly or visit their official website for the latest updates.

The Examination Fee

The exam fee varies depending on the country, with costs typically ranging between $20 and $40.

How To Prepare

HRD Korea Textbook in 7 Languages (FREE)

Most importantly, the HRD Korea has published a book mainly for EPS TOPIK in 7 languages. It covers the syllabus, from basic Korean language skills and work-related content too. Click to access to the textbook FOR FREE.

E-books are produced in 7 languages (English, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Uzbekistan). Moreover, each language consists of 2 books.

When you study by e-books, click the headphone button 🎧 to play the listening practice, learners are able to study listening smoothly.

Correct answer is hidden in each page, so, you can check the answer by pointing the mouse at the purple box.

Reading and Listening Practice Book (FREE)

What is included in the download?
– 2 Reading Practice Textbooks (1440 Questions)
– 2 Reading Practice Answer Book
– 2 Listening Practice Textbooks (1920 Questions)
– 2 Reading Practice Answer Book
– MP3 Audio Files
– 8 Special EPS Textbooks and 1 Answer Book

Click here to download the Reading and Listening Question Books along with their corresponding answers published by HRD Korea here.

Only Passers from the 1st round of test will be eligible to take this 2nd round of test.

EPS Interview (2nd round)

Firstly, thank you for visiting my blog. While browsing various websites, I noticed the lack of comprehensive details for the EPS interview. In response, I have created a free course to guide you and streamline your job application process.

Furthermore, be sure to watch five videos and review the question banks provided below; this constitutes the most complete guide you need to prepare thoroughly for the interview.

Interview Procedures and Methods

STEP 1: Candidates wait in the waiting room and enter one by one for the interview.
STEP 2: Conducted only in Korean, within 4 minutes, with video recording.
STEP 3: Interviewee stands at a designated spot, introduces themselves, and answers the interviewer’s questions.
STEP 4: Evaluation covers self-introduction, basic personal information, knowledge, and job-related skills.

Number Practice

Sino Numbers

Date

1991 – 11 – 07	천구백구십일년 십일월 칠일
1996 – 03 – 31	천구백구십육년 삼월 삼십일일
2023 – 12 – 22	이천이십삼년 십이월 이십이일
4월 2일	사월 이일
5월 19일	오월 십구일
7월 28일	칠월 이십팔일
6월 30일	유월 삼십일

Video Tutorial (FREE)

Introduction (EP1)

Self Introduction (EP2)

Firstly, when it’s your turn to wait in the waiting room, they say, “다음 분 들어오세요(Next person, come in).”
Then you go in, stand on the ground, say “안녕하십니까(Hello)” and bow down.
The interviewer says, “자기소개 해보세요(Introduce yourself).”
Then, start introducing yourself.
You should say it clearly and confidently in a loud voice.
If you practice hard, you will memorize everything, so try your best.

Vocab

이름 name	형/오빠 older brother	아들 son	한국어 Korean language
결혼 marriage	남동생 younger brother	딸 daughter	일 work
가족 family	여동생 younger sister	고향 hometown	직업 job
어머니 mother	할머니 grandmother	아내 wife	건강 health
아버지 father	할아버지 grandfather	졸업 graduation	경험 experience
누나/언니 older sister	아이 kids	한국 Korea	열심히 work hard

Practice Self-Introduction

저는 마리오라고 합니다.
[joneun mario rago hamnida]
My name is Mario.

저는 방글라데시에서 왔습니다.
[joneun banggeulradesi eso watsseumnida]
I’m from Bangladesh.

저는 서른두 살입니다.
[joneun soreundu sarimnida]
I’m 32 years old.

제 고향은 다카입니다.
[gohyangeun dakaimnida]
My hometown is Dhaka.

결혼했습니다 / 결혼 안 했습니다.
[gyolhonhaetsseumnida / gyolhon an haetsseumnidaa]
I’m married. / I’m not married.

가족은 어머니와 아내, 아들 하나 있습니다.
[gajogeun omoniwa adeul hana ddal hana itsseumnida]
I have a mother, a wife, and a son in my family.

한국식당에서 2년동안 일했습니다.
[hangukssikdangesoeso inyondongan ilhaetsseumnida]
I have worked at a Korean restaurant for two years.

가족들을 위해 한국에서 일하고 싶습니다.
[gajokdeureul wihae hangugeso ilhago sipsseumnida]
I want to work in Korea for my family.

한국어를 열심히 공부하고 있습니다.
[hangugeoreul yolssimhi gongbuhago issumnida]
I am studying Korean hard.

최선을 다해 열심히 일하겠습니다.
[chwesoneul dahae yolssimhi ilhagetsseumnida]
I will do my best to work hard.

Question Bank 1

Q: 직장동료가 바쁘면 어떻게 할 거예요?
[jikjjangdongnyoga bappeumyon ottoke hal kkoeyo]
What would you do if your colleague is busy?
A: 제가 하는 일을 빨리 끝내고 도와주겠습니다.
[jega haneun ireul ppalri kkeunnaego dowajugetsseumnida]
I’ll finish what I’m doing quickly and help my colleague.

Q: 직장 동료하고 어떻게 지낼 거예요?
[jikjjang dongnyohago ottoke jinael kkoeyo]
How are you going to get along with your colleagues?
A: 배려하면서 사이 좋게 지내겠습니다.
[baeryohamyonso sai joke jinaegetsseumnida]
I will be considerate of my colleagues and get along well.

Q: 회사 일이 많으면 어떻게 할 거예요?
[hwesa iri maneumyon ottoke hal kkoeyo]
What are you going to do if you have a lot of work?
A: 일을 다 끝낼 때까지 잔업하겠습니다.
[ireul da ggeunnael ddaeggaji janeobhagessumnida]
I’ll work overtime until I’m done.

Question Bank 2

Q: 상사가 내 의견에 반대하면 어떻게 할 거예요?
[sangsaga nae uigyone bandaehamyon ottoke hal kkoeyo]
What will you do if your supervisor disagrees with you?
A: 사장님의 지시나 회사 방침에 따르겠습니다.
[sajangnime jisina hwesa bangchime ttareugetsseumnida]
I will follow the boss’s instructions or company policy.

Q: 일을 하다가 실수하면 어떻게 할 거예요?
[ireul hadaga silssuhamyon ottoke hal kkoeyo]
What will you do if you make a mistake while working?
A: 상사에게 보고하고 다시 실수 하지 않게 노력하겠습니다.
[sangsaege bogohago dasi silssu haji anke noryokagetsseumnida]
I’ll report it to my supervisor and try not to make the mistake again.

Q: 불량품이 있으면 어떻게 할 거예요?
[bulryangpumi isseumyon ottoke hal kkoeyo]
What will you do if there is a defective product?
A: 상사에게 보고하고 해결 방법을 찾겠습니다.
[sangsaege bogohago haegyol bangbobeul chatggessummida]
I’m gonna report it to my supervisor and find a solution.

Q: 작업 하다가 사고가 나면 어떻게 할 거예요?
[jagop hadaga sagoga namyon ottoke hal kkoeyo]
What are you going to do if you get into an accident while working?
A: 큰 소리로 옆의 동료를 부르겠습니다.
[keun soriro yope dongnyoreul bureugetsseumnida]
I’ll call my colleague next to me out loud.

Q: 기계에 문제가 생기면 어떻게 할 거예요?
[gigyee munjega saenggimyon ottoke hal kkoeyo]
What will you do if there is a problem with the machine?
A: 상사에게 보고하고 수리 요청하겠습니다.
[sangsaege bogohago suri yochonghagetsseumnida]
I’ll report it to my supervisor and ask for a repair.

Q: 회사에는 몇시까지 도착할 거예요?
[hwesaeneun myotssikkaji dochakal kkoeyo]
What time will you arrive at work by?
A: 근무시간 30분 전까지 도착하겠습니다.
[geunmusigan samsipppun jonkkaji dochakagetsseumnida]
I’ll be there 30 minutes before work hours.

Q: 공장에 불이 나면 어떻게 할 거예요?
[gongjange buri namyon ottoke hal kkoeyo]
What are you going to do if there’s a fire in the factory?
A: 119에 신고하겠습니다.
[ililkue singohagetsseumnida]
I’ll call 119.

Q: 한국에 대해 아는게 있어요?
[hanguge daehae aneunge isseoyo?]
Do you know anything about Korea?
A: 한국은 작은 나라지만 짧은 시간에 크게 경제 발전을 한 나라라고 들었습니다.
[hangugeun jageun nalajiman jjalbeun sigane keuge gyeongje baljeoneul han nalarago deurossumnida]
Although Korea is a small country, it has developed greatly in a short time.

Conclusion

Finally, the concluding step after the interview holds significance. When the interview concludes, the interviewer typically expresses gratitude by saying, “Thank you for your efforts” or ‘수고했어요’. In response, the interviewee should reply with “Thank you” or ‘수고하셨습니다’ and promptly exit without displaying hesitation. Following this, a slight bow is appropriate as a gesture of respect. This practice reflects cultural manners in Korea.

This covers information about the EPS, and updates will be made regularly to reflect the latest changes. Thank you.

Learn Korean With More Blogs

1. EPS Free Course
2. Learn with BTS
3. Numbers and Words
4. Travel and Daily Korean
5. TOPIK
6. Hangul – The Korean Alphabets
7. Beginner Grammar
8. Intermediate Grammar
9. Tools Names