A Study on Directions for International Korean Language Assessment through Analysis of Question Types in the IGCSE Korean (International GCSE) Examination as an International Curriculum Certification Test: Focusing on Reading and Writing

This study aims to examine the characteristics and educational implications of Korean language assessment within international curricula by analyzing the ‘Reading’ and ‘Writing’ sections of the internationally accredited IGCSE Korean examination. The IGCSE examination is an internationally accredited curriculum certification test developed by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), a department of the University of Cambridge. This study analyzed the question types, assessment methods, and characteristics of the texts presented in the reading and writing sections of the IGCSE Korean exam developed by CIE, in order to explore the exam’s identity and educational direction. Analysis results showed that, unlike the TOPIK, the IGCSE Korean exam is an academic-oriented test that comprehensively evaluates critical thinking and logical problem-solving skills through the use of literary and non-literary texts. It also identified the lack of specialized Korean language teacher training and textbook development to support such education as a major reason for the discontinuation of the exam. This study suggests the need to establish educational directions aligned with the nature of the IGCSE Korean exam, as well as to conduct research on professional teacher training and textbook development. It is hoped that this research will serve as a foundational resource for revitalizing Korean language education and reintroducing the exam within international curricula in the future.