Workers from Nepal arrive at Incheon International Airport, June 20, 2023. Korea's official textbook for EPS-TOPIK, a language proficiency test for foreigners seeking to work in the country, has been updated for the first time in 11 years to focus more on work-related content, officials said Monday. Newsis

Korea's official textbook for the EPS-TOPIK, a language proficiency test for foreigners seeking employment in the country, has been updated for the first time in 11 years to focus more on work-related content, officials said Monday.

According to the Human Resources Development Service of Korea (HRDK), the government agency that publishes the material, the number of chapters dedicated to teaching specific work-related terminology has increased to 18 in the new version, up from the previous 10.

EPS-TOPIK is a test designed specifically for non-Korean citizens who wish to work in Korea under the Employment Permit System (EPS). This system allows local employers to hire foreign workers in industries facing significant labor shortages.

Unlike TOPIK, a standardized test that measures proficiency in reading, writing, and listening for foreign citizens interested in learning Korean, EPS-TOPIK focuses on evaluating test takers' reading and listening comprehension in the context of the workplace. The test is designed for individuals seeking employment in sectors like construction and manufacturing as E-9 visa holders.

EPS-TOPIK textbooks / Courtesy of Human Resources Development Service of Korea

Compared to the previous single-book version, which covered topics like Korean culture, legal issues, work life, and more, the new textbook now consists of two books: one focusing on everyday Korean language and the other dedicated to terms and expressions used in the workplace.

The book specializing in workplace language includes more example sentences and dialogues based on real situations that many workers encounter while working in Korea. Additionally, it incorporates more visual aids to help learners better understand the content.

"Each conversation is centered on typical daily life and situations in the workplace that foreign workers may experience, aiming to improve practical communication skills," said the textbook authors, mostly Keimyung University scholars, in its introduction.

"The culture and information sections cover language culture, daily life culture, and workplace culture to help learners understand Korean culture and acquire practical information for living in Korea. In particular, Volume 2 (focused on work terminology) includes content related to Korea's industrial landscape and workplace information to support understanding of various industries."

To develop more practical content for the new textbook, HRDK officials carried out polls and in-depth interviews with foreign workers, their employers and industry experts, they said.

The textbooks will be distributed to 17 EPS partner countries for applicants seeking to work in Korea, with Tajikistan set to join the list next year. The books will also be available for free in PDF format on the HRDK website.

"We would continue to support the settlement of foreign workers here in order to enhance Korea's national competitiveness," Lee Woo-young, chief director at HRDK, said.

Last week, the government announced that it will allow up to 130,000 foreign nationals to work in Korea on E-9 visas next year under the Employment Permit System, down from this year's 165,000.