November 24, 2004 ? Korea University said yesterday that a test on Chinese characters will become a graduation requirement for students entering this year. The students can take the test at any time during their stay at the school.
“China has become an economic giant, but our students are less and less competent in the language,” Kim Chang-bae, education support manager of Korea University, said. “Proficiency in Chinese characters is essential for understanding the Korean language.” He said large business groups, such as Samsung and SK, have recently begun looking at Chinese character proficiency in their employment criteria.
The first test, on which students must score a minimum of 60 percent, is scheduled to take place Saturday, and the university is now taking applications. Four tests are planned next year.