고사장

Last Sunday was the 16th TOPIK examination and I was not one of the candidates. Nevertheless, I was as excited as any candidate who took the exam because I know how it feels since I have been through it twice.

Since I didn't take the exam, I can't comment about the exam itself. What I want to write about is the happenings at and around the examination venue which in Seoul is KHU. A visit to KHU on Sunday gave me a glimpse of the exam culture in Korea.

First, there was hawker selling walnut cookies outside the school. Koreans believe that walnut can improve brain power, so it is not that surprising seeing a make-shift stall selling walnut cookie on an exam day.

Then, there were those business-savvy ajummas who were making quick bucks peddling some really expensive black marker pen and correction tape (3,000won per set) inside the exam hall while candidates were busy checking their exam room at the notice board. Black marker pen and correction tape are stationery required for the exam.

Finally, book stall was also set up outside the exam hall selling TOPIK's revision and assessment books (10,000 - 15,000won). It is a 'sure-kill' since many people will definitely need to re-take the exam again. The books were indeed selling like hot cakes. Very few books were left for picking at the end of the day.

TOPIK is quite a major exam in Seoul. Two blocks of buildings in KHU have to be used to accommodate all the candidates. Chinese students came literally in busloads to take the exam. Then, there was teacher who came to give moral support to her students and eager parents and friends waiting outside the exam hall.

What I saw last Sunday contrasts starkly with my previous experience. Anyway, I wish everyone, who took the exam, good luck when it comes to 4th November 2009. It shall be my turn when it comes Nov 2010. 18th TOPIK shall be my watershed.