스킵네비게이션

페이스북 유투브 블로그 인스타그램

Related qualifications

What is a international Tourist Guide ?

  • A tourist guide is a person who possesses diversity, creativity, and expertise. They provide convenience to foreign travelers in Korea by using a foreign language to explain tourist attractions and destinations, or by providing tour guidance.
  • The Tourist Guide Certification is the only nationally recognized qualification in the field of interpretation, administered by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, recognizing that tourism, as an industry, significantly impacts the national economy.

Areas of activity and prospects

  • Tourist guides work in a wide range of fields, including travel agencies, hotels, airlines, the international travel industry, freelancers, trading companies, and interpreters. Their work extends beyond simply assisting tourists with their travels, extending to cultural exchange and international business.
  • Working as a tourist guide offers numerous opportunities to experience the diverse cultures and characteristics of international tourists. They also have opportunities to experience high-end cultures such as cruises, luxury hotels, and international conferences. Furthermore, they offer opportunities to expand their capabilities beyond the traditional role of tourist guide. They also have the opportunity to become interpreters, international medical tourism coordinators, and personal development officers (PCOs).
  • The Tourism Promotion Act was revised to require travel agencies targeting international tourists to employ qualified tourist guides. (Article 38, Paragraph 1, newly added as a proviso, partially amended on March 2, 2009)

Certification Acquisition Process

  1. 01Foreign Language Test
  2. 02Written Exam
  3. 03Interview
  4. 04Registration and Certification Issuance

Eligibility Requirements

  • No restrictions (except for those disqualified under Article 7, Paragraph 1 of the Tourism Promotion Act)

Examination schedule

  • Once a year (written and practical)

Exam subjects and methods

Exam subjects and methods
Qualification Level Hour Exam Subject Number of Questions Points Exam Time Exam Method
First Exam 1st
hour
  • National History (including Modern and Contemporary History)
  • Tourism Resources Guid
25
  • 40%
  • 20%
50 minutes Multiple choice
(4-option)
2nd
hour
  • Tourism Laws
  • Introduction to Tourism Studies
25
  • 20%
  • 20%
50 minutes
Second Exam
  • Mental attitude, such as nationalism and a sense of mission
  • Expertise and application skills
  • Courtesy, conduct, and sincerity
  • Accuracy and logic in presentation
About 10 to 15 minutes per person Interview
Passing criteria
  • First Exam : At least 40% of each subject, with an average score of at least 60% across all subjects
  • Second Exam : At least 60% of the total score
Foreign language test
  • Substitute with an official foreign language score
    - English TOEIC score of 760 or higher
    - Refer to the website of the implementing agency for the criteria for other English tests and other foreign languages

Implementing agency and contact information

Human Resources Development Service of Korea
Q-Net Tourist Guider (https://www.q-net.or.kr/man001.do?id=&gId=37&gSite=L)