Korean Dictionary
How to say "Gwageo Exam" in Korean
“Gwageo Exam” in Korean is 과거시험 (pronounced "gwageo siheom").
과거시험
gwageo siheom
Usage & Context
The Gwageo was the civil service examination of the Joseon Dynasty. Passing the exam was the primary path to government office and social advancement. The exam system influenced Korean emphasis on academic achievement that persists today.
Example Sentence
조선 시대 선비들은 과거시험을 통해 벼슬에 올랐어요.
Scholars of the Joseon era rose to official positions through the Gwageo exam.
How to use 과거시험 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Gwageo Exam” is 과거시험, romanized as gwageo siheom.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 과거시험.
Pronunciation Guide
'Gwa' sounds like 'gwa' in 'Guam' but with a shorter 'a'. 'Geo' is like 'guh' in 'gutter.' 'Si' is like 'see.' 'Heom' sounds like 'hum' but with a slightly more open 'eo' sound, almost like 'humm.' The stress is fairly even across the syllables.
More Example Sentences
Explaining the historical significance of the exam.
과거시험에 합격하면 높은 벼슬에 오를 수 있었어요.
If you passed the Gwageo exam, you could rise to a high official position.
Discussing the dedication required for the exam.
많은 선비들이 과거시험 준비에 평생을 바쳤죠.
Many scholars dedicated their entire lives to preparing for the Gwageo exam.
Referring to a scene in a historical drama.
드라마에서 주인공이 과거시험을 치르는 장면이 인상 깊었어요.
The scene where the protagonist took the Gwageo exam in the drama was impressive.
Cultural Context
The Gwageo exam was the cornerstone of social mobility and governance during the Joseon Dynasty. It tested knowledge of Confucian classics and literary composition. Its immense difficulty and the prestige associated with passing it instilled a deep-seated respect for academic achievement in Korean culture, a legacy that arguably persists in today's highly competitive university entrance exams (수능, Suneung). Many historical K-dramas feature characters striving to pass the Gwageo, showcasing the societal pressure and personal sacrifices involved.
Editorial note
We review entries like 과거시험 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
과거시험 준비
Preparing for the Gwageo exam
과거시험 합격
Passing the Gwageo exam
과거시험 제도
Gwageo exam system
Related Expressions
과거
gwageo
Civil service exam (short form)
벼슬
byeoseul
Official position, government post
입신양명
ipsin yangmyeong
Achieving success and fame (often through gwageo)
수능
suneung
College Scholastic Ability Test (modern equivalent in terms of pressure)
More Korean History Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Gwageo Exam and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
