Overview
The Police Officer Recruitment Examination (순경 공채시험) is South Korea's main route into the Korean National Police Agency for general-entry police officers, run nationally by the Police Agency, distinct from the separate entrance process for the Korean National Police University, which trains officers for more senior career tracks.
Who can apply
Applicants must be Korean nationals meeting the age range set for the specific recruitment cycle, meet physical fitness and medical standards for police duty, and have no disqualifying criminal record; specific physical standards (such as vision and hearing requirements) are published for each cycle.
Exam pattern
Selection generally includes a written exam (covering required subjects such as Korean language, Korean history, and English, plus selected subjects depending on the track), a physical fitness test (covering strength, agility and endurance relevant to police work), a personality/aptitude assessment, a background and character check, and an interview.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the Korean National Police Agency's recruitment portal during the application window announced for that cycle.
After the exam
Candidates who pass all stages attend training at a police training academy before being posted to operational police duty.
Preparation tips
Because the written exam, physical fitness test and interview are all weighted parts of selection, balancing sustained subject study with physical conditioning throughout the preparation period — rather than focusing on one stage exclusively — reflects how candidates are actually assessed.
Is the South Korean police exam the same as the Police University entrance exam?
No, the general Police Officer Recruitment Examination (순경 공채) is a separate route from the Korean National Police University's own entrance process, which trains officers for more senior career tracks.
What subjects are tested in the South Korean police written exam?
Required subjects generally include Korean language, Korean history and English, plus selected subjects depending on the specific recruitment track.