The Structure and Complexity of the Korean Court Administration 9th Grade Examination
The Korean Court Administration 9th Grade Examination is known for its rigorous nature, featuring a broader range of subjects compared to the general administrative positions. The exam, administered by the judiciary, inherently presents a higher level of difficulty.
Comparing Court Administration and Land Registration Administration
The 9th Grade Examination for both Court Administration and Land Registration Administration includes a total of eight subjects, which is three more than the usual five subjects for general 9th-grade public service positions. The additional subjects demand significant focus and long-term strategic planning from candidates.
| Track | Common Subjects | Specialized Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Court Administration | Korean, English, Korean History, Constitutional Law | Civil Law, Civil Procedure Law, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure Law |
| Land Registration Administration | Korean, English, Korean History, Constitutional Law | Civil Law, Civil Procedure Law, Commercial Law (focus on company law), Real Estate Registration Law |
Difficulty Analysis by Subject (Common Subjects)
Korean Language: A Challenging Terrain
In the Korean section, the exam tends to follow a format similar to the national college entrance exam, with literature often exceeding half of the 25 questions. Grammar questions delve into complex areas such as morphology and classical grammar. The average passing score in 2023 for Court Administration was approximately 82.04 points.
English: Emphasizing Comprehension
Recent trends show a reduction in grammar questions to just three, with a shift towards comprehension. Candidates need strong reading strategies to tackle a greater number of passages and longer options. The 2023 average score in English was 74.01 points, the lowest among all subjects.
Korean History: Strategic Learning Required
While considered a memorization-heavy subject, the Court Administration exam emphasizes pre-modern history, requiring candidates to engage in strategic study beyond rote memorization. The average score was 87.06 points, indicating its relatively stable difficulty.
Constitutional Law: Predictable Yet Demanding
Constitutional Law remains one of the more predictable subjects, with a high reuse rate of past questions. This predictability allows for high scores if candidates consistently review past exams, with an average score of 73.76 points in 2023.
Specialized Subject Analysis
Civil Law: Vast and Complex
Among specialized subjects, Civil Law is notably challenging due to its extensive coverage and the requirement for deep understanding of statutes and case law. The average score was 84.36 points in 2023, reflecting its moderate to high difficulty.
Civil Procedure Law: Procedural Nuances
This subject frequently revisits past questions and often includes questions based on recent cases, requiring a thorough grasp of procedural nuances. The average score was 87.34 points, suggesting potential for high scores despite its evolving complexity.
Criminal Law: Precision and Repetition
Criminal Law emphasizes precision in understanding case law, with minor differences in wording between choices often determining the correct answer. The average score was 82.94 points, highlighting the need for repeated and precise study.
Criminal Procedure Law: Time-Consuming Challenges
Considered one of the more difficult subjects, this area involves detailed scenarios that require substantial time per question. The 2023 average score stood at 87.76 points, reflecting a significant gap between high and low scorers.
Commercial Law and Real Estate Registration Law
For the Land Registration track, Commercial Law focuses on company-related issues, while Real Estate Registration Law includes complex legal terms unfamiliar to many test-takers. Average scores of 84.65 and 80.67 points respectively in 2023 indicate their challenging nature.
The Competitive Landscape
The 2024 competition rates for Court Administration were 13.47:1 with 4,027 applicants for 299 positions, and for Land Registration Administration, 19.33:1 with 464 applicants for 24 positions. This reflects a sustained interest in court-related positions.
Conclusion: Navigating a Challenging Examination
The complexity and breadth of the Korean Court Administration 9th Grade Examination require candidates to adopt comprehensive and strategic study approaches. While the competition is intense, understanding the specific demands of each subject can significantly enhance a candidate’s ability to excel.