The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is the most well-known and widely used of the global English exams. Every year a great number of Koreans take this test in hopes of studying abroad, gaining employment with a foreign firm, or demonstrating their English ability to potential or current employers. The importance of attaining a good score is very high as one generally cannot study in, for example, the US without a score of at least 550. In 2007 the TOEFL website received so many hits from Korea that it was temporarily disabled.

Foreign teachers recruited to teach TOEFL test prep tend to work very long hours but can be very well compensated. Other than TOEFL, the TOEIC is also a popular test within Korea.