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Before a listening practice test, check four things: that your headphones are connected, that your device is sending sound to them, that sound comes from both sides, and that the volume is comfortable. This takes about two minutes and can save a whole practice session, especially in timed mode, where each clip has a limited number of plays. This checklist is for practising at home or on your own device. At an official test centre, follow the staff's instructions about equipment and sound checks, which may be different.
Why the check matters
In timed mode, the play counter limits how often you can play each clip. If the sound is too quiet, comes from the wrong device or cuts out, you lose a play, and maybe the question. A short check before you start lets you give all your attention to the Korean.
Clear sound also helps with words that sound alike. For example, 삼 (sam, three) and 사 (sa, four), or 일 (il, one) and 이 (i, two), are easy to confuse when the audio is weak or noisy. Our lesson on listening for numbers and time has more practice with these.
Two-minute checklist
- Connection. Push a wired plug all the way in. For wireless headphones, check that they are charged, paired and connected.
- Output device. In your phone or computer sound settings, check that sound goes to your headphones and not to the speaker.
- Left and right. Most headphones are marked L and R. Put them on the right way round.
- Volume. Start low and raise it slowly until speech is clear and comfortable. Do not use maximum volume.
- Test clip. Play a listening question in learning mode and check for clear speech on both sides.
- Distractions. Turn off notifications, and close other apps or browser tabs that play sound.
- Place. Choose a quiet room if you can, and tell people nearby that you are practising.
Checking sound on this site
The easiest way is to open a practice set in learning mode, where you can replay audio as often as you like. Play the first listening clip and adjust the volume. When the sound is right, start your timed attempt. Do not use a timed play as a sound check.
Some clips may use a synthetic (computer-generated) Korean voice while a recorded version is being prepared. These clips are labelled. A synthetic voice depends partly on your browser and device, so it may sound a little different on another device.
Our guide to the UBT-style practice interface explains the play button and the play counter in more detail.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Possible cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| No sound at all | Sound is going to another device, or it is muted | Check the output device, unmute, and check that the browser tab is not muted |
| Sound on one side only | The plug is not fully in, or the cable is damaged | Push the plug in, check the left-right balance setting, or try another pair |
| Sound cuts out or comes late | Wireless connection or low battery | Charge the headphones or use wired ones |
| Crackling noise | A loose or worn cable | Keep the cable still, or try another pair |
| Too quiet even at full volume | A volume limit on the device, or weak headphones | Check the volume limit setting, or try another device |
| Sound suddenly plays from the speaker | Wireless headphones have disconnected | Reconnect them and test again before you continue |
| A synthetic voice clip does not play | No Korean voice is available in the browser | Try another up-to-date browser or device |
Wired or wireless?
Both are fine for practice. Wired headphones are simpler: there is no battery, no pairing and no delay. Wireless headphones are comfortable, but they can disconnect or run out of charge. Whichever you use, practise with the same pair regularly so that you know how it sounds.
Protect your hearing and your focus
- Keep the volume at a moderate level.
- Take a short break between practice sets.
- If you feel tired, stop. Listening practice works best when you are alert.
On the day of an official test
The official test centre may provide its own equipment and have its own procedure. Follow the staff's instructions and the official notice for your country. If you have a sound problem during the test, tell a staff member as soon as you notice it, in the way the instructions describe.
Next step
Do the two-minute check now, then try the listening questions in the EPS mixed practice set in learning mode. When you are ready for timed mode, read managing time in timed practice. More guides are on the UBT practice page.
Sources
- EPS (Employment Permit System) official portal (checked 1 October 2026)
Next scheduled review: 1 January 2027. Found an error? Request a correction.
