The average number of applicants for the state-run Korean language proficiency test has jumped in the last few years.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Korean Institute of Curriculum and Evaluation said some 93-thousand people from 20 countries will take the 16th Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) on Saturday.

Over 190-thousand people, including those taking the test on Saturday, will take the test this year. The total is up 30 percent year-on-year.

The test, which is meant for nonnative speakers and overseas Koreans, assesses and evaluates the ability to use the Korean language. The test will be administered in 97 locations throughout the country and overseas.

By country, China has the most number of applicants, followed by Japan, Taiwan and Vietnam.