Tour Guide Licensing System in Japan and South Korea
Are you a candidate of tour guide licensing system of Japan or South Korea? No matter what motivates you to become a tour guide at the country. Once you made up your mind to obtain a tour guide license in the country, you must get to know the rules of the qualifying exam and application. […]
Are you a candidate of tour guide licensing system of Japan or South Korea? No matter what motivates you to become a tour guide at the country. Once you made up your mind to obtain a tour guide license in the country, you must get to know the rules of the qualifying exam and application.
But no need to feel confused about the detailed information about tour guide license requirements of the two Northeast Asian countries, we have sorted out a chart below for you. Hopefully, this article assists you to become a qualified tour guide in the country.
Why do you need a license to be a tour guide?
Before looking at the chart, you need to understand the reasons that one in tourism needs a license to be a tour guide . It seems that becoming a tour guide is primarily predicated on passion for traveling. However, that is not enough because tour guides are expected to possess more capabilities in this highly competitive industry. Obtaining a tour guide license is the best way to prove that you are professional and to build long-term credibility in the realm.
Passing the qualifying exam means possessing professional skills and knowledge, and this accreditation ensures credibility and quality of touring service for travelers as well. If you want the licence, you will need to go through the relevant courses and exams. Now, let’s get to know the rules in the chart below.
Overview of Tour Guide Licensing System— Japan and South Korea
| Japan | South Korea | |
|---|---|---|
| Licence for foreign-language guiding | National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (全国通訳案内士, Zenkoku Tsūyaku Annaishi); there are also regional guide-interpreter titles | Tourist Interpretation Guide (관광통역안내사) |
| Licence for domestic guiding | No national guide licence (tour conductors who lead package tours need a separate tour-manager qualification) | Domestic Tour Guide (국내여행안내사) |
| Who runs it | Japan Tourism Agency; the exam is administered by JNTO | Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; the exam is administered by HRD Korea (Q-Net) |
| Exam format | Once a year: written exam, then an oral (interview-style) exam in the chosen language | Once a year: written exam, a foreign-language requirement (usually met with an approved test score) and an interview |
| Languages | English, French, Spanish, German, Chinese, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Korean, Thai | English, Japanese, Chinese and a range of other languages – check Q-Net for the current list |
| Can you guide for pay without it? | Yes, since January 2018 – but only licence holders may use the title “Licensed Guide Interpreter” | Travel agencies serving inbound foreign tour groups are required to use licensed guide interpreters |
The tour guide application system and tour guide license requirements vary between the Northeast Asian countries, but the context and subjects of tour guide examination are similar. In general, the certification exam includes written/oral tests for two major classifications: domestic tour guide and guide interpreter . If you decide to take the guide interpreter examination, you can choose from the foreign languages listed in the chart.
Is it Necessary to be a Licensed Tour Guide?
It depends on the country. In Japan, a law change that took effect in January 2018 ended the licence holders’ exclusive right to paid guiding: anyone can now guide foreign visitors for a fee, but only those who pass the national exam may call themselves a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. In South Korea, guiding foreign tour groups is still tied to a licence – travel agencies serving inbound visitors are required to use licensed tourist interpretation guides.
Furthermore, customers and agencies often check your licence to judge whether you are professional and reliable enough – so even where it is not strictly required, a licence is a strong advantage. In Japan, for example, licensed guide interpreters can be listed in official guide directories, which helps customers find them.
Although taking the qualifying exam seems challenging, there are some benefits for your career as you see. We hope the information about tour guides in the Northeast Asian countries is helpful to you and wish you become a licensed tour guide soon!
Become a better tour guide:
5 Pivotal Ways to Start Building Your Personal Brand as a Tour Guide
The Truth and Challenges of Being a Tour Guide
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