What is TOPIK?
TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is a standardized test to measure the Korean language proficiency of non-native speakers, especially useful for:
- Studying in Korean universities
- Applying for Korean visas or jobs
- Personal growth or language certification
It is divided into TOPIK I and TOPIK II.
🥇 TOPIK I (Beginner Level)
🔹 Levels: 1 & 2
🔹 Format:
- 2 Sections: Listening (듣기) + Reading (읽기)
- Total Duration: 100 minutes
- Listening: 30 questions, 40 mins
- Reading: 40 questions, 60 mins
- Scoring: Out of 200 (100 per section)
🔹 Level Criteria:
- Level 1 (Beginner Low): 80–139 points
- Level 2 (Beginner High): 140–200 points
🔹 Suitable for:
- Absolute beginners to lower-intermediate learners
- People who need basic communication skills
- Everyday situations like shopping, greetings, public transport, etc.
🥈 TOPIK II (Intermediate & Advanced Levels)
🔹 Levels: 3 to 6
🔹 Format:
- 3 Sections: Listening (듣기) + Reading (읽기) + Writing (쓰기)
- Total Duration: 180 minutes
- Listening: 50 questions, 60 mins
- Writing: 4 questions (1 short answer + 3 essays), 50 mins
- Reading: 50 questions, 70 mins
- Scoring: Out of 300 (100 per section)
🔹 Level Criteria:
- Level 3: 120–149 points
- Level 4: 150–189 points
- Level 5: 190–229 points
- Level 6: 230–300 points
🔹 Suitable for:
- University admissions in Korea (Level 3 or 4+)
- Professional jobs and scholarships
- Advanced communication, academic writing, work environments, presentations
📅 Exam Dates and Registration
- Usually held 6 times a year: Jan, Apr, May, July, Oct, Nov (depends on the country)
- Register on the official TOPIK website: www.topik.go.kr
📚 Preparation Tips
For TOPIK I:
- Focus on basic grammar and vocabulary (1st & 2nd grade textbooks)
- Practice listening to simple dialogues
- Use apps like TOPIK One, Duolingo, Talk To Me In Korean (TTMIK)
For TOPIK II:
- Improve writing and academic reading
- Practice past papers (기출문제)
- Use advanced grammar books (e.g., “Korean Grammar in Use” series)
- Watch Korean news and read newspapers
🏆 Validity and Result
- Validity: 2 years from the test date
- Results: Available online ~1 month after test
Good