TOPIK Overview
TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is a nationally certified exam that evaluates Korean language proficiency for non-native speakers.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organizer | NIIED (National Institute for International Education) |
| Frequency | 6 times/year (Korea), 4 times/year (overseas) |
| Score Validity | 2 years |
| Fee | TOPIK I: ₩40,000 / TOPIK II: ₩55,000 |
Why TOPIK is Important
- Required for university admission (usually Level 3-4 for undergraduate)
- Often a condition for scholarship eligibility
- Points for visa applications (F-2-7, etc.)
- Essential for employment in Korean companies
Test Types
- TOPIK I (Levels 1-2): Basic level for beginners
- TOPIK II (Levels 3-6): Intermediate to advanced levels
Exam Structure
TOPIK I (Beginner)
| Section | Questions | Time | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 | 40 min | 100 |
| Reading | 40 | 60 min | 100 |
Total: 200 points
TOPIK I consists of Listening and Reading sections only
TOPIK II (Intermediate-Advanced)
| Section | Questions | Time | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 50 | 60 min | 100 |
| Writing | 4 | 50 min | 100 |
| Reading | 50 | 70 min | 100 |
Total: 300 points
TOPIK II includes Listening, Writing, and Reading sections
Writing Section Details (TOPIK II only)
- 51-52: Fill in the blanks (practical writing)
- 53: Short essay (200-300 characters)
- 54: Long essay (600-700 characters)
Time Management Strategy
- TOPIK I: 듣기 40분 → 읽기 60분 (총 100분)
- TOPIK II: 1교시(듣기+쓰기 110분) → 휴식 → 2교시(읽기 70분)
Level Criteria
TOPIK I (Level 1-2)
| Level | Score | Proficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 80+ | Basic communication, self-introduction, simple daily expressions |
| Level 2 | 140+ | Daily conversation, using public facilities (post office, bank) |
TOPIK II (Level 3-6)
| Level | Score | Proficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | 120+ | No difficulty in daily life, understanding familiar social topics |
| Level 4 | 150+ | Understanding news/newspapers, general work performance |
| Level 5 | 190+ | Professional research/work, understanding politics/economy/society |
| Level 6 | 230+ | Near-native level, professional language functions |
Level Guide
- Level 1-2: Basic communication, simple daily tasks
- Level 3-4: Can handle most situations, basic work communication
- Level 5-6: Near-native proficiency, professional communication
Recommended Study Time
Based on intensive study (20+ hours/week)
- Level 3: 6-12 months
- Level 4: 12-18 months
- Level 5+: 24+ months
등급별 합격 비율 (2023년 기준)
- 1급: 약 8%
- 2급: 약 15%
- 3급: 약 22%
- 4급: 약 26%
- 5급: 약 18%
- 6급: 약 11%
Applications
University Admission
| Program | General Requirement |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | TOPIK Level 3+ |
| Graduate | TOPIK Level 4+ |
| English-taught programs | TOPIK exempt or Level 2+ |
Most Korean universities require TOPIK Level 3 or higher for regular admission. Some programs accept Level 2 with additional language courses.
Employment & Visa
| Purpose | Requirement |
|---|---|
| E-7 Work Visa | TOPIK Level 4+ (some positions) |
| F-2-7 Points Visa | TOPIK Level 5-6 bonus points |
| Naturalization | KIIP completion or TOPIK Level 4 |
Visa Point System
- Level 3: 10 points
- Level 4: 15 points
- Level 5: 20 points
- Level 6: 25 points
Scholarships
- GKS Scholarship: TOPIK score advantage
- University Scholarships: Different support by level
TOPIK in the Job Market
- Many Korean companies require TOPIK Level 4+ for international hires
- Higher levels can lead to better starting salaries
- Some industries (translation, teaching) require Level 5-6
Exam Schedule
2024 Korea Exam Schedule
| Round | Registration | Exam Date | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93rd | Feb | Apr 14 | May 30 |
| 94th | Mar | May 12 | Jun 27 |
| 95th | Jun | Jul 14 | Aug 29 |
| 96th | Aug | Oct 13 | Nov 28 |
| 97th | Sep | Nov 10 | Dec 26 |
Test Planning Tips
- Register early - popular test dates fill up quickly
- Plan your study schedule based on exam dates
- Consider taking the test in Korea if studying there
TOPIK IBT Information
TOPIK IBT (Internet-Based Test) is now available in select countries, offering more flexible scheduling and faster results.
Registration
Korea Registration
- Website: www.topik.go.kr
- Method: Online registration and payment
- Required: Passport or ARC
Registration Steps (in Korea)
- Create account on TOPIK website
- Select test date and location
- Pay examination fee
- Download admission ticket before exam
Overseas Registration
- Register through local TOPIK administration offices
- Contact Korean Embassy or Korean Education Center
Exam Venues
- Universities and language institutes in major cities
- Check TOPIK website for nearest venue
- Some venues fill up quickly - register early
Learning Korean
University Language Institutes
- Regular course: 1 semester (10 weeks) intensive
- Tuition: ₩1.5M ~ ₩2M per semester
- Visa: D-4-1 available
Top Korean Language Schools
- University language institutes (attached to major universities)
- Sejong Hakdang (global Korean education centers)
- Private language academies in Korea
Online Resources
| Site/App | Features | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| King Sejong Institute | Government online courses | Free |
| Talk To Me In Korean | Podcast, YouTube | Partially free |
| Coursera/edX | University courses | Partially free |
| TOPIK ONE | TOPIK mock tests | Paid |
Recommended YouTube Channels
- Talk To Me In Korean
- Korean Unnie
- Professor Yoon's Korean Language
Recommended Apps
- Duolingo (Basics)
- Drops (Vocabulary)
- HelloTalk (Language Exchange)
- Anki (Flashcards)
Effective Study Methods
- Practice with past exam papers regularly
- Focus on weak areas identified from practice tests
- Use Korean media for listening practice
TOPIK Preparation Tips
Preparation Period
- Start preparation 3-6 months before exam
- Take mock tests monthly to track progress
- Intensive review 2 weeks before exam
Listening
- Watch Korean dramas and news to learn various accents
- Repeatedly listen to past exam questions
- Practice dictation
Reading
- Practice time management (1.5 min per question)
- Understand conjunctions and sentence structure
- Read various topics
Writing (TOPIK II)
- Q51-52: Practice fill-in-the-blank
- Q53: Learn graph/table description format
- Q54: Practice essay structure (intro-body-conclusion)
Writing 54 Template
- Introduction: Present the topic and thesis
- Body 1: First supporting argument with example
- Body 2: Second supporting argument with example
- Conclusion: Summarize and restate opinion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How long does it take to pass TOPIK Level 4?
A. With intensive study, 6-12 months from beginner level. In a Korean university language course, typically 1-1.5 years. Your learning environment and study intensity greatly affect this.
Q. Is TOPIK required for Korean university admission?
A. Requirements vary by university and program. Most require TOPIK 3-4 for admission, while some offer conditional admission with language institute completion. English-taught programs may not require TOPIK.
Q. How long is TOPIK score valid?
A. TOPIK scores are valid for 2 years from the result announcement date. Plan retakes strategically if you need the score for important applications.
Q. Can I take TOPIK in my home country?
A. Yes, TOPIK is offered in 80+ countries, usually 4 times per year. Contact your local Korean Embassy or Korean Education Center for test dates and locations.
Q. What's the best way to prepare for TOPIK?
A. Combine language courses with self-study using past papers. Practice listening daily, read Korean news, and write essays regularly. Join study groups and use apps like EBS TOPIK.
Q. I failed TOPIK. When can I retake it?
A. You can take the next scheduled exam. In Korea, TOPIK is held 6 times per year. Use the time to focus on weak areas identified in your previous attempt.