TOPIK (한국어능력시험): Complete Guide 2025
Everything you need to know about the Test of Proficiency in Korean — TOPIK I and TOPIK II formats, all six levels, scoring, preparation strategies, and university and visa requirements.
1. What is TOPIK?
TOPIK (한국어능력시험, Hangugeo Neungnyeok Siheom), or the Test of Proficiency in Korean, is the official Korean language proficiency test for non-native speakers. It is administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the South Korean Ministry of Education, and held three times per year in Korea and multiple times internationally.
With over 2 million test takers per year across 90+ countries, TOPIK is the standard certification for Korean language ability. It is used for university admissions in Korea, employment visas, and immigration applications.
2. TOPIK Levels Overview
Your TOPIK level is determined by your score within the tier you register for. TOPIK I can award Level 1 or 2; TOPIK II can award Level 3, 4, 5, or 6. You must choose the correct tier when registering.
| Level | Tier | Score Required | CEFR | Key Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | TOPIK I | 80+ / 200 | A1–A2 | Basic Korean |
| Level 2 | TOPIK I | 140+ / 200 | A2–B1 | Functional Korean |
| Level 3 | TOPIK II | 120+ / 300 | B1 | Independent use |
| Level 4 | TOPIK II | 150+ / 300 | B2 | University admission |
| Level 5 | TOPIK II | 190+ / 300 | C1 | Professional Korean |
| Level 6 | TOPIK II | 230+ / 300 | C2 | Near-native fluency |
3. TOPIK I Format
TOPIK I is the beginner tier, awarding Level 1 or Level 2. It tests only Reading and Listening — no Writing section.
| Section | Questions | Duration | Max Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening (듣기) | 30 questions | 30 min | 100 |
| Reading (읽기) | 40 questions | 60 min | 100 |
All questions are multiple choice (4 options). Listening recordings are played once. Total TOPIK I score is 200 points; Level 1 requires 80+, Level 2 requires 140+.
4. TOPIK II Format
TOPIK II is the intermediate to advanced tier, awarding Levels 3–6. It includes a Writing section in addition to Listening and Reading.
| Section | Questions | Duration | Max Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening (듣기) | 50 questions | 60 min | 100 |
| Writing (쓰기) | 4 tasks | 50 min | 100 |
| Reading (읽기) | 50 questions | 70 min | 100 |
Total TOPIK II score is 300 points. Listening and Reading use multiple choice; Writing requires constructed responses graded by human examiners.
5. Scoring System
Unlike JLPT, TOPIK does not have per-section minimum scores — your level is determined solely by your total score. This means you can compensate for a weaker section with strength in another.
TOPIK II score strategy
6. TOPIK II Writing in Depth
The Writing section is the only non-multiple-choice section in TOPIK and is scored by human examiners. It has four tasks:
Two short texts with blanks. Write 1–2 sentences that fit grammatically and contextually. Tests basic to intermediate grammar and vocabulary. (10 points each)
Write a functional text (description, explanation, or comparison) based on a provided chart, graph, or diagram. Tests ability to describe data in a structured, formal style. (30 points)
Write an argumentative essay on a given topic. Requires clear thesis, supporting arguments, and counter-argument handling. Tests advanced grammar, vocabulary, and essay structure. (50 points)
Writing assessment criteria
Examiners assess writing on four dimensions: content and task completion, text structure and coherence, vocabulary range, and grammatical accuracy. Higher levels (5–6) expect formal academic style throughout.
Essay writing tip
7. How to Prepare
Study vocabulary by level
TOPIK vocabulary is not officially published as a fixed list, but practice tests reveal clear patterns. Focus on topic-specific vocabulary (health, environment, economics, society) for higher levels, and everyday vocabulary for lower levels.
Practise with past papers
NIIED publishes past TOPIK exam papers on the official TOPIK website for free. Working through past papers is the most effective preparation, especially for understanding the question style and time pressure.
Write regularly and get feedback
The TOPIK II Writing section requires regular practice. Write essays and functional paragraphs at your target level, then use FullPracticeTests' AI feedback to identify weaknesses in grammar, structure, and vocabulary.
Build listening endurance
TOPIK II Listening is 60 minutes long with 50 questions. Listen to Korean news (KBS, MBC), podcasts, and dramas daily to build both comprehension and endurance.
Study timeline
8. Sample Question Types
Listening Multiple Choice (TOPIK II Example)
[You hear a dialogue about choosing a university major]
Question: What is the main point of the conversation?
1. Career advice for university students
2. The importance of choosing a major based on interest
3. The difficulty of changing majors
4. Comparing different university programmes
Answer: 2 (example)
Reading (TOPIK II, Level 5–6 Example)
Read the passage and choose the main idea:
인공지능 기술의 발전은 노동 시장에 큰 변화를 가져올 것으로 예상된다...
1. AI will solve unemployment problems
2. AI development will transform the labour market
3. Workers should learn to use AI tools
4. AI technology has limitations in the workplace
Answer: 2
Writing Task 53 (Functional Writing) Approach
Structure for describing a graph or chart:
1. Introduce the topic: “다음 그래프는 ...을 나타낸다”
2. Describe the main trend: “전체적으로 ...은 증가/감소하는 추세를 보인다”
3. Give specific details with numbers or comparisons
4. Briefly state a possible reason or implication
9. University & Visa Requirements
| Purpose | Required Level |
|---|---|
| Korean university undergraduate admission (Korean-medium) | Level 3–4 (varies by university) |
| Seoul National University, KAIST, POSTECH | Level 4 minimum |
| Korean university graduate admission | Level 4–5 depending on programme |
| Korean government scholarship (GKS) | Level 3 minimum; Level 5 preferred |
| Working in Korea (E-7 Skilled Worker Visa) | Level 4 |
| Long-term residence / F-2 Visa | Level 4 (one pathway among others) |
| Korean language teaching abroad | Level 5–6 typically required |
10. Exam Dates & Registration
In Korea, TOPIK is held three times per year: typically in April, July, and October. Outside Korea, the exam is held 1–3 times per year depending on the country. In some countries, TOPIK is held at Korean Cultural Centres or partnered universities.
Registration typically opens 2–3 months before the exam date through the official TOPIK website (topik.go.kr). International registration is available online. Exam fees vary by country.
Registration tip
How FullPracticeTests Helps
FullPracticeTests offers full-length TOPIK I and TOPIK II practice tests with instant AI scoring. Get section breakdowns, Writing AI feedback aligned with TOPIK grading criteria, vocabulary analysis, and personalised improvement tips.