【 [ Photo: Foreigners studying for Korean Language Test 】The Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) was designed as a tool for testing the proficiency of non-native Korean speakers. The test is largely divided into 2 levels: TOPIK I and TOPIK II, where the latter denotes a higher proficiency in the language. The score is valid for 2 years from the date of test results issued, and test takers can find the schedule as well as register for the test at the official TOPIK website.
Eligibility and Benefits
Test takers come from a wide range of backgrounds, including both overseas Koreans and foreign nationals who study Korean. The test results are useful when applying for Korean universities, companies, public institutions, or acquiring permanent residency status.
Levels
| Type | Area | Level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOPIK Ⅰ (Beginner) |
Listening/Reading (Multiple choice questions) | Level 1 | Use of basic commands, such as self-introduction, purchasing, ordering, etc. Express oneself and understand others in everyday conversation by making simple sentences from 800 basic words. |
| Listening/Reading (Multiple choice questions) | Level 2 | Discussion of familiar topics employing a vocabulary of 1,500∼2,000 words. Distinguishing correctly between formal and informal situations. | |
| TOPIK Ⅱ (Intermediate · Advanced) |
Listening/Reading (Multiple choice questions) Writing (Essay questions) | Level 3 | Carrying out transactions with people in public spaces. Understanding the differences in fundamental characteristics between writing and speech. |
| Listening/Reading (Multiple choice questions) Writing (Essay questions) | Level 4 | Comprehension of news articles, general social issues and abstract topics with accuracy and fluency. Comprehension of essential idioms and understanding of representative aspects of Korean culture. | |
| Listening/Reading (Multiple choice questions) Writing (Essay questions) | Level 5 | High fluency in using the Korean language in professional research or work. Understanding and discussing less familiar topics in politics, economics and other fields. Usage of appropriate expressions, distinguishing formal and informal, written and spoken, by context. | |
| Listening/Reading (Multiple choice questions) Writing (Essay questions) | Level 6 | Absolutely fluent in the Korean language for professional research or work. Capacity to understand and express oneself without problem, including when discussing unfamiliar topics. |
TOPIK Ⅰ (Beginner)
- Area: Listening/Reading (Multiple choice questions)
- Level: Level 1
- Note: Use of basic commands, such as greeting, purchasing, ordering, etc. Express oneself and understand others in everyday conversation by making simple sentences from 800 basic words.
TOPIK Ⅰ (Beginner)
- Area: Listening/Reading (Multiple choice questions)
- Level: Level 2
- Note: Discussion of familiar topics employing a vocabulary of 1,500∼2,000 words. Distinguishing correctly between formal and informal situations.
TOPIK Ⅱ (Intermediate·Advanced)
- Area: Listening/Reading (Multiple choice questions) Writing (Essay questions)
- Level: Level 3
- Note: Carrying out transactions with people in public spaces. Understanding the differences in fundamental characteristics between writing and speech.
TOPIK Ⅱ (Intermediate·Advanced)
- Area: Listening/Reading (Multiple choice questions) Writing (Essay questions)
- Level: Level 4
- Note: Comprehension of news articles, general social issues and abstract topics with accuracy and fluency. Comprehension of essential idioms and understanding of representative aspects of Korean culture.
TOPIK Ⅱ (Intermediate·Advanced)
- Area: Listening/Reading (Multiple choice questions) Writing (Essay questions)
- Level: Level 5
- Note: High fluency in using the Korean language in professional research or work. Understanding and discussing less familiar topics in politics, economics and other fields. Usage of appropriate expressions, distinguishing formal and informal, written and spoken, by context.
TOPIK Ⅱ (Intermediate·Advanced)
- Area: Listening/Reading (Multiple choice questions) Writing (Essay questions)
- Level: Level 6
- Note: Absolutely fluent in the Korean language for professional research or work. Capacity to understand and express oneself without problem, including when discussing unfamiliar topics.
Test fees (Korea standards)
-TOPIKⅠ: 40,000 won
-TOPIK Ⅱ: 55,000 won
Test administrator
National Institute for International Education (NIIED)
Website
www.topik.go.kr (Korean, English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese)
Inquiries
+82-2-3668-1331 (Korean, English)
This page was last updated on September 7, 2021, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here.