TOPIK Preparation Guide: From Registration to Exam Day
TOPIK I vs TOPIK II — Understanding the Split
The Test of Proficiency in Korean divides into two separate exams targeting different learner levels. TOPIK I covers Levels 1 and 2 — this is for beginners who can handle simple everyday conversations, recognize high-frequency vocabulary, and read short familiar texts. If you have studied Korean for six months or less and can understand basic greetings, numbers, and common phrases, TOPIK I is your entry point. TOPIK II covers Levels 3 through 6 in a single exam — your score determines which level you receive. Level 3 is intermediate, Level 4 upper-intermediate, Level 5 advanced, and Level 6 near-native. If you can follow Korean TV dramas with subtitles and mostly understand the dialogue, target TOPIK II Level 3 or 4. Most Korean universities require Level 3 for admission and Level 4 or above for scholarship programs. Professional settings in Korea typically require Level 4 or higher for non-native applicants.
Registration Process Step by Step
TOPIK is administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) in Korea and through partner institutions overseas. Registration happens through the official TOPIK website (topik.go.kr) or through your country's registered test center. The process: (1) Create an account on topik.go.kr — the site has English and Chinese language options. (2) Check the exam schedule for your region — Korea holds three or four sessions per year; international locations typically hold one or two. (3) Register during the open registration window, which typically runs for two to three weeks about two to three months before the exam date. (4) Pay the registration fee — approximately 35,000 KRW (around $25 USD) for either TOPIK I or II. (5) Download and print your admission ticket from the website approximately two weeks before the exam. (6) On exam day, bring your admission ticket and a valid photo ID (passport for non-Korean citizens). Late registration is usually not available, so mark the registration window on your calendar well in advance.
Exam Format Breakdown
TOPIK I consists of two sections: Listening (30 questions, 40 minutes) and Reading (40 questions, 60 minutes). All questions are multiple choice. The listening section plays audio clips of conversations and announcements at clear, deliberate speed, then asks comprehension questions. The reading section tests vocabulary in context, grammar understanding, and the ability to identify the main point of short texts. TOPIK II consists of three sections: Listening (50 questions, 60 minutes), Writing (4 questions, 50 minutes), and Reading (50 questions, 70 minutes). The writing section is the key differentiator — it includes two fill-in-the-blank sentences, one 200–300 word essay prompt, and one 600–700 word essay prompt. The longer essay requires you to develop an argument with supporting evidence, use advanced vocabulary and grammar, and demonstrate level-appropriate writing fluency. Reading passages at Levels 5 and 6 include academic texts, policy documents, and opinion essays with dense vocabulary.
Scoring and Level Determination
TOPIK I is scored out of 200 total points (100 per section). Level 1 requires 80 points or above; Level 2 requires 140 points or above. There is no penalty for wrong answers — answer every question. TOPIK II is scored out of 300 total points. Level 3 requires 120 points; Level 4 requires 150; Level 5 requires 190; Level 6 requires 230. Each section is scored separately, but there is no minimum per-section requirement in TOPIK II — unlike JLPT, a strong reading score can partially compensate for a weaker writing score. However, the writing section can significantly boost or limit your total, so it should not be neglected. Score reports are released approximately three to four months after the exam date. Scores are valid for two years from the exam date, which matters for university applications and visa requirements.
8-Week Preparation Timeline
Weeks 1–2: Vocabulary sprint. Compile a frequency list of TOPIK vocabulary for your target level using the TOPIK vocabulary book by Darakwon or an Anki deck built on past TOPIK papers. Add 30 new words per day. Weeks 3–4: Grammar review. Work through the grammar patterns tested at your target level. For Level 3, focus on connective endings (-아서/어서, -는데, -(으)면), indirect speech forms, and aspect markers. For Level 5–6, focus on written vs spoken register contrasts, formal conjunctive patterns, and nuanced modal expressions. Week 5: Full listening section focus. Complete three to four past TOPIK listening sections under timed conditions. After each, identify the type of question you most often miss: main point, specific detail, or speaker intention. Week 6: Writing section focus (TOPIK II only). Write two practice essays per day — one 200–300 word and one 600–700 word — and have them corrected by a tutor or language exchange partner. Week 7: Full mock tests under exam conditions. Take at least two complete practice exams, simulating the actual time pressure. Week 8: Light review, rest, and logistics — confirm exam location, prepare your ID and admission ticket.
Start practicing Chinese for free on Unox
Conversation practice, anytime. No credit card required.
Learn Chinese Free