TOPIK I and TOPIK II overview

TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is a Korean language test for people whose first language is not Korean. It has two tests. TOPIK I is for beginners and covers levels 1 and 2, with listening and reading. TOPIK II is for intermediate and advanced learners and covers levels 3 to 6, with listening, writing and reading. Most beginners should start with TOPIK I.

TOPIK I and TOPIK II at a glance

You do not sit a separate test for each level. You take TOPIK I or TOPIK II, and your result shows which level you reached, if any. The official TOPIK portal publishes how levels are decided. Do not rely on numbers from social media or old books, because details can change.

What TOPIK I tests

TOPIK I checks whether you can use Korean for basic daily life.

• Listening: short everyday conversations and simple announcements. You need to catch details such as a place, a time or what someone wants.
• Reading: short everyday texts such as signs, simple notices, messages and short passages about daily life.

There is no writing section in TOPIK I. Writing practice still helps, because it helps you remember words and grammar.

What TOPIK II adds

TOPIK II expects you to use Korean in more situations.

• Writing: you produce your own Korean, from sentences to longer texts.
• Longer reading: texts about work, society, culture and opinions.
• Longer listening: conversations and talks at a more natural speed.
• More grammar: formal endings and the connecting patterns used in written Korean.

Which test should you take?

TOPIK I is probably right for you if you:

• can read Hangul, but still need time to read
• can introduce yourself and talk about family, food, shopping and time
• understand short, clear conversations about daily life
• are still learning basic patterns like -아/어요, -았/었어요 and -고 싶어요

TOPIK II may be right for you if you:

• can read a full page of Korean on everyday topics without stopping often
• can write a paragraph about your experience or opinion
• understand Korean at normal speaking speed on familiar topics
• use connecting patterns like -는데, -(으)니까 and -기 때문에 comfortably

If you are not sure, start with TOPIK I. It is better to reach a level you are ready for than to take TOPIK II too early and not reach any level. For a quick check, try the TOPIK I reading practice set. If most questions feel easy, look at intermediate materials before you decide.

TOPIK and EPS-TOPIK are different tests

TOPIK is a general Korean proficiency test. EPS-TOPIK is a separate test connected to the Employment Permit System for work in Korea. They have different purposes, registration processes, rules and official websites. A result from one is not the same as a result from the other. If you want to work in Korea through the Employment Permit System, read EPS-TOPIK vs TOPIK and check the EPS official portal.

What to check in the official notice

Before you plan your study, read the current notice on the TOPIK official portal. Look for:

• test dates and the registration period for your country
• the fee and how to pay it
• test centres near you
• the test format offered at your centre
• the ID you must bring on test day
• when and how results are released
• how long results stay valid for the organisation you are applying to

Registration steps can differ by country, so always follow the official notice for your location. This website is an independent study resource. It is not connected to the TOPIK organisers, and it does not handle registration or results.

How to use this site for TOPIK I

• Start with a beginner TOPIK I study plan.
• Learn practical methods in TOPIK I reading practice techniques.
• Practise with the short TOPIK I-style reading and listening sets. They are 20-question practice sets, not official full-length exams.

Next step

Go to the TOPIK hub for all TOPIK I guides and practice, or start right away with the TOPIK I reading practice set. For official dates, fees and rules, always check the TOPIK official portal.