TOPIK: Korean Test
Cost
40,000–95,000 KRW
Paper ~$30 / IBT ~$70 USD equivalent
Register with
topik.go.kr →Always verify with your test center. Exam formats, dates, fees, and requirements change regularly. This guide is for reference only — confirm current details directly with the official exam body before registering.
In this guide
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More about TOPIK →1. What is the TOPIK?
The TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean, 한국어능력시험) is the official Korean language proficiency test for non-native speakers, administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under South Korea's Ministry of Education. It is the standard certification for demonstrating Korean language ability for university admission, employment, and immigration purposes in South Korea.
TOPIK is offered in over 80 countries, with more than 350,000 test-takers per year. It is available as a paper-based test (PBT) and increasingly as an internet-based test (IBT), with a separate Speaking test also available in some locations.
Score validity: 2 years. TOPIK scores expire 2 years from the exam date. If you need TOPIK for a visa, scholarship, or university admission, plan your test date so your score is valid when you submit your application.
2. TOPIK I and TOPIK II
TOPIK is split into two separate exams covering different proficiency ranges. You register for one exam, and your score places you at a specific level within that exam's range.
| Exam | Levels covered | CEFR equivalent | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOPIK I | Level 1 and Level 2 | A1–A2 | Beginners; basic Korean; everyday situations |
| TOPIK II | Level 3, 4, 5, and Level 6 | B1–C2 | Intermediate to advanced; academic and professional Korean |
| TOPIK Level | Description | Key threshold for |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Basic survival Korean; simple greetings and everyday phrases | Entry milestone |
| Level 2 | Simple communication on familiar topics; basic public service needs | Some visa categories |
| Level 3 | Communicate in most everyday situations; understand social/cultural topics | Many undergraduate programs |
| Level 4 | Fluent use of Korean for work and study; understand complex topics | Most Korean universities (undergraduate); professional employment |
| Level 5 | Strong academic and professional Korean; research and analysis ability | Graduate programs; skilled professional roles |
| Level 6 | Near-native proficiency; expert-level academic and professional use | Top graduate programs; academic careers in Korean |
TOPIK Level 4 is the key threshold for most Korean university undergraduate programs and for many work visa categories requiring Korean proficiency. TOPIK Level 5 or 6 is expected for most graduate programs.
3. Format and sections
| Exam | Sections | Questions | Total time |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOPIK I | Listening, Reading | 70 (all multiple choice) | 100 minutes |
| TOPIK II | Listening, Reading, Writing | 104 (multiple choice + written responses) | 180 minutes |
TOPIK I is entirely multiple choice. TOPIK II includes a Writing section with short-answer and essay responses. There is no Speaking component in the standard TOPIK — a separate TOPIK Speaking test is available at select locations.
IBT is expanding. The internet-based TOPIK (IBT) is gradually being introduced in more locations, offering faster results and more frequent test dates than the paper version. Check whether IBT is available at your nearest test center — IBT fees are higher than paper-based fees.
4. Scoring and levels
Each section is scored independently. Your total score determines your TOPIK level within the exam you took.
| Exam | Section max scores | Total max | Level thresholds |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOPIK I | Listening 100, Reading 100 | 200 | Level 1: 80+, Level 2: 140+ |
| TOPIK II | Listening 100, Reading 100, Writing 100 | 300 | Level 3: 120+, Level 4: 150+, Level 5: 190+, Level 6: 230+ |
Results are released approximately 4-6 weeks after the paper-based exam, and faster for IBT. Score reports can be sent directly to universities or organizations upon request.
5. Why take the TOPIK?
- Study in South Korea: Required for admission to most Korean universities for courses taught in Korean. Level 3 minimum for undergraduate, Level 5 for most graduate programs.
- Korean government scholarships (KGSP/GKS): TOPIK scores strengthen scholarship applications significantly. Some programs require Level 3 or above.
- Work visa and immigration: Various Korean visa categories (F-2 residency, naturalization) recognize TOPIK scores. Higher levels give more points in point-based visa systems.
- Employment: Korean companies and multinationals with Korea operations increasingly value TOPIK certification for roles requiring Korean.
- K-culture and personal achievement: A growing number of Korean language learners take TOPIK as a milestone in their studies, driven by interest in K-pop, K-drama, and Korean culture.
6. Test dates and scheduling
TOPIK is offered multiple times per year. The schedule varies by country — Korea typically offers more sessions than international locations. Check the official TOPIK calendar for your country's schedule.
| Format | Approximate frequency | Fee (Korea) | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| PBT (Paper) | 5-6 times/year in Korea; 1-3 times internationally | TOPIK I: 40,000 KRW / TOPIK II: 55,000 KRW | ~4-6 weeks after exam |
| IBT (Internet) | More frequent; expanding internationally | TOPIK I: 70,000 KRW / TOPIK II: 95,000 KRW | Faster than PBT |
Registration for popular sessions fills quickly — especially the first day of registration at 9:00 AM Korea Standard Time, when test centers in Seoul and major cities can sell out within hours. Register as early as possible.
International test availability is limited. Outside Korea, TOPIK is offered far less frequently than inside the country — often only 1-3 times per year depending on your location. Plan your test date well in advance, and consider whether it's worth traveling to a city with more frequent sessions if your timeline is tight.
7. Prep resources
TOPIK Official Past Papers
Free past exam papers with answer keys available on the official TOPIK website. The most authentic practice material available — use these to understand the real exam format and difficulty for your target level.
Talk To Me In Korean (TTMIK)
The most popular free Korean learning resource online. Structured grammar lessons organized by level, podcasts, and TOPIK-specific preparation content. Covers all TOPIK I and II levels.
r/Korean (Reddit)
Active Korean learning community with TOPIK tips, level recommendations, study plans, and experience reports from recent test-takers at all levels.
Hangeul Master TOPIK
TOPIK-focused practice platform with mock exams, vocabulary lists, and grammar exercises organized by level. Useful for systematic TOPIK II Writing section preparation.
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