The Complete TOPIK Guide
The essential gateway to Korean university admission, employment, and visas. From test structure to grade criteria and practical uses at a glance.
What is TOPIK?
TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is the official Korean government test that measures and evaluates the Korean language ability of overseas Koreans and foreigners who are not native speakers. It is administered by NIIED.
Administering Body
NIIED An official institution under the Ministry of Education of Korea
Purpose
Provides direction for learning Korean Measures the skills needed for study, work, and daily life
Who Can Take It
Any overseas Korean or foreigner for whom Korean is not a native language
Types of Tests
TOPIK I
Level 1-2 / 200 points total 2 sections: Listening & Reading Basic communication for everyday life in Korea
TOPIK II
Level 3-6 / 300 points total 3 sections: Listening, Writing & Reading Capable of university study and professional work
EPS-TOPIK
Korean proficiency test for the Employment Permit System The essential gateway to employment in Korea (E-9) for foreign workers
※ TOPIK is administered as a paper-based test (PBT) and an internet-based test (IBT). The IBT has more test sessions and faster result announcements.
Test Structure
Number of questions, time, and points by section. TOPIK I is held in Period 1 (Listening & Reading); TOPIK II is held in Period 1 (Listening & Writing) and Period 2 (Reading).
| Test | Section | Questions | Time | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOPIK I | Listening | 30 questions | 40 min | 100 points |
| TOPIK I | Reading | 40 questions | 60 min | 100 points |
| TOPIK II | Listening | 50 questions | 60 min | 100 points |
| TOPIK II | Writing | 4 questions | 50 min | 100 points |
| TOPIK II | Reading | 50 questions | 70 min | 100 points |
TOPIK I total 200 points (100 min) · TOPIK II total 300 points (180 min). Writing includes constructed-response items (sentence completion and composition).
Grade Determination Criteria
TOPIK is not a separate level test; your grade is automatically determined based on the total score you earn.
| Test | Grade | Qualifying Total Score | Max Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOPIK I | Level 1 | 80 points or higher | 200 points |
| TOPIK I | Level 2 | 140 points or higher | 200 points |
| TOPIK II | Level 3 | 120 points or higher | 300 points |
| TOPIK II | Level 4 | 150 points or higher | 300 points |
| TOPIK II | Level 5 | 190 points or higher | 300 points |
| TOPIK II | Level 6 | 230 points or higher | 300 points |
Proficiency by Level
Basic Living
Basic expressions such as introducing yourself and shopping. About 800 basic vocabulary words.
Everyday Communication
Using public facilities such as post offices and banks. Distinguishing formal and informal situations.
Daily & Public Life
Understanding familiar social topics. Basic distinction between written and spoken language.
Social Activities
Understanding news and newspaper articles. Able to perform general work tasks.
Specialized Fields
Specialized topics such as politics and economics. Understanding formal and academic contexts.
Native-Like
Conducting specialized research and work. Ability approaching that of a native speaker.
How TOPIK Is Used
TOPIK grades are widely used across admissions, employment, and residency.
University Admission
Undergraduate requires Level 3-4, graduate school Level 4-5 or higher (varies by school).
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
TOPIK scores are used for application and study requirements.
Employment
Proof of Korean proficiency when hiring at companies and public institutions.
Visa & Permanent Residency
Bonus points for the points-based visa (F-2), permanent residency (F-5), and the Social Integration Program.
※ Specific required grades and usage criteria vary by institution and year, so please check the announcement of the relevant institution.
Test Schedule & Registration
Frequency
About 6 times a year in Korea (PBT). The IBT is expanded with separate sessions.
Registration & Confirmation
Check schedules, registration, and scores on the official website topik.go.kr.
IBT Features
Taken on a computer. More sessions and faster result announcements.
※ The exact test dates and registration periods are announced for each session, so be sure to check the official website (topik.go.kr).
Prepare for TOPIK on 더누림
Build real exam readiness with step-by-step Korean courses and TOPIK mock tests.
Take Courses That Match Your Level
Build your foundation with beginner, intermediate, and advanced video lectures and textbooks.
Learn Words & Expressions
Study essential vocabulary for each level daily, with pronunciation and example sentences. (Free vocabulary book provided.)
Take a TOPIK Mock Test
Register your access pass to take a TOPIK mock test identical to the real exam, and check your grade and score on My Page.
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