The EPS-TOPIK is a competitive test. It's not just about passing; it's about getting the highest score possible to be selected by a Korean employer.
We've gathered the most effective study tips from Filipinos who successfully passed the exam. Here is your 10-step battle plan.
1. Use the Official HRD Korea Textbook (It's Free!)
This is the golden rule. Every single person who passes the exam will tell you this: The entire test is based on the official "Standard Textbook for EPS-TOPIK" provided by HRD Korea. Don't waste money on other books. This one is free, and it is the only source for the exam questions.
➡️ Download it here: [Free EPS-TOPIK Reviewer: Download the Official HRD Korea Textbook (PDF)]
2. Master Hangeul (The Alphabet) First
Don't try to take shortcuts by just memorizing the sound of words. You must be able to read and write the Korean alphabet, Hangeul. Spend your first few days mastering this. Being able to read the questions is the most basic skill, and you can't pass without it.
3. Treat Vocabulary like a Daily Job (Use Flashcards!)
The EPS-TOPIK is, more than anything, a vocabulary test. The grammar is simple, but the vocabulary is specific to daily and work life.
Make Flashcards: Use a free app like Anki (which uses Spaced Repetition) or simple paper flashcards.
Set a Daily Goal: Aim to learn 15-20 new words every single day.
Be Consistent: 15 words every day for 3 months (1,350 words) is far better than trying to cram 500 words in a week.
4. Practice Mock Exams Under Time Pressure
The EPS-TOPIK is a race against the clock: 40 questions in 50 minutes (25 min for reading, 25 for listening). That's just over 1 minute per question.
Find Mock Tests: Use the exercises in the official textbook or find mock exams online.
Set a Timer: When you practice, set a real timer. You must get used to the feeling of answering quickly.
Identify Weaknesses: Do you always run out of time on reading? Or do you miss questions in listening? Your mock tests will tell you what to focus on.
5. Use Naver Dictionary (Not Just Google Translate)
When you're studying, you need the right tool. Google Translate is fast, but it can be wrong. Naver Dictionary is the standard used by all Korean learners. It gives you better example sentences and more accurate, context-aware translations.
6. Don't Just Read—Listen!
The listening section is 50% of your score. Download the free MP3 audio files that come with the official textbook and use them.
Listen Actively: Don't just play it in the background. Sit down, listen, and try to write down what you hear.
Listen to Commands: Find videos or audio of simple Korean commands (e.g., "Press the button," "Be careful," "Clean this"). This is exactly what the test will cover.
7. Remember: You're Not Just "Passing"
This is a "Point-Based System." Passing with a minimum score is not enough. You are competing with thousands of other Filipinos. A Korean employer will always choose the applicant with the 100/100 score over the one who got 70/100. Your goal is not to pass. Your goal is to get a perfect score.
8. Prepare for the 2nd Round (The Skills Test)
Don't be so focused on the written test that you fail the 2nd round.
Practice Your Introduction: Learn how to say your name, age, and "I will work hard" (열심히 하겠습니다) in Korean.
Practice Physical Tasks: The skills test checks your grip strength and dexterity. It's a simple, practical test.
Know the Commands: Practice responding to simple commands like "Sit down" (앉으세요), "Stand up" (일어나세요), and "Look here" (여기 보세요).
9. Don't Get Stuck on Hard Questions
On test day, if you read a question and don't know the answer in 5 seconds, make your best guess and move on immediately. Every question is worth the same points. It is better to answer 19 easy questions and guess on 1 hard one, than to waste 5 minutes on one hard question and run out of time.
10. Find a Study Partner (If You Can)
Studying alone is hard. Find a friend, a family member, or an online group. Practicing with a real person—even if they're just reading commands from the book—is far more effective than just reading to yourself.
Follow these 10 tips, and you won't just be prepared to pass—you'll be prepared to get the high score you need to land the job.
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