If you are serious about studying, working, or living in Korea, you will need to prove your language skills. The TOPIK, or Test of Proficiency in Korean, is the official, government-administered exam that does just that.
This is the standard test recognized by Korean universities, government programs, and professional companies.
As part of our [A Beginner's Complete Guide to Learning Korean], this guide will break down the TOPIK exam so you know exactly what to expect.
Who Should Take the TOPIK?
The TOPIK is the academic and professional standard. You should take this exam if you are:
A Future University Student: TOPIK Level 3-4 is a common requirement for applying to Korean universities for undergraduate degrees.
A Scholarship Applicant: The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) and other programs require a TOPIK score to prove your language ability.
A Professional: Many Korean companies require a TOPIK Level 5-6 for office jobs or specialized professions.
A Visa or Residency Applicant: A high TOPIK score is often required or gives you significant advantages when applying for long-term residency (F-series) visas.
A Serious Learner: It's the best way to get an official, certified benchmark of your fluency.
The TOPIK Structure: Two Exams, Six Levels
The TOPIK is not one single test. It is divided into two separate exams: TOPIK I (Beginner) and TOPIK II (Intermediate-Advanced). You choose which one to register for based on your current skill level.
Your final score on the test determines which "Level" (1-6) you achieve.
1. TOPIK I (Beginner Level)
This is the test for beginners. It proves you can handle basic, everyday life in Korean.
Skills Tested: Listening (40 minutes) & Reading (60 minutes).
Total Time: 100 minutes (no breaks).
Total Score: 200 points.
Levels You Can Get:
Level 1: Score 80 – 139. (You can do basic greetings, order food, and understand simple personal topics).
Level 2: Score 140 – 200. (You can have simple daily conversations, use public transport, and understand common social situations).
Ready to start? We built a complete study plan to get you to this level.
Read the guide: [Internal Link to Article #17: How to Self-Study for the TOPIK 1 Exam: A 3-Month Plan]
2. TOPIK II (Intermediate-Advanced Level)
This is the serious academic and professional exam. It is significantly harder and includes a written essay section, which is often the most challenging part.
Skills Tested: The exam is in two parts with a break in between:
Session 1: Listening (60 minutes) & Writing (50 minutes)
Session 2: Reading (70 minutes)
Total Time: 180 minutes (3 hours).
Total Score: 300 points (100 for each section).
Levels You Can Get:
Level 3: Score 120 – 149. (You can function in daily life and understand basic social topics. This is often the minimum for university admission).
Level 4: Score 150 – 189. (The standard for most university admissions. You can understand news and social topics and perform basic work).
Level 5: Score 190 – 229. (You can work in a professional field and understand complex social, political, and economic topics).
Level 6: Score 230 – 300. (Near-native, academic fluency. You can understand and discuss highly specialized topics).
Final Advice
The TOPIK is your official key to academic and professional life in Korea. Before you start studying, be sure of your goal (e.g., "I need Level 3 for university"), as this will determine whether you should focus on TOPIK I or aim for the much more difficult TOPIK II.
Ready to register? [Check the TOPIK Exam Schedule 2026 in the Philippines]
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