A complete 2026 TOPIK preparation guide: test format, scoring, registration dates, a 12-week study plan, writing tips and vocabulary lists by level.
TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is the official Korean language proficiency exam administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under Korea's Ministry of Education. It's the gold standard for proving Korean ability, recognized internationally for:
Quick answer: TOPIK is Korea's official Korean proficiency test, run by NIIED. TOPIK I (Levels 1–2) tests listening and reading and is scored out of 200; TOPIK II (Levels 3–6) adds writing and is scored out of 300. Results are valid for two years. Prepare with official past papers, daily listening, vocabulary review and timed full practice tests.
For a shorter overview, read our TOPIK exam guide, and for structured help see our TOPIK exam preparation page.
If you've studied Korean for 0–6 months, TOPIK I is your target.
| Section | Time | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 40 min | 30 questions |
| Reading | 60 min | 40 questions |
Total time: 100 minutes Total score: 200 points Passing scores:
If you've studied Korean for 6+ months, TOPIK II covers a wider range.
| Section | Time | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 60 min | 50 questions |
| Writing | 50 min | 4 tasks (including 2 essays) |
| Reading | 70 min | 50 questions |
Total time: 180 minutes Total score: 300 points Level scores:
TOPIK is held several times a year in Korea and in many countries abroad, as a paper-based test and, in some places, as an internet-based test (IBT). Test dates, registration windows and fees differ by country and change every year, so check the official TOPIK website (topik.go.kr) or your local test centre for the current schedule before you plan your study timeline.
Daily commitment: 1 hour
| Task | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Hangul mastery | 15 min (Week 1 only) | Write each letter 20 times, read simple words |
| Vocabulary (Anki) | 20 min | 15 new TOPIK I words/day from official word list |
| Grammar patterns | 20 min | Learn 3 core patterns per week |
| Listening practice | 20 min | TOPIK I past paper listening at 0.75x speed |
Grammar targets for Weeks 1–4:
Daily commitment: 1.5 hours
| Task | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Listening drills | 30 min | Past papers at normal speed, repeat unknown phrases |
| Vocabulary expansion | 20 min | Target 500 total words |
| Grammar drilling | 20 min | 20 sentence-building exercises daily |
| Reading practice | 20 min | TOPIK I reading passages with timer |
Daily commitment: 2 hours
| Task | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Full practice test | 100 min (every 3 days) | Under real exam conditions, timed |
| Wrong answer analysis | 20 min | Review every mistake, categorize by type |
| Weakness targeting | 20 min | Focus on your lowest-scoring question types |
| Final review | 20 min | Flashcard review of all vocabulary |
The Writing section is what separates Level 3 from Level 4+. Many students neglect it.
| Task | Type | Points | Time Suggestion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task 51–52 | Short answer (fill-in-the-blank sentences) | 10 pts each | 5 min each |
| Task 53 | Short essay (200–300 characters) | 30 pts | 15 min |
| Task 54 | Long essay (600–700 characters) | 50 pts | 25 min |
"다음을 읽고 200~300자로 쓰십시오. 여러분은 한국어를 왜 배우기 시작했습니까? 한국어를 배운 후에 무엇이 달라졌습니까?"
(Read the following and write 200-300 characters. Why did you start learning Korean? What changed after learning Korean?)
| Category | Example Words | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Daily life | 집, 학교, 회사, 병원, 식당 | ~150 |
| Time/date | 오늘, 내일, 월요일, 1월 | ~80 |
| Food/drink | 밥, 물, 고기, 과일, 커피 | ~60 |
| People/family | 가족, 친구, 선생님, 의사 | ~50 |
| Verbs | 가다, 오다, 먹다, 자다, 공부하다 | ~200 |
| Adjectives | 좋다, 크다, 예쁘다, 비싸다 | ~100 |
| Grammar words | 그리고, 하지만, 그래서, 때문에 | ~60 |
| Numbers/counters | 하나, 일, 명, 개, 번 | ~100 |
| Category | Example Words | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Abstract concepts | 문화, 경제, 환경, 정치 | ~300 |
| Academic | 연구, 결과, 원인, 방법 | ~200 |
| Emotions | 감동, 실망, 불안, 자신감 | ~150 |
| Business | 회의, 계약, 마감, 실적 | ~200 |
| Advanced verbs | 주장하다, 비교하다, 분석하다 | ~400 |
| Idioms/expressions | 눈이 높다, 발이 넓다 | ~100 |
Wrong: Memorize 100 grammar patterns from a list Right: Learn grammar through reading and listening, then practice in sentences. Grammar in context sticks; grammar from lists doesn't.
Many learners focus on reading/writing (which feel easier) but neglect listening. Listening is worth 50% of TOPIK I and 33% of TOPIK II.
Scattered exercises ≠ exam simulation. Full-length timed tests build:
Writing is the highest-value section per question. Two well-written essays can be the difference between Level 3 and Level 4.
The most successful test-takers combine: structured courses + flashcards + past papers + Korean media + speaking practice.
| Starting Level | Target | Study Time | Daily Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 (zero Korean) | TOPIK I Level 1 | 10 weeks | 1 hr |
| A0 | TOPIK I Level 2 | 16 weeks | 1.5 hrs |
| A2 | TOPIK II Level 3 | 6 months | 2 hrs |
| B1 | TOPIK II Level 4 | 9 months | 2 hrs |
| B2 | TOPIK II Level 5 | 12 months | 2.5 hrs |
These timelines are rough estimates, not guarantees. They assume consistent daily study with a structured curriculum, and real progress varies from learner to learner.
TOPIK is achievable with the right strategy and consistent effort. The difference between test-takers who pass and those who don't isn't intelligence — it's preparation quality and consistency.
Start with official past papers. Understand the format inside and out. Practice listening daily. Write essays weekly if targeting TOPIK II. Take full simulations seriously. By test day, you'll have seen hundreds of similar questions and will execute with confidence.
Take our placement test to identify your current level, then explore our TOPIK-aligned courses for structured preparation with an experienced Korean teacher.
TOPIK I is scored out of 200 (Level 1 from 80 points, Level 2 from 140). TOPIK II is scored out of 300 (Level 3 from 120, Level 4 from 150, Level 5 from 190, Level 6 from 230). There is no separate pass mark for each section; your level comes from your total score.
TOPIK results are valid for two years from the date the scores are announced. If a university or employer needs a current score, plan your test date around that window.
Take TOPIK I if you are a beginner aiming for Level 1 or 2. Take TOPIK II if you can already handle intermediate grammar and want Level 3 to 6, since TOPIK II cannot award Levels 1 or 2.
An internet-based TOPIK (IBT) is offered in some countries and test centres alongside the paper-based test. Check topik.go.kr for the formats available where you live.