Korean Language

Korean Language – TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean)

TOPIK is a Korean language proficiency test that measures a non-native speaker’s ability for expression and comprehension in the Korean language. TOPIK is administered by The National Institute for International Education (NIIED) that operates directly under the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and is responsible for the general management of the test.

This includes supervising institutions administering the test domestically and overseas. TOPIK measures proficiency based on reading, writing, listening comprehension in three different levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The test is further evaluated through six grades with two matching levels for each.

TOPIK Test Structure

TOPIK test has two levels – TOPIK-I and TOPIK-II.

• TOPIK-I, i.e. the beginner level, has two sublevels – 1 & 2
• TOPIK-II, i.e. Intermediate-Advanced level, has 4 sublevels – 3, 4, 5 & 6.

• Levels 1 and 2 – Beginner Level
• Levels 3 and 4 – Intermediate Level
• Levels 5 and 6 – Advanced Level

Test takers get a level between 1 and 6 based on their total score in the test.

Test takers who meet the requirements will be issued a formal certificate with one of six possible grades:

• Low beginner (level 1),
• High beginner (level 2),
• Low intermediate (level 3),
• High intermediate (level 4),
• Low advanced (level 5), and
• High advanced (level 6).

TOPIK Levels & Language Skills Required

Following is the brief description of the language skills attained at each level.

• Level 01 is designed for beginners, where you will learn survival level Korean phrases. One learns the basics of everyday commands in Korean. With about 800 basic words being taught, you will learn how to introduce yourself, greet others, express yourself and understand simple everyday conversations.
• Level 02 By the time you reach Level 02, you will master over 1,500 words, with this, you will be able to discuss familiar topics in simple language. You will also be able to distinguish between formal and informal situations. 
• Level 03 At Level 03, you should be able to use public facilities, maintain social relationships, and lead a routine life without significant difficulty. You are able also express or understand specific subjects with ease. 
• Level 04 At the end of this Level, one can now go out and about with more ease, socialize with friends and perform ordinary work to a certain degree. You can comprehend easy content of Korean News broadcasts, and newspapers. You will be able to understand frequently used idiomatic expressions and participate in conversations about social and cultural subjects based on understanding of Korean culture. 
• Level 05 will teach you the linguistic skills you need to succeed in a professional environment. You’ll be able to understand and appropriately use expressions related to even unfamiliar aspects of politics, economics, society, and culture. You will be able to use expressions properly depending on the context be it formal, informal or spoken/written. 
• Level 06 is the advanced level. You can communicate and perform functions that are needed for research and tasks in professional fields with ease and accuracy. One is able to communicate about. Although your level of fluency is not quite the same as a university-educated native speaker, you can convey meanings of topics related to subjects of politics, economics, society, and culture sufficiently.

When is TOPIK conducted? 

TOPIK test is conducted 6 times a year in total

• Once in January, but this is conducted in Korea only and
• 4 times (in April, May, July, October and November) conducted in Korea as well as overseas. 

In most countries, The TOPIK I test is often held in the morning, while the TOPIK II test is held in the afternoon. If you want to, you can take both tests on the same day. The tests are usually held on Sundays (in some countries on Saturdays as well).

What is the validity period of TOPIK score? 

TOPIK score or certificate is valid for 2 years.