TOPIK I vs TOPIK II: What’s the Difference?

Whether you’ve just started learning Korean or are planning to study or work in Korea, you’ve probably heard of TOPIK— the Test of Proficiency in Korean. But what exactly is the difference between TOPIK I and TOPIK II?

Let’s break it down so you can understand which level suits you and how to plan your learning path accordingly.

What is TOPIK?

TOPIK (한국어능력시험) is the official Korean language proficiency test conducted by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Ministry of Education, South Korea.

It’s used by:

• Korean universities (for admissions or scholarships),

• Employers (especially for job visa applicants),

• Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP),

• And increasingly, for self-assessment by language learners.

  
  

TOPIK I vs TOPIK II – At a Glance

Feature	TOPIK I	TOPIK II
Levels Covered	Level 1 and 2	Level 3 to 6
Test Sections	Reading + Listening	Reading + Listening + Writing
Duration	100 minutes	180 minutes
Total Score	200 (100+100)	300 (100+100+100)
Focus	Basic everyday Korean	Intermediate to advanced usage
Who is it for?	Beginners (approx. 150–200 hours of study)	Intermediate to advanced learners (400+ hrs)
Writing Section?	No	Yes

What You’re Tested On – Section-wise Breakdown

TOPIK I (Levels 1–2)

1. Listening (30 Questions – 40 mins)

• Everyday topics like shopping, directions, greetings

• Audio clips are short and slow-paced

• Mostly MCQs (multiple choice)

2. Reading (40 Questions – 60 mins)

• Hangul signs, menus, basic dialogues

• Simple grammar, basic vocabulary (~800 words)

• MCQs again, focused on understanding meaning and context

TOPIK II (Levels 3–6)

1. Listening (50 Questions – 60 mins)

• Covers lectures, discussions, news reports

• Requires deeper comprehension and inference

2. Writing (4 Questions – 50 mins)

• Short answer (sentence construction)

• Mid-level composition (~200 words)

• Long-form essay (~600 words) on a topic

3. Reading (50 Questions – 70 mins)

• Long passages, technical texts, editorial articles

• Questions test understanding of intent, tone, structure

How Is It Scored?

TOPIK I:

• Level 1: 80–139 points

• Level 2: 140–200 points

TOPIK II:

• Level 3: 120–149 points

• Level 4: 150–189 points

• Level 5: 190–229 points

• Level 6: 230–300 points

Note: You don’t fail TOPIK. You simply get certified at the level your score corresponds to.

Which Test Should You Take?

Your Situation	Recommended Test
Just started learning Korean	TOPIK I (Level 1 or 2)
Want to prove conversational ability	TOPIK I (Level 2)
Planning to study in Korea	TOPIK II (Level 3 or 4 minimum)
Applying for job or permanent residency (F-5, F-6 visas)	TOPIK II (Level 4+)

How to Prepare?

For TOPIK I:

• Focus on Hangul, basic grammar, essential verbs and adjectives

• Practice listening with Korean YouTube channels

• Use TOPIK I practice tests available online

For TOPIK II:

• Expand vocabulary to 3000+ words

• Read Korean newspapers, blogs, and watch dramas with Korean subtitles

• Practice essay writing — structure is important!

• Join a course that follows the TOPIK II syllabus (like our LKWU Level II course 😉)

When Can You Take the Test?

TOPIK is held six times a year in Korea and twice a year internationally (April & October).Check the official TOPIK website or Korean Cultural Centre.

• TOPIK I is great for beginners who want to track their progress or apply for short-term Korean language programs.

• TOPIK II opens doors to university scholarships, professional opportunities, and a deeper understanding of Korean culture.

  
  

Wherever you are in your Korean learning journey, aiming for a TOPIK certificate can give you motivation, structure, and recognition.

Need help choosing the right level or preparing for the exam? Our courses at LKWU follow the TOPIK framework — with guidance, practice, and teacher feedback every step of the way.