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TOPIK I vs TOPIK II: Which Level Should You Take?
Level
A2
Type
Guide
Theme
Daily Life
작성자
Y
작성시각
TOPIK I vs TOPIK II: Which Level Should You Take?
So you've decided to take TOPIK. Great choice—it's the most widely recognized Korean proficiency test in the world, and having a TOPIK score opens doors for study, work, and immigration in Korea.
But then you hit the first question: TOPIK I or TOPIK II?
They're not just "easy" and "hard" versions of the same test. They're structurally different exams that test different skills. Choosing the right one can be the difference between a confidence-boosting experience and a frustrating three hours.
Let me help you figure out which one is right for you.
What Is TOPIK, Exactly?
TOPIK stands for Test of Proficiency in Korean (한국어능력시험, hangugeo neungnyeok siheom). It's administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under Korea's Ministry of Education.
Key facts:
Detail | Info |
Held | 6 times per year (in Korea), 2-4 times abroad |
Where | 90+ countries worldwide |
Cost | Varies by country (~$40-60 USD) |
Results | Available online ~1 month after test |
Valid for | 2 years from result date |
Website | topik.go.kr |
TOPIK I vs TOPIK II: The Breakdown
TOPIK I | TOPIK II | |
Target level | Beginner (Levels 1-2) | Intermediate-Advanced (Levels 3-6) |
Sections | Listening + Reading | Listening + Reading + Writing |
Total time | 100 minutes | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
Max score | 200 points | 300 points |
Questions | 70 total (30 listening + 40 reading) | 104 total (50 listening + 50 reading + 4 writing) |
Audio speed | Slower, clearer | Natural speed |
Content | Daily life, basic situations | News, lectures, essays, debates |
What Levels Can You Get?
This is important: TOPIK doesn't have a "pass" or "fail." You get a level based on your score.
TOPIK I levels:
Level | Score needed | What it means |
Level 1 | 80-139 out of 200 | Can handle very basic daily tasks: greeting, ordering food, asking for directions |
Level 2 | 140-200 out of 200 | Can have simple conversations: making phone calls, asking for help, talking about daily routines |
No level | Below 80 | Score too low for any level (but you still learn from the experience!) |
TOPIK II levels:
Level | Score needed | What it means |
Level 3 | 120-149 out of 300 | Can handle most daily situations and have basic conversations on familiar topics |
Level 4 | 150-189 out of 300 | Can use Korean in common workplace and social contexts |
Level 5 | 190-229 out of 300 | Can use Korean fluently in professional and academic settings |
Level 6 | 230-300 out of 300 | Near-native proficiency in almost all contexts |
Should You Take TOPIK I?
Take TOPIK I if you...
•
Have studied Korean for less than 1 year
•
Can read Hangul but still look up a lot of vocabulary
•
Know basic grammar (present, past, future tense; basic particles)
•
Can introduce yourself and have simple exchanges
•
Want a manageable first testing experience
•
Need a Level 1-2 certificate for immigration (F-2 visa, etc.)
What to expect:
The listening section uses clearly spoken Korean at a comfortable pace. Topics include everyday situations: shopping, making plans, asking for directions, ordering food.
The reading section includes short dialogues, signs, schedules, and simple paragraphs. You'll match pictures to descriptions, fill in blanks, and identify main ideas.
Real moment: A student of mine took TOPIK I after just 8 months of studying Korean part-time. She was nervous, but she scored Level 2 (156 points). She told me, "The listening was faster than I expected, but I used the read-ahead strategy and it was manageable. The reading section actually felt kind of fun—like solving little puzzles." TOPIK I is designed to be encouraging for learners. It tests what you CAN do, not what you can't.
Should You Take TOPIK II?
Take TOPIK II if you...
•
Have studied Korean for 1+ years consistently
•
Can have simple conversations beyond just greetings
•
Understand basic Korean when watching dramas (with subtitles)
•
Know intermediate grammar (connecting endings, honorifics, indirect speech)
•
Need Level 3+ for university admission or employment
•
Can write a few sentences in Korean (writing section!)
What to expect:
TOPIK II is a marathon—3 full hours. The listening section uses natural-speed Korean including news clips and longer conversations. The reading section includes newspaper articles, essays, and academic texts. And then there's the writing section: fill-in-the-blank questions, a short paragraph, and a 200-600 character essay.
The writing section is what separates TOPIK I from TOPIK II. There's no writing in TOPIK I at all. In TOPIK II, writing is worth 100 of the 300 total points.
Important: Even if your writing is weak, you can still achieve Level 3-4 with strong listening and reading scores. Many test-takers score low on writing but compensate with the other sections.
Can You Skip TOPIK I?
Yes! There's no requirement to take TOPIK I before TOPIK II. You can go straight to TOPIK II if you feel ready.
But consider this: if you're on the border between the two, taking TOPIK I guarantees you a certifiable level (even Level 1 is something). Taking TOPIK II and scoring below 120 means you get no level at all.
My recommendation for borderline cases: take TOPIK I first, get your Level 2, then take TOPIK II the next time it's offered. You lose nothing, and that Level 2 certificate might be useful while you prepare for higher levels.
What Score Do I Need For...
Purpose | Typical requirement |
Korean language school admission | Level 1-2 (or none) |
University undergraduate admission | Level 3-4 |
University graduate admission | Level 4-5 |
Employment at Korean company | Level 4-5 |
Immigration (F-2 visa points) | Level varies |
KIIP (social integration program) credit | Level 5-6 for full exemption |
Personal satisfaction | Any level! |
Check specific requirements carefully—each university and company may have different standards.
Study Timeline Recommendations
Your situation | Recommended test | Target level | Prep time |
Just started learning Korean | Wait a bit | — | 6-12 months of study first |
6-12 months of study | TOPIK I | Level 1-2 | 1-2 months of TOPIK-specific prep |
1-2 years of study | TOPIK II | Level 3-4 | 2-3 months of prep |
2-3 years of study | TOPIK II | Level 4-5 | 1-2 months of focused prep |
3+ years / living in Korea | TOPIK II | Level 5-6 | Ongoing practice + 1 month review |
Practical Test Day Tips
For TOPIK I:
•
Bring your ID and admission ticket (printed)
•
You'll get a short break between listening and reading—use the restroom
•
Bring a watch—some test centers don't have visible clocks
•
Pencils and erasers are usually provided, but bring your own just in case
For TOPIK II:
•
Eat well before the test—3 hours is a long time
•
Bring water (check if your center allows it)
•
Manage your energy: listening → reading → writing. Save enough mental energy for writing
•
For the essay: even a mediocre essay scores some points. A blank essay scores zero. Write something!
Real moment: I had a student who was debating between TOPIK I and TOPIK II for months. She kept saying "I'm not ready for TOPIK II" but also felt "TOPIK I is too easy." I told her: "Take both." She looked confused. I explained that in Korea, TOPIK I and TOPIK II are sometimes held on the same weekend (Saturday and Sunday). She took TOPIK I on Saturday, got Level 2, then took TOPIK II on Sunday and got Level 3. Best of both worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does my TOPIK score expire?
A: Yes—results are valid for 2 years. After that, you need to retake the test if you need a current score.
A: Yes—results are valid for 2 years. After that, you need to retake the test if you need a current score.
Q: Can I take TOPIK outside Korea?
A: Yes! TOPIK is offered in 90+ countries. Check topik.go.kr for test centers near you.
A: Yes! TOPIK is offered in 90+ countries. Check topik.go.kr for test centers near you.
Q: What if I score too low to get any level?
A: Nothing bad happens. You don't lose anything—you just don't get a certificate for that attempt. Many people retake TOPIK multiple times to improve their score.
A: Nothing bad happens. You don't lose anything—you just don't get a certificate for that attempt. Many people retake TOPIK multiple times to improve their score.
Q: Is TOPIK the only Korean proficiency test?
A: No. There's also the KLAT (Korean Language Ability Test) and the KBS Korean Language Test (for native speakers). But TOPIK is by far the most widely recognized internationally.
A: No. There's also the KLAT (Korean Language Ability Test) and the KBS Korean Language Test (for native speakers). But TOPIK is by far the most widely recognized internationally.
Q: How is TOPIK different from studying with textbooks?
A: TOPIK tests practical comprehension—can you understand a conversation, read a notice, or write a paragraph? Textbook knowledge helps, but you also need practice with test-format questions.
A: TOPIK tests practical comprehension—can you understand a conversation, read a notice, or write a paragraph? Textbook knowledge helps, but you also need practice with test-format questions.
The Bottom Line
If you're... | Take this | Why |
A beginner who wants a confidence win | TOPIK I | Achievable, encouraging, builds test-taking skills |
Intermediate and need Level 3+ | TOPIK II | Only way to get Level 3-6 |
Unsure which one | TOPIK I first | Low risk, guaranteed level if you score 80+ |
Ambitious and want both | Both! | Take I on Saturday, II on Sunday (when available) |
Remember: there's no failing TOPIK. Every score tells you where you are on your Korean learning journey. And wherever you are, you're further than you were before you started.