TOPIK I
Levels 1–2 · 200 points · 100 min| Session | Section | Questions | Time | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1교시 | 듣기 Listening | 30 | 40 min | 100 |
| 읽기 Reading | 40 | 60 min | 100 |
All multiple choice with four options. No writing section.
Exam structure
The figures below are for the paper-based test. Check dates, fees and the internet-based (IBT) format at topik.go.kr.
TOPIK II
Levels 3–6 · 300 points · 180 min| Session | Section | Questions | Time | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1교시 | 듣기 Listening | 50 | 60 min | 100 |
| 쓰기 Writing | 4 | 50 min | 100 | |
| 2교시 | 읽기 Reading | 50 | 70 min | 100 |
Listening and reading are multiple choice. Writing is two sentence-completion items and two compositions.
TOPIK 말하기
Levels 1–6 · 200 points · about 30 min| No. | Task | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 질문에 대답하기 · Answer a question | 초급 |
| 2 | 그림 보고 역할 수행하기 · Role-play from a picture | 초급 |
| 3 | 그림 보고 이야기하기 · Tell a story from pictures | 중급 |
| 4 | 대화 완성하기 · Complete a conversation | 중급 |
| 5 | 자료 해석하기 · Interpret data | 고급 |
| 6 | 의견 제시하기 · Give and support an opinion | 고급 |
A separate, computer-based test (IBT) with its own registration. You speak into a headset; each task has preparation time, then answer time.
Level cut-offs
Your level comes from your total score. Below the first cut-off, no level is awarded.
TOPIK I
out of 200
No level0–79
1급80+
2급140+
TOPIK II
out of 300
No level0–119
3급120+
4급150+
5급190+
6급230+
Question types by section
The same skills come back every sitting. Knowing the type tells you where the answer will be.
듣기 TOPIK I listening
- 알맞은 대답 고르기 · Pick the right reply
- 이어지는 말 고르기 · Pick what comes next
- 장소·화제 고르기 · Name the place or topic
- 알맞은 그림 고르기 · Match the picture
- 내용과 같은 것 고르기 · Match the details
읽기 TOPIK I reading
- 무엇에 대한 내용인지 고르기 · Find the topic
- 빈칸에 알맞은 것 고르기 · Fill the blank
- 안내문·광고 읽기 · Notices and ads
- 순서대로 배열하기 · Put sentences in order
- 중심 생각 고르기 · Find the main idea
듣기 TOPIK II listening
- 그림·그래프 고르기 · Pick the picture or graph
- 이어질 행동 고르기 · Predict the next action
- 중심 생각·의도 파악 · Main idea and intention
- 화자의 태도 고르기 · Speaker's attitude
- 강연·다큐멘터리 듣기 · Lectures and documentaries
읽기 TOPIK II reading
- 빈칸 문법 고르기 · Grammar in context
- 신문 기사 제목 이해 · Newspaper headlines
- 문장이 들어갈 곳 고르기 · Insert a sentence
- 필자의 태도·목적 · Writer's attitude and purpose
- 긴 글 이해 · Long passages, two questions each
쓰기 51–54, the four writing questions
51
Sentence completion · practical text
A notice, message or email with two blanks. Write one sentence for each, in the text's own speech style. 10 points.
52
Sentence completion · explanatory text
A short expository paragraph with two blanks, written in the -ㄴ다 style. 10 points.
53
Describe data · 200–300자
Turn a graph or survey into a paragraph: who surveyed whom, the change, the reasons, the outlook. No opinions. 30 points.
54
Argumentative essay · 600–700자
Answer three guiding questions in an introduction, body and conclusion, in the -ㄴ다 style. 50 points.
Prepare each section with Korean Ladder
Each section has its own series for each level band: beginner (TOPIK 1–2), intermediate (3–4) and advanced (5–6).
듣기 Listening
Two native Korean teachers voice every dialogue. Listen without the script, answer, then open the transcript and check the evidence line.
읽기 Reading
Every question shows the sentence that proves the answer, and why each wrong option is wrong. Learn to find the evidence, not to guess.
쓰기 Writing
Draft 51–54 on a live 원고지 with a character counter, then compare with an original model answer and the rubric.
말하기 Speaking
Speaking episodes walk through the six task types with timed preparation and model answers you can shadow.
모의고사 Mock tests
Mixed-section mock episodes under time pressure, with the teachers going through every answer afterwards.
어휘·문법 Vocab & grammar
The foundation under every section: particles, endings, connectors and vocabulary sets, each with notes, a quiz and a PDF.
TOPIK FAQ
What score do I need for each TOPIK level?
TOPIK I is scored out of 200: 80 points for level 1 and 140 for level 2. TOPIK II is scored out of 300: 120 for level 3, 150 for level 4, 190 for level 5 and 230 for level 6. Your level comes from the total score.
Should I take TOPIK I or TOPIK II?
Take TOPIK I if you are aiming for level 1 or 2. Take TOPIK II if you are aiming for level 3 or higher: one paper covers levels 3 to 6, and your total score decides which level you receive.
Is the speaking test part of TOPIK II?
No. The TOPIK speaking test (말하기) is a separate test with its own registration. It has six tasks, is scored out of 200, and awards levels 1 to 6.
How are characters counted in TOPIK writing questions 53 and 54?
On 원고지 every character takes one cell, and spaces and punctuation count too. Question 53 asks for 200 to 300 characters and question 54 for 600 to 700. Answers outside the range lose points.
How long does TOPIK take?
TOPIK I takes 100 minutes: 40 for listening and 60 for reading. TOPIK II takes 180 minutes in two sessions: 60 minutes of listening and 50 of writing, then 70 minutes of reading.
Are Korean Ladder's practice questions taken from real TOPIK papers?
No. Every passage, question, chart and model answer on Korean Ladder is original, written in the style of TOPIK. Official past papers are published on the TOPIK website, topik.go.kr.