What is the Korean Language Proficiency Test (TOPIK)? [ENG]

 

 

If there are English proficiency tests such as TOEIC, TOEFL, and IELTS,

In Korea, there is TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean).

TOPIK, as the name suggests, is a Korean language proficiency test.

It was developed to assess the Korean language skills of people learning Korean as a foreign language.

 

 

 

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Types of the Exam

 

 

The exam is divided into three categories based on proficiency levels: TOPIK I, TOPIK II, and TOPIK Speaking.

It is also categorized based on the testing method: PBT (Paper-Based Test) and iBT (Internet-Based Test).

 

 

TOPIK I:

• Target: Beginners in Korean
• Components: Listening (30 questions) and Reading (40 questions)
• Duration: Approximately 100 minutes (Listening: 40 minutes, Reading: 60 minutes)
• Objective: To assess basic Korean language skills

 

TOPIK II:

• Target: Intermediate and advanced Korean learners
• Components: Listening (50 questions), Writing (4 questions), and Reading (50 questions)
• Duration: Approximately 180 minutes (Listening: 60 minutes, Writing: 50 minutes, Reading: 70 minutes)
• Objective: To assess more advanced Korean language skills

 

TOPIK Speaking:

• Target: Korean learners at all levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced)
• Components: 6 questions by proficiency level
• Duration: Approximately 30 minutes

 

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1. TOPIK PBT (Paper-Based Test)

• Format: Paper-based exam.
• Features: A traditional paper exam where you fill out the answer sheet and submit it.
• Components: Includes Listening, Reading, and Writing (for TOPIK II).
• Advantages: Can be taken without digital equipment, which may improve accessibility in some regions.

 

2. TOPIK IBT (Internet-Based Test)

• Format: Internet-based exam.
• Features: Taken online using a computer. The exam questions are displayed on the computer screen, and answers are submitted electronically.
• Components: Includes Listening, Reading, and Writing (for TOPIK II).
• Advantages: Faster response time due to digital equipment and quicker processing of scores and results.

 

 

 

 

 

Objectives by Proficiency Level

 

 

TOPIK I: This test is designed for beginner-level Korean learners and evaluates basic listening and reading skills. It is suitable for those who have just started learning Korean or have fundamental language skills.

 

TOPIK II: This test is intended for intermediate and advanced learners and assesses listening, reading, and writing skills. It is tailored for individuals who can understand and express more complex sentence structures and a variety of topics.

 

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TOPIK I (Beginner)

 

Level 1:

• Objective: Evaluates the ability to understand and use basic Korean sentences and expressions. Test-takers should be able to convey and understand basic information and needs in everyday conversations.
• Examples: Simple greetings, self-introduction, questions and answers in everyday situations.

Level 2:

• Objective: Assesses the ability to understand and use slightly more complex sentences in everyday situations. Test-takers should be able to engage in basic conversations, provide simple explanations, and express opinions.
• Examples: Describing simple events or experiences, exchanging basic opinions, solving everyday problems.

 

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TOPIK II (Intermediate and Advanced)

 

Level 3:

• Objective: Evaluates intermediate-level Korean proficiency. Test-takers should be able to understand complex sentences in daily situations and communicate appropriately in work or social contexts.
• Examples: Conversations in the workplace, solving everyday problems, making comparisons and explanations.

Level 4:

• Objective: Assesses the ability to understand and express oneself on a wider range of topics and in more complex situations. Test-takers should be capable of engaging in deeper conversations and discussions in work and social settings.
• Examples: Describing and discussing complex social issues or abstract concepts.

Level 5:

• Objective: Evaluates advanced-level Korean proficiency. Test-takers should be able to engage in detailed discussions and descriptions in academic or professional fields.
• Examples: Discussions in specialized fields, in-depth analysis and opinions, debates on complex social issues.

Level 6:

• Objective: Assesses very high-level Korean proficiency. Test-takers should be able to communicate flexibly in complex and varied situations and accurately understand and express specialized content.
• Examples: Advanced academic discussions, professional presentations, complex opinions and debates.

These objectives help to clearly evaluate learners' Korean language abilities at each level and support the development of appropriate learning plans and goal setting.

 

 

 

 

 

Exam Schedule

 

 

The exam is generally held twice a year, in the spring and fall.

 

 

Exam Dates:

• Spring Exam: Typically held in April or May.
• Fall Exam: Typically held in October or November.

 

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Registration and Results Announcement:

• Registration Period: Registration for each exam usually begins about 1 to 2 months before the exam date, with a registration period of approximately one month.
• Results Announcement: Results are typically announced about 1 to 2 months after the exam date. The exact schedule may vary according to the announcements from the exam authority.

 

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Exam Locations:

• Domestic: The exam is conducted in various cities across Korea.
• International: The exam is held at Korean language institutes or cultural centers abroad.

 

 

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How to Check Exam Information:

 

The latest schedule and detailed information can be found on the official TOPIK website or the website of the organization managing the Korean Language Proficiency Test. It is most accurate to check the exam schedule, registration methods, and exam locations through the official announcements from the exam authority.

 

 

 

TOPIK Official Website
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