TOPIK I·II 시험 구조와 급수별 합격 점수, 그리고 준비 전략

English

TOPIK I and II: test structure, level cut-off scores and how to prepare

Last checked: 20 October 2026 · compared against 2 official sources opened that day

The Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) measures the Korean of people who do not speak it as a first language and is run by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). It is used for university admission, jobs and visa points, but the split between TOPIK I and II and between the paper (PBT) and internet-based (IBT) formats confuses many first-time candidates. We reopened NIIED's TOPIK operating regulations on 20 October 2026 to check every number below.

What the test is and who can take it

The regulations define three tests: TOPIK I, TOPIK II and the TOPIK speaking test, each delivered as PBT or IBT. Anyone who wants their Korean assessed may apply; only people sanctioned for cheating are restricted. Candidates in Korea register on the TOPIK website, and candidates abroad follow the local test agency. Scores are valid for two years from the results date, so if you need a certificate for a visa or an admission deadline, count backwards from that date before you choose a sitting. Fees are set by NIIED for each round and published in the registration notice.

Structure: paper and internet tests

TOPIK I on paper has 30 listening and 40 reading items in 100 minutes (40 + 60). TOPIK I on the internet has 26 listening and 26 reading items in 70 minutes (30 + 40). TOPIK II on paper has 50 listening, 4 writing and 50 reading items in 180 minutes (60 + 50 + 70). TOPIK II on the internet has 30 listening, 3 writing and 30 reading items in 125 minutes (35 + 50 + 40). The speaking test has 6 items in 30 minutes. The regulations allow these numbers to change, but only after a public notice.

Score bands for each level

Your level depends on your total score only. TOPIK I on paper (out of 200): level 1 is 80–139 and level 2 is 140–200. TOPIK II on paper (out of 300): level 3 is 120–149, level 4 is 150–189, level 5 is 190–229 and level 6 is 230–300. TOPIK I on the internet (out of 400): level 1 is 121–235 and level 2 is 236–400. TOPIK II on the internet (out of 600): level 3 is 191–290, level 4 is 291–360, level 5 is 361–430 and level 6 is 431–600. The speaking test (out of 200) runs from level 1 at 20–49 to level 6 at 160–200.

Three practical conclusions follow. Below the lowest band you get no level at all, so 119 on TOPIK II paper is simply a fail. TOPIK I can never give you level 3, so take TOPIK II if you need level 3 or above. And the table has no minimum per section, only total bands, so banking points in your strongest section really does help.

TOPIK I or II, paper or internet?

Choose by the level you need. If you hover between levels 2 and 3, take two or three full mock tests under real timing and move to TOPIK II only when you score above 120 reliably. The internet test is shorter, but you type your writing answers on a Korean keyboard, which can make 50 minutes feel short if you type slowly. If handwriting on squared answer paper is your weak point, the internet test may suit you better.

The four TOPIK II writing tasks

The regulations only say four writing items in 50 minutes on paper. Past papers consistently show this pattern, which you should treat as a guide rather than a rule: item 51 asks for two sentences that complete a practical text such as a notice or email; item 52 completes an explanatory paragraph in written style; item 53 describes a graph or table in 200–300 characters without personal opinion; and item 54 is an essay of 600–700 characters on a social issue that answers every guiding question.

A study plan that raises scores

Start with a timed mock test so you know the gap to your target. Listen for 20 to 30 minutes every day rather than in weekend blocks, and replay missed items with the script. In reading, set a time budget per item so you keep enough time for the long passages at the end. For writing, prepare sentence frames in advance: survey, result, change or cause, outlook for item 53, and introduction, opinion with two reasons, conclusion for item 54. Build vocabulary by topic, and keep an error log that separates vocabulary, grammar and timing mistakes.

The last four weeks

With a month to go, shape what you already know to the test format instead of adding new books. Four weeks out, take a timed mock test, note each section score and pick the two item types you miss most. Three weeks out, drill only those two types: dictation from listening scripts, and finding the main idea from the first and last sentences of reading passages; if you sit TOPIK II, write item 53 three times a week. Two weeks out, take a second mock test and write a complete item 54 essay against the clock. In the final week, review your error log and vocabulary, check the route to the test centre and your ID and admission ticket, and sleep well the night before.

Rules on test day

Using a device to communicate during the test, carrying or using a disguised recorder or a device with AI translation or writing functions, or using AI or deepfake tools or unrelated keyboard and mouse actions in the internet test voids the test and bans you for two years. More serious cases carry a four-year ban. Check the list of banned items on your admission ticket before the day.

Where the score is used

In the F-2-7 points-based residence visa, TOPIK level 5 or above is worth 20 points, level 4 15, level 3 10, level 2 5 and level 1 3, and a KIIP level can be used for the same item instead. Universities and employers also set TOPIK requirements. Always confirm which level is required and how recent the result must be before you book.