What Is TOPIK?
TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean, 한국어능력시험) is the official Korean language proficiency exam administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under South Korea's Ministry of Education. It's the most widely recognized Korean language certification globally.
TOPIK is essential for university admission in South Korea, Korean immigration (visa applications), employment at Korean companies, and proving your Korean proficiency for scholarships like the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP/GKS).
TOPIK Levels Explained
TOPIK is divided into two tests:
TOPIK I (Beginner): Covers Levels 1 and 2. Multiple choice only — listening and reading sections. No writing required.
TOPIK II (Intermediate–Advanced): Covers Levels 3, 4, 5, and 6. Includes listening, reading, and writing (essay) sections.
| Level | Score Required | CEFR Equivalent | Ability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 80+/200 | A1–A2 | Basic survival Korean |
| Level 2 | 140+/200 | A2–B1 | Daily conversation |
| Level 3 | 120+/300 | B1 | Routine social interaction |
| Level 4 | 150+/300 | B2 | Professional tasks |
| Level 5 | 190+/300 | C1 | Fluent professional use |
| Level 6 | 230+/300 | C2 | Near-native proficiency |
2026 TOPIK Test Dates
TOPIK is administered 6 times per year in South Korea and 3–4 times per year overseas. Here are the scheduled dates for 2026:
| Test # | Test Date | Registration Period | Results | Overseas? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89th | January 11, 2026 | Oct 2025 | February 2026 | No |
| 90th | April 12, 2026 | Jan–Feb 2026 | May 2026 | Yes |
| 91st | May 17, 2026 | Feb–Mar 2026 | June 2026 | No |
| 92nd | July 12, 2026 | Apr–May 2026 | August 2026 | Yes |
| 93rd | October 18, 2026 | Jul–Aug 2026 | November 2026 | Yes |
| 94th | November 15, 2026 | Aug–Sep 2026 | December 2026 | No |
Note: Overseas test dates may vary by country. Check your local Korean embassy or TOPIK website for exact dates.
Registration Fees
| Location | TOPIK I Fee | TOPIK II Fee |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | ₩40,000 (~$30) | ₩55,000 (~$42) |
| Overseas (varies) | $40–80 | $50–100 |
Fees vary significantly by country. India, Vietnam, and Southeast Asian countries tend to be cheaper; North America and Europe tend to be more expensive.
How to Register: Step by Step
For Tests in South Korea
Step 1: Visit the official TOPIK website at www.topik.go.kr
Step 2: Create an account (you'll need your passport or ARC number)
Step 3: Select your test level (TOPIK I or TOPIK II), preferred test date, and test center
Step 4: Upload a passport-style photo (3.5cm × 4.5cm, white background, taken within 6 months)
Step 5: Pay the registration fee online (Korean bank transfer, credit card, or convenience store payment)
Step 6: Print your admission ticket 1 week before the test
For Overseas Tests
Registration for overseas tests is handled by local Korean embassies, Korean Cultural Centers, or designated test centers. The process varies by country:
India: Register through the Korean Cultural Center India (KCCI) website or King Sejong Institutes
USA: Register through local Korean education centers
Japan: Register through the Korean Education Center in Japan
Test Day: What to Bring
Required: Printed admission ticket, valid photo ID (passport for foreigners), pen or pencil for marking answers
Not allowed: Mobile phones (must be turned off and collected), electronic dictionaries, smartwatches, any reference materials
Arrive: At least 30 minutes before the test starts. Late arrivals will not be admitted.
Exam Format Details
TOPIK I (100 minutes total)
Listening: 30 questions, 40 minutes | Reading: 40 questions, 60 minutes
All multiple choice. Total score: 200 points.
TOPIK II (180 minutes total)
Listening: 50 questions, 60 minutes | Writing: 4 questions, 50 minutes | Reading: 50 questions, 70 minutes
Writing includes two short-answer questions (fill in sentences) and two essays (200–300 words and 600–700 words). Total score: 300 points.
Score Validity
TOPIK scores are valid for 2 years from the results announcement date. After 2 years, you must retake the exam if you need a valid certificate.
Preparation Tips
For TOPIK I: Focus on vocabulary (1,500–2,000 words) and basic grammar patterns. Practice with past exam papers available free on the TOPIK website.
For TOPIK II: The writing section is the biggest differentiator. Practice essay writing with proper Korean paragraph structure (서론, 본론, 결론). Time management in reading is critical — 70 minutes for 50 questions is tight.
Free resources: Past exams from topik.go.kr, TOPIK Guide website, Talk To Me In Korean TOPIK prep series, and Langmitra's Korean courses for structured daily practice.