TOPIK — Test of Proficiency in KoreanLevels, structure & free vocabulary by level

TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is the official Korean proficiency exam run by the Korean government. It has two papers — TOPIK I for beginners (levels 1–2) and TOPIK II for intermediate to advanced (levels 3–6). This free hub breaks down the six levels and links each to its vocabulary list and lessons — by a certified Korean teacher (한국어교원 2급).

The 6 TOPIK levels

TOPIK 1 TOPIK I
Beginner — basic survival Korean, ~800–1,500 words
TOPIK 2 TOPIK I
Elementary — everyday tasks and routines
TOPIK 3 TOPIK II
Lower-intermediate — work, social life, opinions
TOPIK 4 TOPIK II
Intermediate — media, abstract topics, idioms
TOPIK 5 TOPIK II
Upper-intermediate — news, business, nuance
TOPIK 6 TOPIK II
Advanced — near-native fluency

Two papers, one band

TOPIK I (listening + reading) places you in level 1 or 2. TOPIK II (listening + reading + writing) places you anywhere from level 3 to 6. Your total score decides your band — there is no separate "pass" per skill.

How to prepare

Build vocabulary by level, drill grammar in context, and take timed practice. Not sure where you stand? Take the free level test for an instant estimate and a study path.

Take the free level test → TOPIK 1 vocabulary list → Full curriculum →

FAQ

What is the TOPIK test?
TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is the official Korean proficiency exam run by the Korean government. It has two papers — TOPIK I (levels 1–2) and TOPIK II (levels 3–6) — and your total score places you on a band from 1 to 6.
What are the TOPIK levels?
Six levels across two papers: TOPIK I covers levels 1–2 (beginner) and TOPIK II covers levels 3–6 (intermediate to advanced). Pick your level above to open the matching vocabulary list and lessons.
How should I study for TOPIK?
Build vocabulary by level, drill grammar in context, and take timed practice. Start with the TOPIK 1 word list, work through the level lessons, then use the free level test to find your current band.
Is this TOPIK prep free?
Yes — the vocabulary lists, lessons and level test are free with no sign-up, by a certified Korean teacher (한국어교원 2급).
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Written by Alvin Lim Certified Korean Language Teacher (Level 2)