TOPIK Exam at a Glance

What changed for TOPIK in 2026

• Oct 29, 2026: Passing score (TOPIK Speaking) changed to Level 1: 20–49; Level 2: 50–89; Level 3: 90–109; Level 4: 110–129; Level 5: 130–159; Level 6: 160–200 (out of 200) (previously Level 1 from 20/200 up to Level 6 at 160–200).^[1]
• Oct 29, 2026: Validity changed to 2 years from score announcement date (previously 2 years from the results date).^[3]
• Oct 29, 2026: Exam fee (TOPIK I PBT) changed to ₩40,000 (domestic in South Korea) (previously ₩40,000 (in Korea)).^[4]
• Oct 29, 2026: Exam fee (TOPIK II PBT) changed to ₩55,000 (domestic in South Korea) (previously ₩55,000 (in Korea)).^[4]
• Oct 29, 2026: Exam fee (TOPIK I IBT) changed to ₩70,000 (domestic in South Korea) (previously ₩70,000 (in Korea)).^[2]
• Oct 29, 2026: Exam fee (TOPIK II IBT) changed to ₩95,000 (domestic in South Korea) (previously ₩95,000 (in Korea)).^[2]
• Oct 29, 2026: Time limit (TOPIK I PBT) changed to 100 minutes (listening 40 min + reading 60 min) (previously 100 minutes).^[1]
• Oct 29, 2026: Time limit (TOPIK II PBT) changed to 180 minutes (listening 60 min + writing 50 min + reading 70 min) (previously 180 minutes).^[1]
• Oct 29, 2026: Time limit (TOPIK I IBT) changed to 70 minutes (listening 30 min + reading 40 min) (previously 70 minutes).^[1]
• Oct 29, 2026: Time limit (TOPIK II IBT) changed to 125 minutes (listening 35 min + writing 50 min + reading 40 min) (previously 125 minutes).^[2]
• Oct 29, 2026: Passing score (TOPIK II PBT) changed to Level 3: 120–149; Level 4: 150–189; Level 5: 190–229; Level 6: 230–300 (out of 300) (previously Level 3: 120–149; 4: 150–189; 5: 190–229; 6: 230–300 (out of 300)).^[1]
• Oct 29, 2026: Passing score (TOPIK II IBT) changed to Level 3: 191–290; Level 4: 291–360; Level 5: 361–430; Level 6: 431–600 (out of 600) (previously Level 3: 191–290; 4: 291–360; 5: 361–430; 6: 431–600 (out of 600)).^[1]

Are you ready to take your Korean language skills to the next level? Whether you're planning to study or work in Korea, passing the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is essential. This standardized test evaluates your ability to understand and use Korean effectively in various contexts. But fear not! With the right practice and preparation, you can conquer this challenging exam. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of TOPIK practice tests, providing you with valuable tips and resources to help you succeed. Get ready to start on a journey towards fluency and mastery of the Korean language!

According to National Institute for International Education (NIIED), Ministry of Education, Republic of Korea, “TOPIK 말하기 평가는 초·중·고급 수준의 6문항으로 구성되며, 시험시간은 총 30분으로 한다.”^[1]

TOPIK content outline and where to practise each area

The content areas below are copied from the official TOPIK content outline published by National Institute for International Education (NIIED), Ministry of Education, Republic of Korea. The right-hand column shows which of our practice sets covers it.

Worked examples: how to reason through TOPIK questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: 오늘은 수미의 생일이다. 수미가 나에게 선물로 뭔가를 줬어요 ().

1. 에게
2. 에서
3. 를
4. 도

Answer: A. 에게

Explanation:

The correct answer is 에게. The sentence describes giving, so the blank needs a particle that marks who receives the gift, and 나에게 means 'to me'. 에서 marks where an action happens or where something starts, which does not fit a recipient. 를 marks a direct object, but 뭔가를 already fills that role. 도 means 'also' and only makes sense if something earlier is being added to, which the sentence does not set up.

Rule to remember: a person who receives something takes 에게 (또는 한테 in speech), while places and things take 에. Ask yourself what job the noun does in the action before you choose the particle.

Example 2

Question: A: 다른 곳에 없으면 오늘 나랑 같이 식사할래? 응, 같이 먹자고 했어.

1. 날찌
2. 야속
3. 시간
4. 계산

Answer: B. 야속

Explanation:

The correct answer is the option printed as 야속, which is a typo for 약속, meaning a promise or an appointment. The speakers agree to eat together, and agreeing on a meeting is making a 약속. 날짜 (date) and 시간 (time) are details you might settle when arranging a meal, but the dialogue is about the agreement itself. 계산 (the bill) comes at the end of a meal, not when plans are made.

Rule to remember: ask what the whole exchange is doing, not what single words it contains. When a dialogue is about agreeing to meet, 약속 is the word for it. Check option spellings carefully, since a typo can hide the answer.

Example 3

Question: What is batchim (받침) in Korean?

1. A final consonant at the bottom of a syllable block
2. The first letter of a Korean word
3. A type of Korean punctuation
4. A formal speech ending

Answer: A. A final consonant at the bottom of a syllable block

Explanation:

The correct answer is a final consonant at the bottom of a syllable block. In 밥, the ㅂ at the bottom is the 받침. The other options describe different things. Batchim is not the first letter of a word, since it sits at the end of a syllable. It is not punctuation, because it is part of how Hangul syllables are written. It is not a formal speech ending, though endings are attached to words that may or may not have a batchim.

Rule to remember: whether a syllable has a batchim affects pronunciation and decides which particle or ending form follows, such as 은 or 는, and 이 or 가. Check the last syllable of the noun first.

How to use these practice tests

Start with the official material from NIIED at topik.go.kr. Read the format and level descriptions for the test you plan to take, and note whether you will sit the paper or the computer version, since scoring and timing differ.

Next, take a short diagnostic across listening, reading and writing. Write down which questions you missed and why: unknown word, wrong particle, misheard sound or running out of time.

Then work on the weak spots. Use particle usage and grammar essentials for sentence-level mistakes, vocabulary and expressions and idioms for word gaps, and pronunciation and phonology to sharpen your listening. Read the explanation for every question you get wrong, not just the answer.

In the final stretch, check test structure and scoring, then repeat the section practice under timed conditions. Our questions are written by us and are not real exam items, so treat them as practice for skills rather than a preview of the paper.

How to Prepare for TOPIK Exam

Preparing for the TOPIK exam can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies and mindset, it can also be an exciting opportunity to showcase your Korean language skills. One key aspect of preparation is understanding the structure and format of the exam. Familiarize yourself with the different sections and question types, such as listening, reading, writing, and grammar. Practice time management by setting aside specific time slots for each section. This will help you become more comfortable with pacing yourself during the actual test.

Another crucial element of preparation is building a strong vocabulary base. Make use of flashcards or language learning apps to learn new words and review them regularly. Additionally, expose yourself to as much Korean content as possible – whether it's through books, articles, dramas or movies – to improve your overall comprehension skills. This will not only expand your vocabulary but also help you become more accustomed to different writing styles and sentence structures.

Lastly, consider finding a study group or language exchange partner to practice speaking in Korean. While the TOPIK exam does not test speaking proficiency directly, having regular conversations in Korean will boost your fluency and confidence when using the language. Look for conversation partners who are at a similar level or higher so that you can challenge yourself and learn from their expertise.

By following these tips and incorporating them into your study routine consistently leading up to the TOPIK exam, you'll undoubtedly increase your chances of success come test day.

TOPIK Passing Score

The passing score for the TOPIK test is a topic of great interest for many Korean language learners. As with any standardized test, the passing score can vary depending on the level of difficulty and the overall performance of test-takers. However, it's important to note that the TOPIK passing score does not solely determine one's proficiency in the Korean language; it merely serves as a benchmark.

In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for higher TOPIK scores as more people look to study or work in Korea. This has led to a greater emphasis on achieving impressive results. While there is no official passing score set by the organizing committee, most universities and companies require a minimum proficiency level for admission or employment purposes.

However, focusing only on reaching this passing score may limit your learning experience. It's essential to strive for continuous improvement and a deeper understanding of the language rather than solely relying on test results. The true measure of success lies not just in achieving a certain number on paper but also in using your language skills effectively in real-life situations. Ultimately, embracing and enjoying the journey of learning Korean should be your top priority rather than just pursuing scores or certificates.

Is TOPIK Exam Hard

The TOPIK exam is often considered challenging, but its difficulty level can vary depending on individual factors. Some may find it daunting due to the extensive vocabulary and grammar knowledge required. However, with consistent practice and dedication, anyone can excel in the test. It's essential to understand that the TOPIK exam evaluates your overall Korean language proficiency, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

One of the reasons why some perceive the TOPIK exam as difficult is because it requires a deep understanding of Korean culture. Language and culture are closely intertwined, so having knowledge about Korean customs and traditions is crucial for comprehending conversations or texts presented in the exam. Taking time to immerse yourself in Korean culture through music, movies, or participating in language exchange programs can enhance your grasp of both formal and informal expressions used by native speakers.

Despite its reputation for being challenging, the TOPIK exam offers invaluable benefits for those seeking to learn Korean. It serves as an excellent motivator to push yourself further and achieve higher language proficiency goals. Through thorough preparation with a diverse range of study materials such as textbooks, online resources, flashcards or conversation practice sessions with native speakers you can gradually tackle any difficulties you encounter while honing your skills for this prestigious examination.

Sources & last verified

1. National Institute for International Education (NIIED), Ministry of Education, Republic of Korea — number of questions, time limit, passing score, delivery (official source). “TOPIK 말하기 평가는 초·중·고급 수준의 6문항으로 구성되며, 시험시간은 총 30분으로 한다.” Verified Oct 29, 2026.
2. National Institute for International Education (NIIED), Ministry of Education, Republic of Korea — time limit, exam fee (official source). “토픽 II IBT 듣기(35분) 읽기(40분) 쓰기(50분) 12:00부터 12:20까지 13:00 15:05 125분” Verified Oct 29, 2026.
3. National Institute for International Education (NIIED), Ministry of Education, Republic of Korea — validity (official source). “한국어능력시험의 성적 유효 기간은 성적발표일로부터 2년 입니다.” Verified Oct 29, 2026.
4. National Institute for International Education (NIIED), Ministry of Education, Republic of Korea — exam fee (official source). “응시료 (한국기준) 토픽 I : 40,000원 토픽 II : 55,000원” Verified Oct 29, 2026.
5. National Institute for International Education (NIIED), Ministry of Education, Republic of Korea — exam fee (official source). “응시료 80,000원 유효기간 성적발표일로부터 2년간 유효” Verified Oct 29, 2026.
6. niied.go.kr — other (official source). “listening” Verified Oct 31, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.