Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which word means "to be expensive"?

싸다
작다
많다
비싸다 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 비싸다

비싸다 means expensive; 싸다 means cheap.

Question 2: What listening strategy helps identify the main purpose of a Korean dialogue?

Ignoring tone and focusing only on vocabulary
Counting the number of sentences spoken
Paying attention to speech level, key verbs, and question patterns that indicate the speaker's intent (Correct answer)
Only focusing on the last word of each sentence

Correct answer: Paying attention to speech level, key verbs, and question patterns that indicate the speaker's intent

Identifying the purpose requires attention to speech level (formal vs. casual), action verbs (requesting, suggesting, explaining), and sentence-ending patterns (questions, proposals, commands) that reveal communicative intent.

Question 3: 비자를 받기 위해 대사관을 방문해야 합니다 ___.

연장하려면 (Correct answer)
예매하려면
약속하려면
연락하려면

Correct answer: 연장하려면

The sentence states the need to visit the embassy to 'get a visa.' Among the options, '연장하려면' (to extend) is the most appropriate action related to a visa that would require an embassy visit. Embassies are the official bodies responsible for issuing, renewing, and extending visas for foreign nationals.

Question 4: For the TOPIK II essay, which strategy improves your score the most?

Using clear structure with intermediate-to-advanced grammar and connectors (Correct answer)
Writing as many simple sentences as possible
Leaving it blank to save time for reading
Using only beginner vocabulary

Correct answer: Using clear structure with intermediate-to-advanced grammar and connectors

Graders reward logical structure, varied grammar, and appropriate connectors in the essay.

Question 5: When describing increasing data in question 53, which expression means 'increased'?

유지했다
정체했다
증가했다 (Correct answer)
감소했다

Correct answer: 증가했다

증가했다 means 'increased', the standard term for rising figures.

Question 6: Which sound change explains why '같이' is pronounced [가치] in Korean?

Tensification
Palatalization (구개음화) (Correct answer)
Lateralization
Nasalization

Correct answer: Palatalization (구개음화)

Palatalization (구개음화) causes ㄷ or ㅌ before the vowel ㅣ to shift to [ㅈ] or [ㅊ].

Question 7: What note-taking strategy is recommended during TOPIK listening sections?

Only drawing pictures of what you hear
Writing down every word you hear
Not taking any notes and relying on memory
Jotting down key numbers, names, and relationship words while focusing on understanding overall context (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Jotting down key numbers, names, and relationship words while focusing on understanding overall context

Effective TOPIK listening strategies include noting key information (numbers, dates, locations, names), identifying speaker relationships and settings, and capturing main ideas without trying to transcribe everything.

Question 8: Korean has three series of stops and affricates — plain, aspirated, and tensed. Which series produces the 'pp' sound as in 빠르다?

Aspirated (격음)
Plain (평음)
Tensed (경음) (Correct answer)
Nasal

Correct answer: Tensed (경음)

The tensed (경음) series, written with double consonants like ㅃ, produces the tense 'pp' sound.

Question 9: When two speakers use words like "그리고" and "하지만," what should a listener focus on?

The background music
How ideas connect or contrast (Correct answer)
The length of the audio
The speakers' names

Correct answer: How ideas connect or contrast

Connectors like 그리고 (and) and 하지만 (but) signal logical relationships.

Question 10: How do you say 'two pairs of shoes' in Korean using the correct counter?

신발 두 족
신발 두 켤레 (Correct answer)
신발 두 벌
신발 두 개

Correct answer: 신발 두 켤레

켤레 is the counter for pairs of shoes, socks, or gloves — so 'two pairs of shoes' is 신발 두 켤레.

Question 11: What does a TOPIK score certificate's validity period generally last?

Lifetime, never expires
2 years from the announcement of results (Correct answer)
6 months
10 years

Correct answer: 2 years from the announcement of results

TOPIK certificates are valid for 2 years from the date results are announced.

Question 12: You hear: "죄송하지만 다시 한 번 말씀해 주세요." What is the speaker requesting?

To repeat what was said (Correct answer)
To speak more quietly
To pay the bill
To leave the room

Correct answer: To repeat what was said

"다시 한 번 말씀해 주세요" means "please say it once more."

Question 13: A speaker says "내일 친구를 만날 거예요." When will the speaker meet a friend?

Yesterday
Today
Tomorrow (Correct answer)
Last week

Correct answer: Tomorrow

내일 means "tomorrow" and "-(으)ㄹ 거예요" marks the future.

Question 14: What does the speaker mean in "숙제를 다 했으니까 이제 놀 수 있어요"?

The homework is not done
They have to study more
They can play now because homework is finished (Correct answer)
They cannot play

Correct answer: They can play now because homework is finished

다 했으니까 means "because it's all done," so they can now play.

Question 15: A speaker says "이 음식은 너무 매워요." What is the speaker's opinion about the food?

It is too cold
It is too sweet
It is too spicy (Correct answer)
It is too expensive

Correct answer: It is too spicy

맵다 (매워요) means spicy.

Question 16: What is the main topic of: "저는 한국 음식을 좋아해요. 특히 김치찌개를 자주 먹어요"?

Learning Korean
A trip to Korea
The writer's favorite Korean food (Correct answer)
Korean weather

Correct answer: The writer's favorite Korean food

The passage states the writer likes Korean food, especially kimchi stew.

Question 17: Which sections make up TOPIK I?

Listening, Reading, and Writing
Reading and Writing
Speaking and Listening
Listening and Reading (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Listening and Reading

TOPIK I contains only Listening and Reading sections.

Question 18: A message says "회의가 3시에서 4시로 바뀌었습니다." What changed?

The meeting was canceled
The meeting time moved to 4 o'clock (Correct answer)
The meeting topic
The meeting location

Correct answer: The meeting time moved to 4 o'clock

3시에서 4시로 바뀌었습니다 means the time changed from 3 to 4 o'clock.

Question 19: You hear: "오늘은 날씨가 흐리고 오후에 비가 오겠습니다." What kind of broadcast is this?

A news interview
A weather forecast (Correct answer)
A sports report
A cooking show

Correct answer: A weather forecast

Describing cloudy weather and afternoon rain is a forecast.

Question 20: A well-structured TOPIK II essay (Q54) typically follows which order?

Conclusion, introduction, body
Only a single paragraph
Introduction, body, conclusion (Correct answer)
Body, body, title

Correct answer: Introduction, body, conclusion

A clear 서론-본론-결론 (intro-body-conclusion) structure scores best.

Question 21: When a TOPIK listening question asks for the speaker's main idea, what is the best strategy?

Memorize the final word
Count how many times a word repeats
Focus only on the first sentence
Listen for the overall purpose, not one word (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Listen for the overall purpose, not one word

Main-idea questions require understanding the whole message, not isolated words.

Question 22: A label reads "냉장고에 보관하세요." Where should the item be stored?

In the refrigerator (Correct answer)
On a shelf
In a cupboard
In the freezer's outside

Correct answer: In the refrigerator

냉장고 means refrigerator and 보관하세요 means "please store."

Question 23: A hospital notice reads "진료 시간은 오후 6시까지입니다." Until when are treatments available?

Until 6 AM
Until 6 PM (Correct answer)
All night
Only mornings

Correct answer: Until 6 PM

오후 6시까지 means until 6 in the afternoon (6 PM).

Question 24: In the dialogue, a man asks "주말에 뭐 했어요?" What tense is being used?

Present tense
Command form
Future tense
Past tense (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Past tense

"했어요" is the past tense of 하다 (to do).

Question 25: What does "표가 매진되었습니다" mean on a theater notice?

Tickets are free
Tickets are available
Tickets are sold out (Correct answer)
Tickets are half price

Correct answer: Tickets are sold out

매진 means sold out, so no tickets remain.

Question 26: What is the proper structure for a TOPIK essay?

A list of vocabulary words
Only one or two sentences expressing an opinion
Introduction (thesis), body (supporting arguments with examples), and conclusion (summary and restatement) (Correct answer)
A single long paragraph without structure

Correct answer: Introduction (thesis), body (supporting arguments with examples), and conclusion (summary and restatement)

A well-structured TOPIK essay includes an introduction presenting the topic and thesis, 2-3 body paragraphs with supporting arguments and examples, and a conclusion summarizing the position — following standard academic essay structure.

Question 27: Which particle means 'also,' 'too,' or 'even,' adding the noun to an existing set?

마다
도 (Correct answer)
만
조차

Correct answer: 도

도 is an additive particle meaning 'also,' 'too,' or 'even,' indicating inclusion alongside something already mentioned.

Question 28: A notice says "도서관은 오전 9시에 문을 엽니다." When does the library open?

Noon
Midnight
9 PM
9 AM (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 9 AM

오전 9시 means 9 in the morning, and 문을 엽니다 means it opens.

Question 29: Which English word matches the Korean verb "먹다" (meokda)?

To sleep
To write
To eat (Correct answer)
To run

Correct answer: To eat

"먹다" is the dictionary form meaning "to eat."

Question 30: In questions 51–52 (short-answer blanks), what skill is mainly tested?

Completing sentences to fit context (Correct answer)
Writing a full essay
Translating English to Korean
Drawing a chart

Correct answer: Completing sentences to fit context

Items 51–52 require filling blanks with grammatically and contextually appropriate sentences.

Question 31: A package label reads "깨지기 쉬우니 조심하세요." What does it warn?

Fragile, handle with care (Correct answer)
Open immediately
Keep frozen
Heavy item

Correct answer: Fragile, handle with care

깨지기 쉬우니 means "because it breaks easily," so handle with care.

Question 32: In "표를 사려면 줄을 서야 해요," what must you do to buy a ticket?

Show ID
Call ahead
Stand in line (Correct answer)
Pay extra

Correct answer: Stand in line

줄을 서야 해요 means "you must stand in line."

Question 33: In a TOPIK listening test, what should you do during the brief pause before each audio clip plays?

Close your eyes and relax
Read the answer choices in advance (Correct answer)
Write your name again
Skip ahead to the next question

Correct answer: Read the answer choices in advance

Pre-reading the options helps you predict and catch key information.

Question 34: In "지하철이 버스보다 빨라요," which is faster?

Both are equal
The bus
Neither
The subway (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The subway

지하철이 버스보다 빨라요 means the subway is faster than the bus.

Question 35: The adjective "빠르다" (ppareuda) means what?

Slow
Loud
Fast (Correct answer)
Quiet

Correct answer: Fast

"빠르다" means "to be fast"; its opposite is 느리다 (slow).

Question 36: A man says "이 책을 빌릴 수 있어요?" Where is he most likely?

At a library (Correct answer)
At a gym
At a bakery
At a gas station

Correct answer: At a library

Asking to borrow a book (빌리다) points to a library.

Question 37: What does the Korean proverb '호랑이도 제 말 하면 온다' mean?

Tigers are dangerous animals
Everything happens for a reason
Hard work brings great rewards
Speak of the devil (talk about someone and they appear) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Speak of the devil (talk about someone and they appear)

'호랑이도 제 말 하면 온다' (even a tiger comes when you talk about it) is the Korean equivalent of 'speak of the devil.'

Question 38: In a listening clip a man says "택시를 탈까요, 버스를 탈까요?" What is he doing?

Ordering food
Apologizing for being late
Suggesting transportation options (Correct answer)
Refusing an invitation

Correct answer: Suggesting transportation options

"-(으)ㄹ까요?" with two options is making a suggestion.

Question 39: You hear: "여보세요, 거기 김 선생님 계세요?" Where is this conversation happening?

In a restaurant
At a bus stop
On a phone call (Correct answer)
In a park

Correct answer: On a phone call

"여보세요" is the standard greeting when answering a phone.

Question 40: What is sound change (음운변동) and why is it important for listening comprehension?

Pronunciation changes when consonants interact at syllable boundaries, essential for understanding spoken Korean (Correct answer)
Changes in meaning of words over time
Differences between Korean dialects
Volume changes in spoken Korean

Correct answer: Pronunciation changes when consonants interact at syllable boundaries, essential for understanding spoken Korean

Sound changes (nasalization, palatalization, aspiration, tensification) occur when consonants meet at syllable boundaries, making actual pronunciation differ significantly from the written form — critical for listening comprehension.

Question 41: How are Sino-Korean vocabulary words typically structured?

Random combinations of native Korean sounds
Combinations of Chinese-origin character readings, often appearing in formal and academic contexts (Correct answer)
Regional dialect variations
Borrowed English words written in Hangul

Correct answer: Combinations of Chinese-origin character readings, often appearing in formal and academic contexts

Sino-Korean words are formed from combinations of Chinese character readings (한자), making up approximately 60% of Korean vocabulary, particularly common in academic, scientific, and formal contexts.

Question 42: In a TOPIK listening dialogue, a man says "커피 한 잔 주세요." Where is this conversation most likely taking place?

At a bank
At a hospital
At a café (Correct answer)
At a library

Correct answer: At a café

Ordering "a cup of coffee" signals a café setting.

Question 43: What reading strategy is most important for TOPIK reading comprehension?

Only focusing on vocabulary you already know
Reading every word slowly and carefully
Identifying the main idea and supporting details through context clues and text structure (Correct answer)
Translating each word into your native language

Correct answer: Identifying the main idea and supporting details through context clues and text structure

Effective TOPIK reading strategy involves quickly identifying the main topic and purpose, using context clues for unknown vocabulary, recognizing text structures, and focusing on key information rather than word-by-word translation.

Question 44: What is the maximum total score on TOPIK II?

100
400
200
300 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 300

TOPIK II is scored out of 300 points across listening, writing, and reading.

Question 45: You hear: "이 자리에 앉아도 돼요?" What is the speaker asking permission to do?

Use a phone
Take a photo
Open a window
Sit in this seat (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Sit in this seat

"-아도 돼요?" asks for permission, and 앉다 means to sit.

Question 46: How many basic consonant letters are in the Korean alphabet (Hangul)?

19 basic consonants
10 basic consonants
14 basic consonants (Correct answer)
21 basic consonants

Correct answer: 14 basic consonants

Hangul has 14 basic consonant letters (ㄱ,ㄴ,ㄷ,ㄹ,ㅁ,ㅂ,ㅅ,ㅇ,ㅈ,ㅊ,ㅋ,ㅌ,ㅍ,ㅎ) and 5 double consonants, totaling 19 consonant letters.

Question 47: What connective expressions are essential for TOPIK reading at intermediate level?

Conjunctions like 그러나 (however), 그래서 (so), 그런데 (but/by the way), 그리고 (and) (Correct answer)
Only simple words like yes and no
Mathematical symbols only
English transition words written in Korean

Correct answer: Conjunctions like 그러나 (however), 그래서 (so), 그런데 (but/by the way), 그리고 (and)

Intermediate TOPIK reading requires understanding conjunctive adverbs and connective expressions that signal relationships between ideas: contrast (그러나), cause-effect (그래서), addition (그리고), and topic change (그런데).

Question 48: You hear: "날씨가 추우니까 따뜻하게 입으세요." What is the speaker advising?

Drink cold water
Open the door
Dress warmly (Correct answer)
Go outside more

Correct answer: Dress warmly

"-(으)니까" gives a reason: because it's cold, dress warmly.

Question 49: Which of the following words undergoes tensification (경음화), producing a tense consonant?

학교 → [학교]
학교 → [항교]
학교 → [학꾜] (Correct answer)
학교 → [핵요]

Correct answer: 학교 → [학꾜]

After a final obstruent like ㄱ, the following plain consonant ㄱ tensifies to ㄲ, making 학교 sound like [학꾜].

Question 50: In "음식이 너무 매워서 물을 많이 마셨어요," why did the person drink a lot of water?

They were thirsty from running
The food was too spicy (Correct answer)
The food was sweet
The food was cold

Correct answer: The food was too spicy

너무 매워서 means "because it was too spicy."

Question 51: What does "-(으)ㄹ 거예요" express?

Present continuous
Future intention or prediction (Correct answer)
Past habit
Command

Correct answer: Future intention or prediction

-(으)ㄹ 거예요 expresses future plans or probability.

Question 52: In "약속을 잊어버려서 친구가 화났어요," why is the friend angry?

The writer canceled a trip
The writer forgot the appointment (Correct answer)
The writer lost money
The writer was late

Correct answer: The writer forgot the appointment

약속을 잊어버려서 means "because (I) forgot the appointment."

Question 53: What is the purpose of TOPIK reading section?

To test speaking fluency only
To measure typing speed in Korean
To evaluate handwriting quality
To assess the ability to understand various Korean texts including advertisements, articles, and academic writing (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To assess the ability to understand various Korean texts including advertisements, articles, and academic writing

The TOPIK reading section evaluates comprehension of diverse text types from everyday notices and advertisements to news articles and academic texts, testing understanding of main ideas, details, and inferences.

Question 54: In a dialogue, the listener hears "시험이 끝나면 여행을 갈 거예요." What will happen after the exam?

The speaker will study more
The speaker will get a job
The speaker will go on a trip (Correct answer)
The speaker will take another test

Correct answer: The speaker will go on a trip

"-(으)면" sets a condition: after the exam, a trip will follow.

Question 55: A notice reads "여기에서 사진을 찍지 마세요." What is prohibited?

Eating
Walking
Talking
Taking photos (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Taking photos

사진을 찍지 마세요 means "do not take photos."

Question 56: What does "비싸다" (bissada) mean?

Expensive (Correct answer)
Delicious
Heavy
Cheap

Correct answer: Expensive

"비싸다" means "to be expensive"; its opposite is 싸다 (cheap).

Question 57: In the sentence "비가 와서 우산을 가져왔어요," why did the person bring an umbrella?

Because it was cold
Because it was windy
Because it was raining (Correct answer)
Because it was sunny

Correct answer: Because it was raining

비가 와서 means "because it rained," giving the reason for the umbrella.

Question 58: What is the traditional Korean alphabet called?

Hanja
Hangeul (Correct answer)
Kanji
Romaja

Correct answer: Hangeul

Hangeul is the native Korean script created in the 15th century.

Question 59: 나는 친구들과 함께 타고 있습니다. () 기차를 타요.

아주
항상
빨리 (Correct answer)
가끔

Correct answer: 빨리

The first sentence, '나는 친구들과 함께 타고 있습니다' (I am riding with my friends), describes the current activity. The second sentence, '() 기차를 타요' (I take the train), specifies the mode of transport. '빨리' (ppalli) means 'quickly' and is an adverb that modifies the verb '타요' (to take/ride), indicating the speed or manner in which the train is taken. This suggests they are either taking the train in a hurry or that the journey itself is fast.

Question 60: You hear an announcement: "이번 역은 서울역입니다." Where would you most likely hear this?

At a restaurant
At a movie theater
On a subway or train (Correct answer)
In a classroom

Correct answer: On a subway or train

"이번 역" (this station) indicates a train or subway announcement.

Question 61: You hear: "지금 몇 시예요?" What is the speaker asking about?

The current time (Correct answer)
The price
The location
The date

Correct answer: The current time

"몇 시예요?" means "What time is it?"

Question 62: Which particle indicates means of transportation, method, direction, or material something is made of?

에
에서
와/과
로/으로 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 로/으로

로/으로 is a versatile particle indicating means (버스로, 'by bus'), direction (toward), method, or material something is composed of.

Question 63: In "시험이 끝난 후에 친구를 만날 거예요," when will the person meet a friend?

During the exam
Instead of the exam
After the exam (Correct answer)
Before the exam

Correct answer: After the exam

끝난 후에 means "after it ends," so after the exam.

Question 64: How does Korean intonation affect meaning in spoken Korean?

Rising intonation indicates questions; falling intonation indicates statements; specific patterns convey emotions (Correct answer)
Intonation has no effect on meaning
All Korean sentences use the same flat intonation
Only volume matters, not pitch

Correct answer: Rising intonation indicates questions; falling intonation indicates statements; specific patterns convey emotions

Korean intonation patterns distinguish questions from statements (especially in informal speech where endings are the same), convey emotions and attitudes, and help listeners parse sentence boundaries in connected speech.

Question 65: Which ending expresses a strong reason, 'because (formal written)'?

-기 때문에 (Correct answer)
-거든
-는데
-잖아

Correct answer: -기 때문에

-기 때문에 is the formal written form for 'because'.

Question 66: Which word correctly expresses "in front of" as a position?

옆
위
뒤
앞 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 앞

앞 means front; 뒤 means behind and 위 means above.

Question 67: A store sign reads "오늘만 30% 할인합니다." What is offered?

A 30% discount today only (Correct answer)
A closing sale
A new product
A free gift

Correct answer: A 30% discount today only

오늘만 means "today only" and 30% 할인 means a 30% discount.

Question 68: A man says "문을 닫아 주시겠어요?" What is he politely asking someone to do?

Open the window
Close the door (Correct answer)
Turn on the light
Bring a chair

Correct answer: Close the door

"문을 닫아 주시겠어요?" is a polite request to close the door.

Question 69: In "날씨가 추우니까 따뜻하게 입으세요," what is being advised?

Open the window
Dress warmly (Correct answer)
Drink cold water
Go outside more

Correct answer: Dress warmly

Because it is cold (추우니까), the advice is to dress warmly.

Question 70: Which particle conveys 'each' or 'every,' distributed across each member of a set?

까지
마다 (Correct answer)
쯤
만

Correct answer: 마다

마다 is a distributive particle meaning 'each' or 'every,' as in 날마다 ('every day') or 사람마다 ('each person').

Question 71: In "형은 의사이고 누나는 선생님이에요," what is the older sister's job?

Teacher (Correct answer)
Student
Nurse
Doctor

Correct answer: Teacher

누나는 선생님이에요 means the older sister is a teacher.

Question 72: What is the writer expressing in "한국 영화를 보면서 한국어를 공부해요"?

Studying Korean while watching Korean films (Correct answer)
Making a Korean film
Teaching Korean films
Disliking Korean films

Correct answer: Studying Korean while watching Korean films

-(으)면서 means doing two things at once: watching films while studying Korean.

Question 73: In "커피를 마시면 잠이 안 와요," what happens when the person drinks coffee?

They feel sleepy
They can't sleep (Correct answer)
They feel cold
They get hungry

Correct answer: They can't sleep

잠이 안 와요 means "sleep doesn't come," i.e., they can't sleep.

Question 74: A bank notice says "비밀번호를 다른 사람에게 알려주지 마세요." What is the warning?

Use a simple password
Write down your password
Change your password often
Don't tell others your password (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Don't tell others your password

알려주지 마세요 means "do not tell," so don't share your password.

Question 75: A speaker says "저는 운동하는 것을 좋아해요." What does the speaker like?

Sleeping
Cooking
Exercising (Correct answer)
Reading

Correct answer: Exercising

"운동하는 것" means "exercising," which the speaker likes.

Question 76: 가다 . 리한 씨는 현재 고향으로 돌아가고 있다고 말했습니다. 그렇다면 어떻게? 그러니 곧 축하 행사를 열어야 할 것 같습니다.

환송 (Correct answer)
승진
생일
환영

Correct answer: 환송

The sentence states that Mr. Rihan is '고향으로 돌아가고 있다' (returning to his hometown), which implies he is leaving his current location. Therefore, a '축하 행사' (celebration/event) for someone who is leaving would be a '환송' (farewell) party. This type of event is held to bid a person goodbye and wish them well on their departure.

Question 77: A woman says "머리가 아파서 약을 먹었어요." What did she do?

Called a friend
Took medicine (Correct answer)
Went to sleep
Drank water

Correct answer: Took medicine

"약을 먹었어요" means "took medicine."

Question 78: In a dialogue, the man says "불고기하고 비빔밥 주세요." What is he doing?

Buying clothes
Asking for directions
Ordering food (Correct answer)
Booking a hotel

Correct answer: Ordering food

Naming dishes with 주세요 is placing a food order.

Question 79: A woman says "늦어서 정말 미안해요." What is she doing?

Inviting a friend
Apologizing for being late (Correct answer)
Asking for directions
Thanking someone

Correct answer: Apologizing for being late

"미안해요" is an apology, and "늦어서" means "because (I'm) late."

Question 80: A weather report says "내일은 오늘보다 더 춥겠습니다." What is tomorrow's weather?

Warmer than today
Rainy but warm
Same as today
Colder than today (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Colder than today

오늘보다 더 춥겠습니다 means it will be colder than today.

Question 81: A sign reads: "이 길은 공사 중입니다. 다른 길로 가십시오." What should you do?

Park here
Wait for the bus
Pay a fee
Take another road (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Take another road

The sign says the road is under construction and asks you to take a different road.

Question 82: Which word means "tomorrow"?

오늘
지금
내일 (Correct answer)
어제

Correct answer: 내일

내일 means tomorrow; 어제 means yesterday and 오늘 means today.

Question 83: You hear: "공항에 가려면 어떻게 가야 해요?" What is the speaker asking?

When the flight leaves
How to get to the airport (Correct answer)
How much a ticket costs
Who is going to the airport

Correct answer: How to get to the airport

"어떻게 가야 해요?" asks for directions or method of travel.

Question 84: During the listening section, you hear a long monologue. What is the most effective note-taking approach?

Write every word you hear
Jot down key words like time, place, and reason (Correct answer)
Only note the last sentence
Translate each sentence fully

Correct answer: Jot down key words like time, place, and reason

Capturing key details (who, when, where, why) is more efficient than transcribing everything.

Question 85: What is the purpose of "한국어를 배우려고 학원에 다녀요"?

To find a job
To make money
To exercise
To learn Korean (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To learn Korean

배우려고 expresses the intention to learn Korean.

Question 86: You hear: "이 옷이 얼마예요?" What information does the speaker want?

The color of the clothing
The brand of the clothing
The size of the clothing
The price of the clothing (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The price of the clothing

"얼마예요?" asks "How much is it?"

Question 87: To improve TOPIK reading speed, learners are advised to practice:

Translating every word into English
Memorizing whole passages
Skimming for main ideas and key words (Correct answer)
Reading only the first sentence

Correct answer: Skimming for main ideas and key words

Skimming for gist and keywords lets you answer faster without full translation.

Question 88: What does '눈이 높다' mean in Korean?

To be far-sighted
To be tall
To have high standards or be picky (Correct answer)
To be ambitious in business

Correct answer: To have high standards or be picky

'눈이 높다' means 'to have high eyes' and idiomatically means having high standards, often regarding romantic partners.

Question 89: What is the minimum score required to pass TOPIK I Level 1?

80 points (Correct answer)
50 points
100 points
70 points

Correct answer: 80 points

A score of 80 points (out of 200) is the minimum needed to achieve TOPIK I Level 1.

Question 90: A woman says "버스가 벌써 떠났어요." What happened?

The bus is full
The bus is arriving
The bus already left (Correct answer)
The bus is late

Correct answer: The bus already left

"벌써 떠났어요" means "already left."

Question 91: A woman says "비가 와서 우산을 가져왔어요." Why did she bring an umbrella?

Because it is raining (Correct answer)
Because it is windy
Because it is sunny
Because it is snowing

Correct answer: Because it is raining

"비가 와서" means "because it is raining."

Question 92: You hear: "생일 축하해요!" What occasion is being celebrated?

A new year
A graduation
A wedding
A birthday (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A birthday

"생일 축하해요" means "Happy birthday."

Question 93: What is the writer's plan in "방학 동안 제주도에 여행을 갈 거예요"?

To stay home
To study during vacation
To work part-time
To travel to Jeju Island during vacation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To travel to Jeju Island during vacation

방학 동안 means "during vacation" and the plan is to travel to Jeju Island.

Question 94: A recipe says "소금을 조금만 넣으세요." How much salt should be added?

A lot
Double the amount
None
Just a little (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Just a little

조금만 means "only a little."

Question 95: What does the ending "-(으)세요" indicate?

A future guess
A polite honorific command or request (Correct answer)
A negation
A past tense

Correct answer: A polite honorific command or request

-(으)세요 gives a polite honorific instruction or request.

Question 96: Which particle correctly marks the topic in '저는 학생입니다' (I am a student)?

도
는 (Correct answer)
에
를

Correct answer: 는

는/은 is the topic particle, used after the subject being talked about.

Question 97: What is the traditional Korean clothing worn on holidays and special occasions called?

Cheongsam
Yukata
Kimono
Hanbok (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Hanbok

Hanbok is the traditional Korean attire featuring vibrant colors and simple lines.

Question 98: How is the number 99 expressed using Native Korean numbers?

아홉아홉
육십육
구십구
아흔아홉 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 아흔아홉

In the Native Korean system, 90 is 아흔 and 9 is 아홉, so 99 is 아흔아홉.

Question 99: In "이 책은 어려워서 읽기 힘들어요," how does the writer feel about the book?

It is interesting
It is easy
It is short
It is hard to read (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It is hard to read

어려워서 읽기 힘들어요 means it's difficult and hard to read.

Question 100: An email says "첨부 파일을 확인해 주세요." What should the reader do?

Delete the email
Forward to a manager
Check the attached file (Correct answer)
Reply immediately

Correct answer: Check the attached file

첨부 파일 means attached file and 확인해 주세요 means "please check."

Question 101: What types of listening passages appear on TOPIK I (beginner level)?

Academic lectures on Korean history
Professional business negotiations
News broadcasts about international politics
Short everyday dialogues about greetings, shopping, directions, and daily activities (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Short everyday dialogues about greetings, shopping, directions, and daily activities

TOPIK I listening includes short, practical dialogues covering daily life situations such as self-introductions, shopping, ordering food, asking directions, and making appointments.

Question 102: What is batchim (받침) in Korean?

A formal speech ending
The first letter of a Korean word
A type of Korean punctuation
A final consonant at the bottom of a syllable block (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A final consonant at the bottom of a syllable block

Batchim refers to the consonant(s) placed at the bottom of a Hangul syllable block as the final sound, affecting pronunciation and determining which particles and verb conjugations to use.

Question 103: What distinguishes TOPIK II listening from TOPIK I in terms of difficulty?

There is no difference in difficulty
TOPIK II is easier because students have more experience
TOPIK II has fewer questions
TOPIK II includes longer monologues, lectures, news reports, and discussions with more complex grammar and vocabulary (Correct answer)

Correct answer: TOPIK II includes longer monologues, lectures, news reports, and discussions with more complex grammar and vocabulary

TOPIK II listening features longer passages including academic lectures, news broadcasts, interviews, and panel discussions, requiring understanding of nuanced opinions, implied meanings, and complex sentence structures.

Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK)

The TOPIK evaluates the Korean language proficiency of non-native speakers, covering reading, listening, and writing skills for academic and professional purposes.

104

Questions

180 min

Time Limit

60%

To Pass

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