How to Prepare for the TOPIK for the First Time — What You Need to Know Before You Start Studying

Before You Start Preparing for TOPIK

If this is your first time preparing for TOPIK, it’s a good idea to clarify a few things before you begin studying.

Step 1: Determine Your Target Level

First, clarify why you need to take TOPIK.

• Undergraduate admission to a Korean university → Aim for Levels 3–4
• Graduate school admission → Aim for Levels 4–5
• Employment or permanent residency application → Aim for Levels 4–6
• Enrollment requirements for language training institutions → Varies by institution

Step 2: Assess Your Current Level

Try taking a practice test using official past exam questions (available for free at topik.go.kr). If you are just beginning to learn Korean, we recommend starting with TOPIK I (Levels 1–2).

Step 3: Choose a Study Method

### Self-Study - Use past exam questions and practice workbooks - Utilize Korean language lectures on YouTube (KBS World, Talk To Me In Korean, etc.) - Basic Korean textbooks: Seoul National University Korean Language Series, Yonsei Korean Language Series

### Enroll in a Language School - Language schools in Korea (Sejong Academies, university-affiliated language schools) - Online video lessons

Step 4: Create a Study Plan

Step 5: Register for the Exam

Check the schedule for your target exam in advance and register at topik.go.kr before the deadline. Registration deadlines for overseas test centers may be earlier than those in Korea.