What is TOPIK I
TOPIK I is the beginner tier of the TOPIK exam (Test of Proficiency in Korean), designed for those who are just starting to learn Korean. The exam covers Levels 1 and 2, which roughly correspond to A1 and A2 on the CEFR scale. TOPIK I is the only tier of the exam that has no writing section — you will only answer multiple-choice questions in Listening and Reading.
The exam takes place in a single session with no break. Listening comes first (40 minutes), followed immediately by Reading (60 minutes). Audio recordings are played only once — you cannot rewind or replay them. All 70 questions have four answer choices, and you must select one correct answer. Answers are marked on a separate OMR answer sheet using a special marker.
TOPIK I is administered several times a year: six times in Korea and two to four times abroad, depending on the country. The exam is identical worldwide — the same questions, the same time limits, and the same scoring criteria. For details on the format and registration process, see our complete TOPIK exam guide.
Exam Structure
TOPIK I consists of two sections taken consecutively without a break. All questions are multiple choice (four answer options). There is no writing section.
| Section | Questions | Time | Max Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening (듣기) | 30 | 40 min | 100 |
| Reading (읽기) | 40 | 60 min | 100 |
| Total | 70 | 100 min | 200 |
Listening comes first, and its duration is fixed: the recording runs for exactly 40 minutes, and you cannot spend more or less time on it. As soon as the audio ends, the Reading section begins. You have 60 minutes for Reading — generally enough time if you are accustomed to reading Korean texts without long pauses. The scoring is balanced: each section is scored from 0 to 100 points.
An important feature: TOPIK has no minimum score requirements per section. Your final score is the sum of your Listening and Reading scores. If you score 30 in Listening and 55 in Reading, your total of 85 qualifies for Level 1. A weak result in one section can be compensated by a strong result in the other. For more details on the scoring system, see our guide to TOPIK levels and scoring.
Question Types
TOPIK I uses 26 question types — 10 in the Listening section and 16 in the Reading section. All questions are multiple choice with four options. Understanding the question types is the key to effective preparation: you will know what to expect and can develop a strategy for each type.
Listening (듣기) — Questions 1-30
Listening tasks are arranged in order of increasing difficulty. The first questions test comprehension of individual phrases and simple dialogues, while the final questions require you to grasp the main idea of longer monologues.
- Choose the matching picture (Q1-4) — you hear a short phrase or question and select the picture that matches the situation. Tests basic vocabulary: objects, places, actions.
- Choose the follow-up response (Q5-6) — you hear a question or statement and select the most appropriate reply from four options. Tests knowledge of common conversational patterns.
- Identify the location (Q7-10) — after listening to a short dialogue, determine where the conversation takes place: a store, hospital, post office, etc.
- Identify the topic (Q11-14) — choose what the dialogue is about. Tests general contextual understanding.
- Understand the main idea (Q15-16) — determine the central idea of a short monologue or dialogue.
- Match the statement (Q17-21) — after listening to a dialogue or monologue, select the statement that matches the content.
- Determine the speaker's action (Q22-24) — what is one of the speakers going to do? Tests understanding of intentions and plans.
- Identify the central thought (Q25-26) — a longer monologue where you need to grasp its essence.
- Detailed comprehension (Q27-28) — select the correct statement about specific details in the audio.
- Extended monologue comprehension (Q29-30) — the most challenging listening tasks, requiring comprehensive understanding of the content.
Reading (읽기) — Questions 31-70
The Reading section tests comprehension of texts of varying length and format — from single sentences to short essays. Difficulty increases from beginning to end.
- Grammar fill-in (Q31-33) — fill in the blank in a sentence with the correct grammatical form. Tests basic grammar patterns.
- Identify the topic (Q34-36) — after reading a short text (1-2 sentences), determine its topic.
- Understand signs and notices (Q37-38) — determine the meaning of typical signs, labels, and short announcements found in everyday life.
- Sentence ordering (Q39-41) — arrange sentences in the correct order to form a coherent text.
- Context-based word choice (Q42-44) — choose the word or expression that fits the context of the blank.
- Content comprehension (Q45-46) — after reading a text, select the statement that matches its content.
- Central topic identification (Q47-48) — determine the main topic of a longer text.
- Text gap fill (Q49-50) — insert the missing sentence or phrase into a text.
- Author's purpose (Q51-52) — determine the purpose of the text: informing, inviting, apologizing, etc.
- Select the correct statement (Q53-54) — detailed text comprehension; choose the true statement from four options.
- Event sequence (Q55-56) — determine the correct order of events described in the text.
- Author's mood or opinion (Q57-58) — determine the author's attitude or tone.
- Sentence insertion (Q59-60) — determine where in the text a given sentence should be inserted.
- Detailed information comprehension (Q61-64) — answer questions about specific details in the text.
- Long text comprehension (1) (Q65-68) — two medium-length texts with two questions each.
- Long text comprehension (2) (Q69-70) — the most challenging text in the section with two final questions.
Practice every question type — TopikLab offers practice questions for each type with explanations and translations.
Passing Scores
On TOPIK I, you can achieve one of two levels or receive no certificate at all. Your level is determined by the total score across both sections:
| Level | Passing Score | Max Score | CEFR | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 80 | 200 | ≈ A1 | Beginner |
| Level 2 | 140 | 200 | ≈ A2 | Elementary |
If your total score is below 80, no certificate is issued. You do not "fail" the exam — you simply do not score enough for a level. Your result will still be recorded in the system, and you can retake TOPIK in the next session.
Note the gap between levels: Level 1 requires 80 out of 200 points (40%), while Level 2 requires 140 out of 200 (70%). This means that moving from Level 1 to Level 2 demands significant improvement — you need to answer the majority of questions correctly in both sections.
TOPIK certificates are valid for two years from the date results are announced. After expiration, you must retake the exam. Plan accordingly based on what you need the certificate for. For more on the scoring system, see our guide to TOPIK levels and scoring.
Who Needs TOPIK I
TOPIK I is designed for those at the beginning stage of learning Korean. Here are the main categories of candidates:
Korean language beginners (6-12 months of study). If you can confidently read Hangul, know basic grammar, and can hold simple everyday conversations, TOPIK I is the right exam for you. It provides an objective assessment of your current level and earns you your first official certificate.
Applicants to preparatory programs. Some Korean universities accept TOPIK I results for enrollment in language courses (어학당). A Level 2 certificate can help with placement into the appropriate class level.
KGSP applicants at an early stage. If you are applying for the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) and are still in the early stages of learning Korean, a TOPIK I certificate can supplement your application. However, the main selection stage typically requires TOPIK Level 3 or higher.
Personal progress assessment. Even if you do not need a certificate for a specific purpose, TOPIK I is an excellent way to measure your progress and stay motivated. An objective assessment helps you understand which areas still need work.
Not sure if TOPIK I is right for you? If you believe your level is 3 or above, take TOPIK II instead. TOPIK II covers up to Level 6, and even if you do not reach the Level 3 passing score, you gain valuable exam experience. For more on the differences between the two tiers, see our TOPIK exam guide.
How to Prepare for TOPIK I
The optimal preparation period for TOPIK I is 3 to 6 months of regular study. If you are already learning Korean, this is enough time to systematize your knowledge and become familiar with the exam format.
Vocabulary
For Level 1, you need to know approximately 800 basic words: greetings, numbers, days of the week, family members, food, transportation, and shopping. For Level 2, aim for 1,500 to 2,000 words, including broader everyday vocabulary and introductory topical vocabulary (health, weather, hobbies, travel). Learn words in context — do not just memorize translations; study example sentences and usage patterns.
Grammar
For TOPIK I, it is essential to know basic grammatical structures: particles (은/는, 이/가, 을/를), tenses (past, present, future), connective endings (-고, -아서/어서, -지만), and sentence-final endings (-아요/어요, -ㅂ니다). For Level 2, more complex patterns are added: -(으)ㄹ 수 있다, -(으)면, -아/어 보다, and others. Grammar is particularly important for the Reading section, which includes grammar fill-in questions.
Listening Practice
Listening is the most challenging section for many beginners. Recordings are played only once, and there is little time to think. Start by listening to beginner-level Korean podcasts and study audio materials. Gradually move on to short videos and textbook dialogues. The key is to get used to the pace of speech and learn to pick out keywords.
Practice with Real Exam Questions
The most effective preparation method is solving questions from past exams. Official past TOPIK questions are available on the TOPIK website (topik.go.kr). Work through them with a timer to get used to time constraints. Analyze your mistakes: if you consistently get a certain question type wrong, give it extra attention in your study sessions.
Prepare for TOPIK I effectively — TopikLab offers practice TOPIK I exams with detailed explanations and translations for every question.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get Level 3 on TOPIK I?
- No, the maximum level achievable on TOPIK I is Level 2. Levels 3 through 6 are only available on TOPIK II. If you believe your proficiency is at Level 3 or above, you should register for TOPIK II instead.
- Is there a writing section in TOPIK I?
- No, TOPIK I consists of only two sections: Listening (듣기, 30 questions) and Reading (읽기, 40 questions). All questions are multiple choice with four options. The Writing section (쓰기) is only part of TOPIK II.
- How many words do I need to know for TOPIK I?
- For Level 1, approximately 800 basic vocabulary words are sufficient. For Level 2, a vocabulary of 1,500 to 2,000 words covering everyday and practical topics is recommended.
- Can I take TOPIK I and TOPIK II on the same day?
- No, TOPIK I and TOPIK II are administered in separate sessions. You must choose one exam when registering. If you are unsure about your level, it is generally better to take TOPIK II — even if you do not reach the passing score, you gain valuable experience.