TOPIK, the Test of Proficiency in Korean, is the official Korean test run by South Korea's National Institute for International Education (NIIED). Korean universities, employers and some visa rules use its scores, and a score stays valid for two years from the day results come out. There are two written tests: TOPIK I for beginners and TOPIK II for intermediate and advanced learners. You don't pick a level when you sign up. Your total score decides it.
Bubblegum is a language app where Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Korean lessons for your level and interests. A real Bubblegum lesson sits at the end of this page. Bubblegum's six levels are its own reading levels, so this page doesn't match them to TOPIK levels.
What Are the TOPIK Levels?
TOPIK has six levels. TOPIK I covers Levels 1 and 2, and TOPIK II covers Levels 3 to 6. Each row shows the lowest score for that level on the paper test (PBT) and on the computer test (IBT).
- Level 1
TOPIK I · Beginner
- Paper: 80 of 200
- Computer: 121 of 400
- Level 2
TOPIK I · Beginner
- Paper: 140 of 200
- Computer: 236 of 400
- Level 3
TOPIK II · Intermediate
- Paper: 120 of 300
- Computer: 191 of 600
- Level 4
TOPIK II · Intermediate
- Paper: 150 of 300
- Computer: 291 of 600
- Level 5
TOPIK II · Advanced
- Paper: 190 of 300
- Computer: 361 of 600
- Level 6
TOPIK II · Advanced
- Paper: 230 of 300
- Computer: 431 of 600
A score below the Level 1 line on TOPIK I, or below the Level 3 line on TOPIK II, gives no level.
What Is on the Test?
TOPIK I tests listening and reading. TOPIK II adds writing. The paper and computer versions have different numbers of questions and different point totals, so their score lines differ too.
| Test | Sections (questions) | Total points | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOPIK I, paper | Listening (30), Reading (40) | 200 | 100 minutes |
| TOPIK II, paper | Listening (50), Reading (50), Writing (4) | 300 | 180 minutes |
| TOPIK I, computer | Listening (26), Reading (26) | 400 | 70 minutes |
| TOPIK II, computer | Listening (30), Reading (30), Writing (3) | 600 | 125 minutes |
| TOPIK Speaking | Speaking (6) | 200 | 30 minutes |
The speaking test is separate and also gives Levels 1 to 6.
When Is TOPIK in 2026?
The paper test runs six times in 2026 and the computer test six times. The first round of each is in Korea only; the rest also run in other countries.
| Test | 2026 test dates | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Paper (PBT) | Jan 11 · Apr 11–12 · May 17 · Jul 4–5 · Oct 17–18 · Nov 15 | January in Korea only, the rest in Korea and abroad |
| Computer (IBT) | Feb 28 · Mar 21 · Jun 13 · Sep 12 · Oct 24 · Nov 28 | February in Korea only, the rest in Korea and abroad |
| Speaking | Mar 21 · Jun 13 · Oct 24 | Korea only |
Outside Korea, you sign up through a local host institution, which the TOPIK website names in its notices for each round. Registration usually opens two to three months before the test, and each institution sets its own sign-up period.
How to Prepare with Comprehensible Input
TOPIK's listening and reading questions use everyday Korean: conversations, notices, ads and short articles. Good preparation is lots of comprehensible input, which means reading and listening to Korean you can mostly follow.
- Pick Your TestChoose TOPIK I if longer Korean texts still feel hard. Choose TOPIK II when you can follow conversations on familiar topics.
- Read and Listen at Your LevelRead Korean with about one unfamiliar word per sentence, and listen to the same text. A few sessions a week of 15 to 30 minutes each add up.
- Try Past PapersBefore the test, time yourself on the past papers in the Study TOPIK section of the TOPIK website.
This lesson is about Korean at work: offices, interviews and job hunting. It comes in five levels, so switch until the Korean feels mostly clear, then hide the English and read it again.
One Topic, Five Levels
From Bubblegum’s guide Korean at Work: Offices, Interviews, and Job Hunting. It works here the way it works inside Bubblegum.
I follow conversations on familiar topics.
Learning Office Etiquette
New employee Kim is asking Manager Park about office etiquette.
Manager Park, I still find honorifics difficult and I'm worried I might make a mistake.
It's difficult for everyone at first, so there's no need to be too nervous.
You should always use honorifics with your superiors and call them by their name followed by their job title.
I see, then how should I speak during meetings?
During meetings, you just need to end your sentences with -sumnida after stating your opinion.
It is important to maintain politeness even when you are busy with a lot of work.
Thank you for explaining it in such detail, I feel much more at ease now.
Frequently Asked Questions About TOPIK
How long is a TOPIK score valid?
Two years from the day results are announced. For the November 15, 2026 paper test, results come out on December 22, 2026.
Should I take the paper or the computer test?
Both give the same six levels. The computer test is shorter (70 minutes for TOPIK I, 125 for TOPIK II) and has fewer questions. Check which one your local host institution offers.
Does TOPIK use CEFR levels like A1 or B2?
The official 2026 TOPIK guide lists Levels 1 to 6 and their score lines, with no CEFR level beside them. Treat any TOPIK-to-CEFR chart you find elsewhere as someone else's estimate.
Is Bubblegum free?
Yes. The lesson library is free for everyone, because we believe everyone should be able to learn. It holds lessons that other learners asked Poppy for. A new custom lesson costs us real money to make, so your first one is free, and Bubblegum Pro gives you unlimited custom lessons.
