Are you preparing for the TOPIK I exam but don’t know where to start?
Maybe you can read Hangul and understand simple Korean sentences, but you’re not sure whether you’re ready for the official Korean language proficiency test.
Or perhaps you want to achieve TOPIK Level 1 or Level 2 and need a clear study plan.
This TOPIK I preparation guide will help you understand the exam, identify the skills you need, and practice with original beginner-level listening and reading questions.
You will learn:
- What TOPIK I measures
- How TOPIK Level 1 and Level 2 work
- The difference between the paper-based and internet-based tests
- How to prepare for listening and reading
- What vocabulary and grammar to prioritize
- How to follow a realistic four-week study plan
- How to answer 12 audio listening questions
- How to solve 8 reading practice questions
- How to review mistakes effectively
The goal is not only to pass an exam. It’s to build Korean skills that are useful beyond the test.
Level: Beginner (approximately A1–A2)
Study time for this guide: 40–60 minutes, plus the practice exercises
Recommended preparation period: Four weeks as a sample plan; your actual preparation time may be shorter or longer.
Important: This article contains independently created practice questions inspired by general beginner Korean listening and reading skills. They are not official TOPIK questions, past examination papers, or a prediction of actual examination content.
Table of Contents
- 1. What Is TOPIK I?
- 2. TOPIK I Exam Format: PBT vs. IBT
- 3. What Does TOPIK Level 1 Measure?
- 4. What Does TOPIK Level 2 Measure?
- 5. Essential Vocabulary for TOPIK I Preparation
- 6. Essential Grammar for the TOPIK I Exam
- 7. How to Improve TOPIK I Listening Skills
- 8. TOPIK I Listening Practice: 12 Original Audio Questions
- 9. Listening Practice Transcripts and Answer Explanations
- 10. TOPIK I Reading Preparation: How to Understand Questions Faster
- 11. TOPIK I Reading Practice: 8 Original Questions
- 12. Reading Practice Answers and Explanations
- 13. A Four-Week TOPIK I Preparation Study Plan
- 14. How to Review TOPIK I Practice Test Mistakes
- 15. TOPIK I Exam-Day Preparation Checklist
- 16. Frequently Asked Questions About TOPIK I Preparation
- Final Review: Your TOPIK I Preparation Action Plan
1. What Is TOPIK I?
TOPIK stands for Test of Proficiency in Korean.
It is a standardized examination designed to assess Korean language proficiency among non-native Korean speakers and overseas Koreans.
The examination is administered under the National Institute for International Education (NIIED).
TOPIK results can be relevant to Korean university admissions, scholarships, employment, and other purposes, depending on the requirements of the institution or program.
TOPIK I vs. TOPIK II
TOPIK has two main proficiency levels of examination.
| Exam | General level | Grades awarded |
|---|---|---|
| TOPIK I | Beginner | Level 1 or Level 2 |
| TOPIK II | Intermediate–Advanced | Levels 3–6 |
TOPIK I focuses on basic Korean listening and reading.
TOPIK II assesses more advanced language skills and includes a writing section.
Who Should Take TOPIK I?
TOPIK I may be suitable if you:
- Have learned to read Hangul
- Understand common daily vocabulary
- Can recognize simple questions and answers
- Know basic particles and verb endings
- Want an official measurement of beginner Korean proficiency
- Plan to continue studying toward higher TOPIK levels
You don’t need advanced Korean conversation skills to begin studying for TOPIK I.
However, you do need to recognize written and spoken Korean accurately enough to answer questions within the exam’s time limits.
Does TOPIK I Include Speaking or Writing?
The standard TOPIK I examination assesses listening and reading.
It does not contain a speaking or essay-writing section.
TOPIK Speaking is a separate assessment.
This distinction matters because your TOPIK I preparation should prioritize listening comprehension, vocabulary recognition, reading accuracy, and test-taking skills.
Official information: Check the National Institute for International Education’s TOPIK overview for the latest examination details: https://www.niied.go.kr/web/NIIED/contents/niiedEng/eng_topikOverview
2. TOPIK I Exam Format: PBT vs. IBT
Before preparing, confirm whether you will take the paper-based test (PBT) or the internet-based test (IBT).
Both assess beginner Korean, but their formats and score scales are different.
TOPIK I Paper-Based Test (PBT)
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 | 40 minutes |
| Reading | 40 | 60 minutes |
| Total | 70 | 100 minutes |
Maximum score: 200 points
PBT score levels:
| Result | Total score |
|---|---|
| Below Level 1 | 0–79 |
| Level 1 | 80–139 |
| Level 2 | 140–200 |
TOPIK I Internet-Based Test (IBT)
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 26 | 30 minutes |
| Reading | 26 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 52 | 70 minutes |
Maximum score: 400 points
IBT score levels:
| Result | Total score |
|---|---|
| Below Level 1 | 0–120 |
| Level 1 | 121–235 |
| Level 2 | 236–400 |
These published figures are the official format and level thresholds used for this guide. Examination arrangements can change, so check the official announcement for your particular test session.
Why Does This Matter?
Imagine that you’re preparing for the PBT but only practicing on a computer without learning to manage a paper answer sheet.
Or you’re preparing for the IBT but haven’t practiced selecting answers on a screen.
The underlying Korean skills overlap, but exam-day familiarity also matters.
Which Level Should You Aim For?
If you’re an early beginner, reaching Level 1 can be a realistic first goal.
If you already understand everyday Korean expressions and read simple texts comfortably, you can work toward Level 2.
Don’t judge your readiness only by the number of words you have memorized.
Your performance on timed listening and reading questions is a better indicator.
3. What Does TOPIK Level 1 Measure?
TOPIK Level 1 represents fundamental beginner Korean ability.
A learner working toward this level should build confidence with familiar language used in simple daily situations.
Essential Level 1 Skills
You should be able to recognize:
- Common greetings
- Basic personal information
- Everyday objects and places
- Food and drinks
- Simple prices and numbers
- Days and times
- Family relationships
- Common actions
- Short questions and answers
- Simple written notices
Example: Understanding a Basic Question
이름이 뭐예요?
“What’s your name?”
🔊 Listen: 이름이 뭐예요?
저는 수지예요.
“I’m Suji.”
🔊 Listen: 저는 수지예요.
Example: Understanding a Simple Price
이거 얼마예요?
“How much is this?”
🔊 Listen: 이거 얼마예요?
오천 원이에요.
“It’s 5,000 won.”
🔊 Listen: 오천 원이에요.
Example: Understanding Time
몇 시에 만나요?
“What time are we meeting?”
🔊 Listen: 몇 시에 만나요?
세 시에 만나요.
“We’re meeting at three.”
🔊 Listen: 세 시에 만나요.
Level 1 Self-Check
Before moving into more difficult questions, check whether you can understand those exchanges without reading the English translations.
Can you identify the name, price, or meeting time when you hear the Korean?
If not, spend more time with familiar beginner vocabulary and short audio questions.
4. What Does TOPIK Level 2 Measure?
TOPIK Level 2 requires stronger control of beginner Korean in a wider range of familiar situations.
Compared with an early beginner, a learner aiming for Level 2 should be more comfortable connecting information across multiple sentences.
Important Skills for Level 2 Preparation
Practice understanding:
- A short everyday conversation
- Simple explanations of personal plans
- Past experiences
- Basic reasons and preferences
- Common announcements
- Short messages and notices
- Simple paragraphs
- Information that is implied by context
- Relationships between two or more sentences
Example: Understanding a Future Plan
이번 주말에 뭐 할 거예요?
“What are you going to do this weekend?”
🔊 Listen: 이번 주말에 뭐 할 거예요?
토요일에는 친구를 만나고 일요일에는 집에서 쉴 거예요.
“On Saturday, I’ll meet a friend, and on Sunday, I’ll rest at home.”
🔊 Listen: 토요일에는 친구를 만나고 일요일에는 집에서 쉴 거예요.
A learner should recognize that the speaker has different plans for Saturday and Sunday.
Example: Understanding a Reason
왜 오늘 학교에 안 갔어요?
“Why didn’t you go to school today?”
🔊 Listen: 왜 오늘 학교에 안 갔어요?
몸이 아파서 집에서 쉬었어요.
“I was sick, so I rested at home.”
🔊 Listen: 몸이 아파서 집에서 쉬었어요.
Understanding why something happened is an important step beyond recognizing isolated words.
A Practical Difference
Level 1 preparation focuses heavily on recognizing basic information.
Level 2 preparation should also include connecting ideas, understanding reasons, and finding specific details in slightly longer dialogues and passages.
5. Essential Vocabulary for TOPIK I Preparation
You don’t need to memorize every Korean word before taking TOPIK I.
Instead, organize your study around frequently useful beginner topics.
Vocabulary Priority Table
| Topic | Korean examples | English |
|---|---|---|
| People | 친구, 학생, 선생님 | Friend, student, teacher |
| Family | 어머니, 아버지, 동생 | Mother, father, younger sibling |
| Places | 학교, 집, 병원 | School, home, hospital |
| Food | 밥, 물, 과일 | Rice/meal, water, fruit |
| Transportation | 버스, 지하철, 기차 | Bus, subway, train |
| Time | 오늘, 내일, 어제 | Today, tomorrow, yesterday |
| Actions | 가다, 먹다, 읽다 | Go, eat, read |
| Shopping | 가격, 돈, 가게 | Price, money, store |
| Weather | 비, 눈, 날씨 | Rain, snow, weather |
| Feelings | 좋다, 바쁘다, 피곤하다 | Good, busy, tired |
Listen to Topic-Based Vocabulary
🔊 Listen: 학교
🔊 Listen: 병원
🔊 Listen: 지하철
🔊 Listen: 과일
🔊 Listen: 내일
🔊 Listen: 가격
🔊 Listen: 날씨
🔊 Listen: 피곤해요
Study Words in Sentences
Instead of only memorizing:
학교 — School
Learn:
저는 학교에 가요.
“I go to school.”
🔊 Listen: 저는 학교에 가요.
Instead of only memorizing:
병원 — Hospital
Learn:
오늘 병원에 가야 해요.
“I need to go to the hospital today.”
🔊 Listen: 오늘 병원에 가야 해요.
Instead of only memorizing:
지하철 — Subway
Learn:
지하철을 타고 회사에 가요.
“I take the subway to work.”
🔊 Listen: 지하철을 타고 회사에 가요.
How to Review Vocabulary
Use this three-step method:
Step 1: See the Korean word and say its meaning.
Step 2: Listen to the word without looking at the Korean.
Step 3: Identify the word inside a complete sentence.
This trains vocabulary recognition for both reading and listening.
6. Essential Grammar for the TOPIK I Exam
TOPIK I preparation also requires a strong understanding of common beginner grammar.
You don’t need to master every Korean grammar pattern before taking the exam.
But you should be comfortable with the structures used in basic everyday Korean.
Recommended Grammar Checklist
| Grammar | Meaning or use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 은/는 | Topic marker | 저는 학생이에요. |
| 이/가 | Subject marker | 비가 와요. |
| 을/를 | Object marker | 밥을 먹어요. |
| 에 | Destination/time | 학교에 가요. |
| 에서 | Location of action | 집에서 공부해요. |
| -아요/어요 | Polite present | 먹어요. |
| -았/었어요 | Past tense | 먹었어요. |
| -(으)ㄹ 거예요 | Future plan/prediction | 먹을 거예요. |
| 안 / -지 않아요 | Negation | 안 가요. |
| -고 | And / connecting actions | 먹고 쉬어요. |
| -아서/어서 | Reason or sequence | 배가 아파서 쉬어요. |
| -고 싶어요 | Want to do | 한국에 가고 싶어요. |
| -(으)세요 | Polite request / honorific form | 앉으세요. |
| -(으)ㄹ 수 있어요 | Can / be able to | 읽을 수 있어요. |
Listen to the Grammar in Context
저는 학생이에요.
“I’m a student.”
🔊 Listen: 저는 학생이에요.
비가 와요.
“It’s raining.”
🔊 Listen: 비가 와요.
집에서 공부해요.
“I study at home.”
🔊 Listen: 집에서 공부해요.
어제 영화를 봤어요.
“I watched a movie yesterday.”
🔊 Listen: 어제 영화를 봤어요.
내일 친구를 만날 거예요.
“I’m going to meet a friend tomorrow.”
🔊 Listen: 내일 친구를 만날 거예요.
한국에 가고 싶어요.
“I want to go to Korea.”
🔊 Listen: 한국에 가고 싶어요.
이 책을 읽을 수 있어요.
“I can read this book.”
🔊 Listen: 이 책을 읽을 수 있어요.
Don’t Memorize Grammar Without Examples
For TOPIK I, recognizing a grammar pattern inside a natural sentence is more valuable than remembering only its textbook definition.
For example, when you hear 먹었어요, you should immediately recognize that the eating happened in the past.
When you hear 먹을 거예요, you should recognize a future-oriented meaning.
Review the Foundations
If you struggle with basic verb endings, use the existing HYUZ lesson:
Korean Grammar Conjugation in Present Tense: A/V-아/어요
Review those conjugations before attempting longer listening exercises.
7. How to Improve TOPIK I Listening Skills
The listening section measures your ability to understand spoken Korean.
For beginners, the hardest part is often not unfamiliar vocabulary alone.
It’s processing familiar words quickly enough while the audio is playing.
Four Important Listening Skills
1. Recognizing key vocabulary
Can you hear words related to places, prices, time, and activities?
2. Understanding question types
Can you recognize whether someone is asking who, what, where, when, why, or how?
3. Identifying a speaker’s intention
Is the speaker asking for help, making a plan, declining an invitation, or giving directions?
4. Understanding short conversations
Can you combine two or three sentences to understand what happened?
A Better Way to Practice
Use the following sequence:
- Listen without reading.
- Choose an answer.
- Read the transcript.
- Identify the words you missed.
- Listen again.
- Repeat the dialogue aloud.
Do not immediately look at the answer after hearing the first unfamiliar word.
Try to understand the overall meaning first.
Pay Attention to Numbers
Numbers are especially important because they appear in prices, dates, addresses, quantities, and times.
Compare:
세 시
“Three o’clock”
🔊 Listen: 세 시
삼 분
“Three minutes”
🔊 Listen: 삼 분
삼천 원
“Three thousand won”
🔊 Listen: 삼천 원
Korean uses different number systems in different situations, so this is a useful area for focused review.
8. TOPIK I Listening Practice: 12 Original Audio Questions
Practice instructions
The following 12 questions are original HYUZ exercises for beginner Korean learners. They practice skills that are relevant to TOPIK I, but they are not copied from official examination papers and do not reproduce the complete official exam format.
For each question:
- Play the Korean audio.
- Do not read the transcript or answer explanation.
- Select A, B, C, or D.
- Continue to the next question.
- Check the transcripts and explanations afterward.
Suggested scoring: One point for each correct answer, out of 12. This is a practice score only, not an official TOPIK score.
Listening Question 1: Greetings
🔊 Listen: 안녕하세요? 만나서 반가워요.
What is the most appropriate response?
A. 안녕하세요. 저도 반가워요.
B. 사과를 먹었어요.
C. 내일 학교에 가요.
D. 삼천 원이에요.
Listening Question 2: Food
🔊 Listen: 오늘 점심에 뭐 먹었어요? 비빔밥을 먹었어요.
What did the speaker eat?
A. 김치찌개
B. 비빔밥
C. 불고기
D. 라면
Listening Question 3: Price
🔊 Listen: 이 가방 얼마예요? 이만 오천 원이에요.
How much does the bag cost?
A. 2,500 won
B. 15,000 won
C. 25,000 won
D. 50,000 won
Listening Question 4: Time
🔊 Listen: 내일 몇 시에 만날까요? 오후 네 시에 만나요.
When will they meet?
A. At 2 PM
B. At 3 PM
C. At 4 PM
D. At 5 PM
Listening Question 5: Location
🔊 Listen: 수진 씨는 어디에 있어요? 지금 도서관에서 공부하고 있어요.
Where is Sujin?
A. At home
B. At a library
C. At a hospital
D. At a restaurant
Listening Question 6: Family
🔊 Listen: 형제자매가 있어요? 네, 남동생이 두 명 있어요.
What does the speaker have?
A. Two younger brothers
B. Two older sisters
C. One younger sister
D. One older brother
Listening Question 7: Transportation
🔊 Listen: 학교에 어떻게 가요? 보통 버스를 타고 가요.
How does the speaker usually go to school?
A. By subway
B. By bus
C. By bicycle
D. On foot
Listening Question 8: Past Activities
🔊 Listen: 어제 뭐 했어요? 친구랑 영화를 봤어요.
What did the speaker do yesterday?
A. Studied Korean
B. Cooked dinner
C. Watched a movie with a friend
D. Visited a museum
Listening Question 9: Future Plans
🔊 Listen: 이번 주말에 뭐 할 거예요? 토요일에는 집에서 쉬고 일요일에는 친구를 만날 거예요.
What will the speaker do on Sunday?
A. Rest at home
B. Meet a friend
C. Go to work
D. Study at a library
Listening Question 10: Weather
🔊 Listen: 내일 날씨가 어떨까요? 아마 비가 올 거예요. 우산을 가져가세요.
What does the second speaker recommend?
A. Wearing sunglasses
B. Bringing an umbrella
C. Taking a taxi
D. Buying a coat
Listening Question 11: Reason
🔊 Listen: 왜 오늘 학교에 안 왔어요? 아침부터 배가 아파서 병원에 갔어요.
Why didn’t the speaker come to school?
A. They missed the bus.
B. They went shopping.
C. They had a stomachache and visited a hospital.
D. They were visiting a friend.
Listening Question 12: Schedule Change
🔊 Listen: 오늘 세 시에 만날 수 있어요? 죄송해요. 세 시에는 회의가 있어요. 네 시에는 괜찮아요. 그럼 네 시에 만나요.
What time will they meet?
A. At 2 PM
B. At 3 PM
C. At 4 PM
D. At 5 PM
9. Listening Practice Transcripts and Answer Explanations
Now check your answers.
For each question, read the Korean transcript and replay the audio.
Question 1
Transcript
안녕하세요? 만나서 반가워요.
“Hello. Nice to meet you.”
🔊 Listen: 안녕하세요? 만나서 반가워요.
Correct Answer: A
The appropriate response is:
안녕하세요. 저도 반가워요.
“Hello. Nice to meet you too.”
🔊 Listen: 안녕하세요. 저도 반가워요.
Key phrase: 저도 means “me too.”
Question 2
Transcript
오늘 점심에 뭐 먹었어요? 비빔밥을 먹었어요.
“What did you eat for lunch today? I ate bibimbap.”
🔊 Listen: 오늘 점심에 뭐 먹었어요? 비빔밥을 먹었어요.
Correct Answer: B — 비빔밥
The speaker explicitly identifies the food.
Key phrase: 뭐 먹었어요? means “What did you eat?”
Question 3
Transcript
이 가방 얼마예요? 이만 오천 원이에요.
“How much is this bag? It’s 25,000 won.”
🔊 Listen: 이 가방 얼마예요? 이만 오천 원이에요.
Correct Answer: C — 25,000 won
이만 means 20,000, and 오천 means 5,000.
Together, they equal 25,000 won.
Question 4
Transcript
내일 몇 시에 만날까요? 오후 네 시에 만나요.
“What time shall we meet tomorrow? Let’s meet at 4 PM.”
🔊 Listen: 내일 몇 시에 만날까요? 오후 네 시에 만나요.
Correct Answer: C — 4 PM
오후 means PM, and 네 시 means four o’clock.
Question 5
Transcript
수진 씨는 어디에 있어요? 지금 도서관에서 공부하고 있어요.
“Where is Sujin? She’s studying at the library now.”
🔊 Listen: 수진 씨는 어디에 있어요? 지금 도서관에서 공부하고 있어요.
Correct Answer: B — At a library
도서관 means library.
Question 6
Transcript
형제자매가 있어요? 네, 남동생이 두 명 있어요.
“Do you have any siblings? Yes, I have two younger brothers.”
🔊 Listen: 형제자매가 있어요? 네, 남동생이 두 명 있어요.
Correct Answer: A — Two younger brothers
남동생 means younger brother.
두 명 means two people.
Question 7
Transcript
학교에 어떻게 가요? 보통 버스를 타고 가요.
“How do you go to school? I usually take the bus.”
🔊 Listen: 학교에 어떻게 가요? 보통 버스를 타고 가요.
Correct Answer: B — By bus
버스 means bus.
타고 가요 describes traveling by riding a vehicle.
Question 8
Transcript
어제 뭐 했어요? 친구랑 영화를 봤어요.
“What did you do yesterday? I watched a movie with a friend.”
🔊 Listen: 어제 뭐 했어요? 친구랑 영화를 봤어요.
Correct Answer: C — Watched a movie with a friend
영화를 봤어요 means “watched a movie.”
친구랑 means “with a friend.”
Question 9
Transcript
이번 주말에 뭐 할 거예요? 토요일에는 집에서 쉬고 일요일에는 친구를 만날 거예요.
“What will you do this weekend? I’ll rest at home on Saturday and meet a friend on Sunday.”
🔊 Listen: 이번 주말에 뭐 할 거예요? 토요일에는 집에서 쉬고 일요일에는 친구를 만날 거예요.
Correct Answer: B — Meet a friend
Be careful not to confuse the Saturday and Sunday activities.
This question tests your ability to connect multiple pieces of information.
Question 10
Transcript
내일 날씨가 어떨까요? 아마 비가 올 거예요. 우산을 가져가세요.
“What will the weather be like tomorrow? It will probably rain. Please bring an umbrella.”
🔊 Listen: 내일 날씨가 어떨까요? 아마 비가 올 거예요. 우산을 가져가세요.
Correct Answer: B — Bringing an umbrella
우산 means umbrella.
가져가세요 is a polite way to tell someone to take or bring something away with them.
Question 11
Transcript
왜 오늘 학교에 안 왔어요? 아침부터 배가 아파서 병원에 갔어요.
“Why didn’t you come to school today? I had a stomachache from the morning, so I went to the hospital.”
🔊 Listen: 왜 오늘 학교에 안 왔어요? 아침부터 배가 아파서 병원에 갔어요.
Correct Answer: C
The speaker was unwell and went to the hospital.
Key phrase: 배가 아파서 means “because my stomach hurt.”
Question 12
Transcript
오늘 세 시에 만날 수 있어요? 죄송해요. 세 시에는 회의가 있어요. 네 시에는 괜찮아요. 그럼 네 시에 만나요.
“Can you meet at three today? Sorry, I have a meeting at three. Four is fine. Then let’s meet at four.”
🔊 Listen: 오늘 세 시에 만날 수 있어요? 죄송해요. 세 시에는 회의가 있어요. 네 시에는 괜찮아요. 그럼 네 시에 만나요.
Correct Answer: C — 4 PM
The originally proposed time is three, but the final arrangement is four.
This question tests whether you understood the outcome of the conversation rather than choosing the first time you heard.
Listening Practice Score
| Score | Suggested next step |
|---|---|
| 0–4 / 12 | Review basic vocabulary, numbers, and short exchanges |
| 5–8 / 12 | Repeat missed questions without reading the transcripts |
| 9–10 / 12 | Practice longer dialogues and more detailed information |
| 11–12 / 12 | Try a timed official-format listening practice test |
Remember: This short practice score is a learning tool. It cannot be converted into an official TOPIK grade or used to predict your examination result reliably.
10. TOPIK I Reading Preparation: How to Understand Questions Faster
The reading section requires you to identify information from written Korean.
You may encounter short sentences, everyday notices, messages, advertisements, or short passages.
Three Essential Reading Skills
1. Vocabulary recognition
Can you understand the important nouns and verbs?
2. Sentence structure
Can you identify who is doing something and when?
3. Main idea and detail comprehension
Can you understand the overall meaning and find specific information?
Example: Simple Notice
오늘은 쉽니다.
“We are closed today.”
🔊 Listen: 오늘은 쉽니다.
You should recognize that the place is not operating today.
Example: Simple Message
오늘 오후 세 시에 도서관에서 만나요.
“Let’s meet at the library at 3 PM today.”
🔊 Listen: 오늘 오후 세 시에 도서관에서 만나요.
Ask yourself:
- When? 오늘 오후 세 시
- Where? 도서관에서
- What? 만나요
Read for Meaning, Not Just Individual Words
A common beginner mistake is to translate every word separately without understanding the sentence.
Instead, identify:
- The main verb or predicate
- The topic or subject
- Time and location expressions
- Negative markers
- Contrast words or reason expressions
This approach is especially useful as reading passages become longer.
11. TOPIK I Reading Practice: 8 Original Questions
These eight independently created reading questions help you practice vocabulary, grammar, notices, and short-passage comprehension.
They are not reproduced from official exam papers.
Reading Question 1: Vocabulary
Choose the word that best completes the sentence.
저는 아침에 ______을 마셔요.
A. 물
B. 책
C. 의자
D. 신발
Reading Question 2: Correct Particle
Choose the correct answer.
저는 한국어______ 공부해요.
A. 가
B. 를
C. 는
D. 에
Reading Question 3: Correct Sentence
Choose the sentence that means:
“I went to school yesterday.”
A. 어제 학교에 가요.
B. 내일 학교에 갈 거예요.
C. 어제 학교에 갔어요.
D. 학교에 가지 마세요.
Reading Question 4: Store Notice
Read the notice.
영업시간: 오전 9시 ~ 오후 6시
일요일: 휴무
Which statement is correct?
A. The store opens at 6 AM.
B. The store closes at 9 PM.
C. The store is closed on Sundays.
D. The store is open 24 hours.
Reading Question 5: Short Message
Read the message.
지민 씨, 오늘 약속 시간을 네 시로 바꿀 수 있어요? 세 시에는 회의가 있어요.
What does the writer want?
A. To cancel the meeting completely
B. To change the appointment to four o’clock
C. To meet at three o’clock
D. To meet tomorrow morning
Reading Question 6: Daily Routine
Read the passage.
저는 매일 아침 일곱 시에 일어납니다. 아침을 먹고 여덟 시에 집에서 나갑니다. 지하철을 타고 회사에 갑니다.
How does the person travel to work?
A. By bus
B. By subway
C. By taxi
D. On foot
Reading Question 7: Understanding a Reason
Read the passage.
수진 씨는 오늘 학교에 오지 않았습니다. 몸이 아파서 집에서 쉬고 있습니다.
Why didn’t Sujin come to school?
A. She went shopping.
B. She missed the bus.
C. She is sick.
D. She is traveling.
Reading Question 8: Comparing Two Days
Read the passage.
민수 씨는 토요일에 친구와 영화를 봅니다. 일요일에는 집에서 한국어를 공부하고 방을 청소합니다.
What does Minsu do on Sunday?
A. Watches a movie with a friend
B. Travels to another city
C. Goes shopping
D. Studies Korean and cleans his room
12. Reading Practice Answers and Explanations
Answer 1: A — 물
저는 아침에 물을 마셔요.
“I drink water in the morning.”
🔊 Listen: 저는 아침에 물을 마셔요.
물 is a natural object of 마시다 (to drink).
Answer 2: B — 를
저는 한국어를 공부해요.
“I study Korean.”
🔊 Listen: 저는 한국어를 공부해요.
한국어 ends in a vowel, so the object particle is 를.
Answer 3: C — 어제 학교에 갔어요.
🔊 Listen: 어제 학교에 갔어요.
어제 means yesterday, and 갔어요 is a past-tense form of 가다.
Answer 4: C — The store is closed on Sundays.
The notice says:
일요일: 휴무
“Sunday: Closed”
🔊 Listen: 일요일은 쉽니다.
휴무 indicates a day when a business does not operate.
Answer 5: B — Change the appointment to four o’clock
약속 시간을 네 시로 바꿀 수 있어요?
“Can we change the appointment time to four?”
🔊 Listen: 약속 시간을 네 시로 바꿀 수 있어요?
The writer has a meeting at three and wants to move the appointment to four.
Answer 6: B — By subway
The passage includes:
지하철을 타고 회사에 갑니다.
“I go to work by subway.”
🔊 Listen: 지하철을 타고 회사에 갑니다.
Answer 7: C — She is sick.
The important expression is:
몸이 아파서 집에서 쉬고 있습니다.
“She is resting at home because she is sick.”
🔊 Listen: 몸이 아파서 집에서 쉬고 있습니다.
Answer 8: D — Studies Korean and cleans his room
The Sunday activities are:
한국어를 공부하고 방을 청소합니다.
“Studies Korean and cleans his room.”
🔊 Listen: 한국어를 공부하고 방을 청소합니다.
The movie is a Saturday activity.
Reading Practice Score
| Score | Recommended focus |
|---|---|
| 0–3 / 8 | Review basic vocabulary and particles |
| 4–5 / 8 | Practice short notices and simple messages |
| 6–7 / 8 | Work on longer passages and time management |
| 8 / 8 | Move to more challenging and timed practice |
As with the listening exercise, your score here is not equivalent to an official TOPIK grade.
13. A Four-Week TOPIK I Preparation Study Plan
A study plan is most effective when it addresses your individual weaknesses.
The following is a sample four-week schedule for a learner who already knows Hangul and some basic Korean.
If you’re starting from zero, allow more time to build reading and vocabulary foundations.
Week 1: Strengthen Your Foundations
Goal: Read basic Korean sentences accurately and understand essential vocabulary.
| Day | Study task |
|---|---|
| Monday | Hangul reading review and sound changes |
| Tuesday | Basic nouns: people, places, objects |
| Wednesday | Numbers, prices, days, and time |
| Thursday | Basic particles: 은/는, 이/가, 을/를 |
| Friday | Present-tense verb conjugation |
| Saturday | Short listening exercises |
| Sunday | Vocabulary review and self-test |
Daily study target: Approximately 45–60 minutes.
End-of-week challenge: Read ten simple sentences without romanization and understand at least eight.
Week 2: Build Listening Comprehension
Goal: Understand short questions and common everyday dialogues.
| Day | Study task |
|---|---|
| Monday | Greetings, introductions, people |
| Tuesday | Food and shopping conversations |
| Wednesday | Directions and transportation |
| Thursday | Dates, schedules, and appointments |
| Friday | Past and future expressions |
| Saturday | Listening questions 1–12 from this guide |
| Sunday | Review missed listening questions |
End-of-week challenge: Listen to a short conversation and identify the people, place, time, or action without first reading the text.
Week 3: Improve Reading Accuracy
Goal: Understand short passages and find key details quickly.
| Day | Study task |
|---|---|
| Monday | Everyday notices and signs |
| Tuesday | Messages and appointments |
| Wednesday | Reading for time and location |
| Thursday | Negation and common grammar patterns |
| Friday | Reasons and connected sentences |
| Saturday | Reading questions 1–8 from this guide |
| Sunday | Review reading errors |
End-of-week challenge: Complete a short passage-based practice set without translating every word into English.
Week 4: Practice Under Exam Conditions
Goal: Improve accuracy, speed, and confidence.
| Day | Study task |
|---|---|
| Monday | Review weakest vocabulary topics |
| Tuesday | Timed listening practice |
| Wednesday | Timed reading practice |
| Thursday | Review recurring grammar mistakes |
| Friday | Complete a full-length format-appropriate practice test |
| Saturday | Analyze incorrect answers and repeat weak areas |
| Sunday | Light review, rest, and exam preparation |
How Much Should You Study Each Day?
A sample 60-minute session:
| Activity | Minutes |
|---|---|
| Vocabulary review | 15 |
| Listening practice | 20 |
| Reading practice | 15 |
| Mistake review | 10 |
Total: 60 minutes
If you have less time, shorten the session but preserve the balance.
Consistency is usually more useful than studying for many hours once and then stopping for several days.
14. How to Review TOPIK I Practice Test Mistakes
Checking your score is only the beginning.
To improve, you need to understand why you got a question wrong.
Create an Error Log
After each practice session, record your mistakes.
| Question | What went wrong? | What to review |
|---|---|---|
| Price question | Confused 만 and 천 | Sino-Korean numbers |
| Meeting time | Chose the first time heard | Final decision in dialogue |
| Location question | Confused 에 and 에서 | Location particles |
| Past-tense question | Missed -었어요 | Verb conjugation |
| Reading passage | Missed the word 하지만 | Contrast expressions |
Four Common Reasons for Incorrect Answers
1. Unknown vocabulary
You didn’t understand a word needed to answer the question.
Solution: Learn the word in a complete sentence and listen to it several times.
2. Misheard numbers
You confused times, dates, quantities, or prices.
Solution: Practice Korean numbers with audio regularly.
3. Grammar confusion
You misunderstood a tense, negative expression, or particle.
Solution: Review the relevant grammar and compare similar sentences.
4. Attention to the wrong detail
You heard one possible answer but missed the final decision or an important contrast.
Solution: Listen for the whole exchange, especially changes introduced by words such as 그런데, 하지만, or 그럼.
A Three-Round Review Method
Round 1: Answer the question under normal conditions.
Round 2: Review the transcript and explanation.
Round 3: Wait until the following day, then listen again without looking at the answer.
If you get the question right on the third round, your understanding is becoming more reliable.
15. TOPIK I Exam-Day Preparation Checklist
Understanding the exam is important, but preparation also includes practical details.
Before the Exam
Check the official information for your scheduled test.
Confirm:
- Your test date and time
- Your examination venue
- Whether you’re taking PBT or IBT
- Identification requirements
- Admission document requirements
- Allowed and prohibited items
- Arrival and entry deadlines
- The local test center’s instructions
These requirements may vary by test session and location.
Don’t rely on a checklist from an old examination year.
During the Listening Section
Stay focused on the meaning of the audio.
Listen for:
- Who is speaking
- The main action
- Time and numbers
- Place names
- Positive or negative expressions
- Final decisions
- Reasons and explanations
If you miss a question, avoid spending so much attention on it that you miss the next one.
During the Reading Section
Read the question carefully and identify the information you need.
For short notices, focus on details such as dates, opening hours, prices, and locations.
For longer passages, understand the general topic before checking the specific answer choices.
Managing Exam Stress
Practice under realistic conditions before the test.
Familiarity with the question format and time limits can help you feel more confident.
However, don’t sacrifice accuracy just to answer quickly during your early preparation.
Build accuracy first, then improve speed.
16. Frequently Asked Questions About TOPIK I Preparation
Is TOPIK I difficult for beginners?
TOPIK I is designed to assess beginner Korean, but difficulty depends on your vocabulary knowledge, reading speed, listening comprehension, and familiarity with test questions.
How long does TOPIK I preparation take?
There is no universal preparation period.
A learner who already understands basic Korean may benefit from a focused four-week review. Someone starting from Hangul may need considerably longer.
What score do I need for TOPIK Level 1?
For TOPIK I PBT, Level 1 requires a total score from 80 to 139 out of 200.
For TOPIK I IBT, Level 1 covers 121 to 235 out of 400.
What score do I need for TOPIK Level 2?
For TOPIK I PBT, Level 2 requires 140–200 points.
For TOPIK I IBT, Level 2 requires 236–400 points.
Always use the threshold for the correct examination format.
Does TOPIK I have a writing section?
No. The standard TOPIK I exam assesses listening and reading.
Can I take TOPIK I online?
TOPIK I has an internet-based test format, but IBT does not automatically mean an unsupervised examination from home.
Check the current testing locations and procedures for your region.
Should I memorize vocabulary or practice listening first?
Both are important.
A balanced plan develops essential vocabulary while applying those words in listening and reading exercises.
How many vocabulary words should I learn for TOPIK I?
There is no single word-count target in this guide that guarantees a particular TOPIK level.
Prioritize common beginner topics and gradually expand your vocabulary through official learning materials and practice tests.
Is practicing with text-to-speech enough?
No.
Synthesized Korean speech is useful for repetition, sentence recognition, and focused pronunciation practice, but it doesn’t reproduce every condition of an official listening test.
Use it alongside official sample questions and authentic Korean audio.
Where can I find official TOPIK information?
Use the official TOPIK website and the National Institute for International Education website.
Official TOPIK website: https://www.topik.go.kr/
NIIED TOPIK overview: https://www.niied.go.kr/web/NIIED/contents/niiedEng/eng_topikOverview
Final Review: Your TOPIK I Preparation Action Plan
You’ve now learned what TOPIK I measures, how Levels 1 and 2 are awarded, and how the PBT and IBT formats differ.
You’ve also practiced 12 original listening questions and 8 reading questions designed to reinforce beginner Korean comprehension.
Remember These Five Priorities
1. Understand the correct exam format.
Confirm whether you’re taking PBT or IBT.
2. Build everyday vocabulary.
Study words about people, places, food, time, transportation, and common actions.
3. Master essential grammar.
Pay particular attention to particles, verb endings, negation, and question forms.
4. Practice listening and reading separately.
Each section requires different study techniques.
5. Review every mistake.
Understanding why an answer was wrong is essential for improving your performance.
Your Final Study Challenge
Before closing this guide:
- Complete all 12 listening questions without reading their scripts.
- Complete all 8 reading questions.
- Record your scores separately.
- Identify your three weakest topics.
- Review those topics for the next seven days.
- Repeat the practice exercises without looking at your previous answers.
- When ready, move to a full-length official-format practice exam.
Final Listening: Useful Exam Preparation Expressions
한국어 시험을 준비하고 있어요.
“I’m preparing for a Korean language exam.”
🔊 Listen: 한국어 시험을 준비하고 있어요.
매일 듣기 연습을 해요.
“I practice listening every day.”
🔊 Listen: 매일 듣기 연습을 해요.
읽기 문제가 조금 어려워요.
“The reading questions are a little difficult.”
🔊 Listen: 읽기 문제가 조금 어려워요.
틀린 문제를 다시 공부해요.
“I study the questions I got wrong again.”
🔊 Listen: 틀린 문제를 다시 공부해요.
다음 시험에서 좋은 점수를 받고 싶어요.
“I want to get a good score on the next exam.”
🔊 Listen: 다음 시험에서 좋은 점수를 받고 싶어요.
TOPIK I preparation is not just about memorizing answers. It’s about developing the Korean listening and reading skills you need to understand everyday language with greater confidence.
Start with the areas you find difficult, practice regularly, and use your mistakes to guide your next study session.