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Korean Evaluation Standards
by TOPIK Grade

2025. 11. 24.

A Simple Guide for Korean Learners

If you’re planning to study Korean or take the TOPIK exam (Test of Proficiency in Korean), understanding each level is very important. Here is a simple and clear explanation of what you can do at each level—from beginners to advanced learners.

 

🌱 TOPIK I

⭐ Level 1

At TOPIK Level 1, you can handle very basic Korean needed for daily survival.
You can introduce yourself, buy things, order food, and talk about familiar topics

such as your family, hobbies, and the weather.

  • You understand about 800 basic words and simple grammar.

  • You can make short, simple sentences.

  • You can understand and write basic everyday texts.

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⭐ Level 2

At this level, you can manage more everyday tasks such as making phone calls or asking for help.
You can also use public facilities like the post office or bank.

  • You know about 1,500–2,000 words.

  • You can understand and write short paragraphs about personal and familiar topics.

  • You can use polite language appropriately depending on the situation (formal vs informal).

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🌿 TOPIK II

⭐ Level 3

At Level 3, daily life in Korea becomes much easier. You can use most public services and maintain social relationships without much difficulty.

  • You can talk or write in paragraph form about familiar social topics.

  • You can understand the basic differences between written and spoken Korean.

  • You can express yourself on familiar and concrete subjects.

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⭐ Level 4

Level 4 indicates solid intermediate proficiency. You can function not only in daily life but also in basic work situations.

  • You can understand easier news articles or newspaper content.

  • You can communicate on general social and abstract topics with reasonable fluency.

  • You can understand common idiomatic expressions and basic cultural references.

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⭐ Level 5

This level shows strong upper-intermediate to advanced skills.
You can work or study in a professional field using Korean.

  • You can understand topics across politics, economy, society, and culture—even unfamiliar ones.

  • You can choose language appropriate to formal or informal contexts, and written vs spoken styles.

  • You can participate in professional discussions to some degree.

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⭐ Level 6

Level 6 is the highest TOPIK level.
You can use Korean fluently and accurately in most situations, including professional and academic settings.

  • You can understand complex subjects across all fields, even if the topic is unfamiliar.

  • Although not at native-speaker level, you can express yourself naturally without difficulty.

  • You can perform tasks required in research or professional environments.

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✔️ Final Thoughts

Whether you're just starting your Korean journey or preparing for advanced-level exams, understanding the abilities required at each TOPIK level can help you plan your study goals more effectively.
Choose the level that matches your current skills—and challenge yourself to reach the next one!

If you’d like help preparing for TOPIK or need study tips, feel free to ask! 😊🇰🇷

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