For all those who are planning to take the TOPIK test (Test of proficiency in Korean) in 2022, we are posting all the details of the TOPIK test in year 2022.
Register for Next TOPIK Test
To understand TOPIK Test structure, application process, Levels and Passing scores etc. check these pages: 1. TOPIK – The Complete Guide & 2. TOPIK Levels and Passing Marks. You can also Practice Online with TOPIK GUIDE Mock Tests.
After you familiarise yourself with the test structure you may want to download past TOPIK papers to get a feel of the test. You can also practice online with TOPIK GUIDE Mock Tests.
There are many more study resources for TOPIK test preparation on this page – Best TOPIK Tips and Resources.
Whether you are taking the TOPIK Test for the first time, or you just want to pass a higher level, we would strongly recommend the Complete Guide to TOPIK – Self-Study Package. It is a digital study package that has everything you need to get a high score in the TOPIK test – all the past TOPIK papers with answer sheets, Korean grammar and vocabulary study material, video tutorials explaining the test structure, strategies to solve them and much more. You can check out more details about this study package here – TOPIK GUIDE – Self-Study Package.
In accordance with Article 42-5 (2) of the Enforcement Decree of the Higher Education Act, the implementation of the 2022 Korean Language Proficiency Test TOPIK I, TOPIKI II will also include speech evaluation section from 2022.
TOPIK Speaking Assessement Introduction
Purpose of Test
- To guide those learning Korean as a second language to study in a way that helps improve their ability to communicate in Korean
- To evaluate the test-taker’s communication skills in Korean and allow them to use their test results in filing college applications, job applications, etc.
Eligibility
- Overseas Korean or non-Korean whose first language is not Korean and who: - is currently learning Korean or wishes to study at a Korean college;- wishes to work for a Korean company or public agency based in or outside Korea. - Korean national who is currently studying at or has graduated from a school abroad
Valid Until
Valid for two years from the announcement of the test score
Use of the test result
- To enter a Korean college or graduate school and receive a scholarship in the case of foreigners or overseas Koreans who have completed 12 years of schooling abroad.
- To be hired by a Korean company and obtain an excellent performance assessment results.
Evaluation factor
Evaluation factor | Description |
Content and task performance | Did he/she express him/herself appropriately for the given topic? Did he/she faithfully perform the given task?Did the dialog flow in an organized and coherent manner? |
Command of the language | Did he/she use appropriate language considering the context of the dialog? Did he/she use rich and diverse vocabulary and expressions?Did he/she use his/her vocabulary and expressions in an accurate way? |
2022 Test schedule
■ Test name : 제1회 한국어능력시험(TOPIK) 말하기 평가 (1st Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) Speaking Assessment)
■ Test Date : 2022. 11. 19. (Sat)
■ Application period
-1st round : 2022. 7. 25. (Mon) 10:00 ~ 8. 5. (Fri) 18:00
-2nd round : 2022. 9. 20. (Tue) 10:00 ~ 9. 26. (Mon) 18:00
-3rd round : 2022. 10. 24. (Mon) 10:00 ~ 11. 4. (Fri) 18:00
※ May close early if the number of people in the test center is exceeded.
※ Information cannot be corrected after the application period
■ Test location : Domestic TOPIK IBT certification test centers
- Seoul: Konkuk University, Korea University, Duksung Women's University, Baehwa Women's University, Seoul National University, Sunrin Internet High School
- Regions: Gangnam University (Yongin), Keimyung University (Daegu), Namseoul University (Cheonan), Busan Foreign University (Busan), Yonsei University Mirae (Wonju), Inha University (Incheon), Jeonbuk University (Jeonju), Jeju University (Jeju)
■ Eligibility : Overseas Koreans and foreigners who do not speak Korean as their native language and want to evaluate their Korean speaking ability
- Starting in 2023, three additional points for TOPIK speaking evaluation of Grade 4 or higher will be assigned to the GKS Scholarship Selection Examination
■ How to apply : Online application for the Korean Language Proficiency Test (www.topik.go.kr)
■ Test method : Internet-based testing (IBT) using computers
■ Results announcement: 2022. 12. 23. (Fri) 15:00
■ Test time and composition
- Test time: 30 minutes
- Test questions: 6 questions in total
Checkin time | Identification and Guidelines | Starting time | Ending time |
10:30 ~ 11:00 | 11:00 ~ 11:20 | 11:20 | 11:50 |
Question | Item type | Preparation time | Response time |
1 | Answer the questions | 20 seconds | 30 seconds |
2 | Role play based on the image | 30 seconds | 40 seconds |
3 | Describe the Situation Depicted in the Images | 40 seconds | 60 seconds |
4 | Complete the dialog | 40 seconds | 60 seconds |
5 | Read and interpret the information | 70 seconds | 80 seconds |
6 | Presenting your opinion | 70 seconds | 80 seconds |
■ Examination fee :80,000 won
■ Inquiries: (E-mail inquiry) itopik@korea.kr
Grade system
Level
TOPIK Speaking | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fail | Sublevel 1 | Sublevel 2 | Sublevel 3 | Sublevel 4 | Sublevel 5 | Sublevel 6 | |
Score | 0 ~ 19 | 20 ~ 49 | 50 ~ 89 | 90 ~ 109 | 110 ~ 129 | 130 ~ 159 | 160 ~ 200 |
- TOPIK Speaking Test is scored based on a scoring system developed by applying the item response theory, a modern measurement theory. The score range is 0 to 200 points.
Grade skill
| Sublevel | Description |
|---|---|
| |
| Grade 5 |
|
| Grade 4 |
|
| Grade 3 |
|
| Grade 2 |
|
| Grade 1 |
|
한국어 능력시험
말하기 평가
Question composition
The composition of questions in all 6 questions are provided below.
** The English translations won't be provided with the questions.
1. Answer the Question
- This is a beginner-level question where you will be required to answer a simple question regarding an everyday situation.
- You may be asked to describe about yourself, someone close to you, an everyday activity, or a simple plan, etc.
- You will be given 20 seconds to prepare your answer. Then, you will have to answer within a 30-second time limit after the beep. This question is worth 9 points.
Instructions
질문을 듣고 대답하십시오. 20초 동안 준비하십시오. ‘삐’ 소리가 끝나면 30초 동안 말하십시오.
( Listen to the question and answer it. Prepare for 20 seconds. Talk for 30 seconds after the "beep" sound is over. )
Sample questions
취미가 뭐예요? 그 취미에 대해 이야기하세요.
( Do you have any hobbies? Talk about the hobby. )
Exemplary answers
제 취미는 영화 보기예요. 저는 시간 있을 때 영화관에 가요. 집에서도 영화를 자주 봐요. 저는 재미있는 영화를 좋아해요. 슬픈 영화도 잘 봐요. 저는 이번 주말에 친구와 함께 영화관에 갈 거예요.
( My hobby is watching movies. I go to the movie theater when I have time. I watch movies often at home. I like interesting movies. I also watch sad movies well. I'm going to the movie theater with my friend this weekend. )
Tips
- Study basic words and expressions that people tend to use to describe themselves, their family or close friend, an object, a simple plan or experience, etc.
- It will be helpful to practice speaking about something very basic in various ways using different sentences.
- Use the time you are given as much as possible and work on your pronunciation and intonation and the speed at which you speak, while making sure that you sound accurate and natural.
2. Role-Play Based on an Image
- Will be presented a simple question and asked to role-play accordingly.
- The image and question will pertain to a situation that can occur in the home, on public transit, in a public facility, while shopping, etc.
- You will be given 30 seconds to prepare your answer. Then, you will have to answer within a 40-second time limit after the beep. This question is worth 9 points.
Instructions
그림을 보고 질문에 대답하십시오. 30초 동안 준비하십시오. ‘삐’ 소리가 끝나면 40초 동안 말하십시오.
( Look at the picture and answer the question. Prepare for 30 seconds. Talk for 40 seconds after the "beep" sound is over. )
Sample questions
여자 : 택시를 타고 왔습니다. 택시 기사에게 내리고 싶은 곳을 이야기하세요.
( Woman: I came here by taxi. Tell the taxi driver where you want to get off. )
남자 : 손님, 여기가 한국대학교 정문인데요. 여기서 내려 드릴까요?
( Male: Ma'am this is the main gate of Hankook University. Do you want me to drop you off here? )
Exemplary answers
아니요, 기사님. 학교 안에 있는 기숙사까지 가 주세요. 정문으로 들어가면 사거리가 나오는데, 거기에서 왼쪽으로 가시면 돼요. 가다 보면 도서관이 나와요. 도서관을 지나서 조금 가면 오른쪽에 작은 길이 있어요. 그 길로 조금 가면 왼쪽에 기숙사가 있어요. 그 앞에서 내려 주세요.
( No, driver. Please go to the dormitory in the school. If you enter the main gate, you will find a intersection, and you can go to the left from there. As you go, you'll find a library. If you go a little past the library, there is a small road on the right. If you go a little along that road, there is a dormitory on the left. Please drop me off in front of it. )
Tips
- Study basic words that are useful when describing an everyday situation or explaining what you might need in such situations.
- It will be helpful to practice speaking about everyday situations/topics in various ways using different sentences.
- Use the time given as much as possible and work on your pronunciation and intonation and the speed at which you speak, while making sure that you sound accurate and natural.
3. Describe the Situation Depicted in the Images
- This is an intermediate-level question where you will be presented with a series of images concerning a familiar social issue and be asked to describe the situation or the actions performed by the persons depicted in the order presented.
- The images will depict a situation that can occur in school or the workplace, while engaging in a cultural activity, etc., and you will be asked to describe what is going on in the images in the form of storytelling.
- You will be given 40 seconds to prepare your answer. Then, you will have to answer within a 60-second time limit after the beep. This question is worth 12 points.
Instructions
그림을 보고 순서대로 이야기하십시오. 40초 동안 준비하십시오. ‘삐’ 소리가 끝나면 60초 동안 말하십시오.
( Look at the picture and talk in order. Prepare for 40 seconds. Talk for 60 seconds after the "beep" sound is over. )
Sample questions
민수 씨가 춤 경연 대회에 참가했습니다. 민수 씨에게 무슨 일이 있었는지 이야기하세요.
( Min-soo participated in the dance contest. Tell Minsu what happened. )
Exemplary answers
춤 경연 대회가 얼마 남지 않았어요. 민수 씨와 친구들은 땀을 흘리며 열심히 대회를 준비했어요. 드디어 대회 날이 되었어요. 무대에 올라가기 전에 민수 씨와 친구들은 다른 팀의 공연을 보면서 무척 긴장을 했어요. 하지만 무대에 올라가고 나서 민수 씨 팀은 하나도 떨지 않고 정말 멋있게 춤을 췄어요. 사람들도 소리를 지르며 즐거워했어요. 경연이 모두 끝난 후에 시상식을 했는데 민수 씨 팀이 1등을 했어요. 친구들은 정말 기뻐했고 민수 씨도 너무 좋아서 눈물이 났어요.
( The dance contest is just around the corner. Min-soo and his friends worked hard to prepare for the competition. Finally, it's the day of the competition. Before going on stage, Min-soo and his friends were very nervous watching other teams' performances. However, after going on stage, Min-soo's team danced really cool without shaking at all. People also screamed and enjoyed it. After the competition, we had an award ceremony, and Min-soo's team won the first place. My friends were really happy, and Min-soo was so happy that I cried. )
Tips
- Study expressions that you will need to describe social situations that often occur in school or the workplace or issues that we often encounter in everyday life while enjoying leisure time, cultural activities, etc. in the form of storytelling.
- Try creating various sentences based on the 5W’s and 1H (who, what, where, when, why, and how) while imagining the diverse situations and topics that you encountered in your intermediate-level classes.
- Use the time given as much as possible and work on your pronunciation and intonation and the speed at which you speak, while making sure that you sound accurate and natural. Practice ways to convey what you want to say without any significant disruptions.
4. Complete the Dialog
- This is an intermediate-level question where you will be evaluated on your ability to respond appropriately to what the other person says according to the context of the conversation.
- You will be presented with a dialog between a man and a woman in a social situation, and you will be asked to complete the dialog appropriately.
- You will be given 40 seconds to prepare your answer. Then, you will have to answer within a 60-second time limit after the beep. This question is worth 12 points.
Instructions
대화를 듣고 이어서 말하십시오. 40초 동안 준비하십시오. ‘삐’ 소리가 끝나면 60초 동안 말하십시오.
( Listen to the conversation and continue. Prepare for 40 seconds. Talk for 60 seconds after the "beep" sound is over. )
Sample questions
두 사람이 아파트 놀이터에 설치할 운동 기구에 대해 이야기하고 있습니다. 남자의 마지막 말을 듣고 여자가 할 말로 대화를 완성해보세요.
( Two people are talking about exercise equipment to be installed in the apartment playground. Listen to the man's last words and complete the conversation with what the woman has to say. )
남자 : 우리 아파트 놀이터에 운동 기구를 설치할 거라고 하던데, 얘기 들었어요?
( Man: I heard that you're going to install exercise equipment in our apartment playground. Did you hear that? )
여자 : 네. 그런데 어린이 놀이터에 어른들 운동 기구가 있으면 좀 위험하지 않을까요? 어린 아이들이 잘못 사용하다가 크게 다칠 수도 있어요.
( Woman: Yes. But wouldn't it be a little dangerous if there were adult sports equipment in the children's playground? Young children may get seriously injured if they use it incorrectly. )
남자 : 그건 안내문을 설치하면 될 거 같은데요. 그럼 어떻게 하는 게 좋을까요?
( Man: I think you can install a notice for that. What should we do then? )
Exemplary answers
안내문을 설치해도 문제가 해결될 것 같지는 않아요. 아이들은 안내문을 잘 읽지 않고, 또 놀이터에는 글을 잘 모르는 어린 아이들도 많이 오잖아요. 놀이터는 아이들이 안전하고 즐겁게 뛰어놀 수 있는 곳이어야 된다고 생각해요. 그렇기 때문에 아이들에게 위험할 수 있는 운동 기구를 놀이터에 설치하는 건 안 좋은 것 같아요. 어른들을 위한 운동 기구는 놀이터가 아닌 다른 장소에 설치하면 좋겠어요.
( I don't think installing a notice will solve the problem. Children don't read the notice well, and many young children who don't know much about writing come to the playground. I think the playground should be a safe and enjoyable place for children to play. That's why I don't think it's good to install exercise equipment in the playground that can be dangerous for children. It would be nice to install exercise equipment for adults in a place other than a playground. )
Tips
- Study vocabulary and ways to make a suggestion, give advice, decline a request, etc. in a formal or informal situation or about something important or trivial.
- Try speaking according to the context in a coherent manner.
- Use the time given as much as possible and work on your pronunciation and intonation and the speed at which you speak, while making sure that you sound accurate and natural.
5. Read and Interpret the Information
- This is an advanced-level question where you will be evaluated on whether you are able to read and interpret information regarding the economics, science, mass media, culture, the arts, politics, environment, etc. or an abstract concept and express your opinion in a critical way.
- You will be given 70 seconds to prepare your answer. Then, you will have to answer within an 80-second time limit after the beep. This question is worth 15 points.
Instructions
자료를 설명하고 의견을 제시하십시오. 70초 동안 준비하십시오. ‘삐’ 소리가 끝나면 80초 동안 말하십시오.
( Please explain the data and provide your opinion. Prepare for 70 seconds. Talk for 80 seconds after the "beep" sound is over. )
Sample questions
여자 : 뉴스를 듣고 자료에 제시된 사회 현상의 변화를 설명하십시오. 그리고 이러한 현상이 사회에 미치는 영향을 두 가지 말하십시오.
( Woman: Listen to the news and explain the changes in social phenomena presented in the data. And tell us two things about the impact of this phenomenon on society. )
남자 : 다음 뉴스입니다. 요즘 인터넷으로 은행 업무를 보는 사람들이 많은데요. 조사 결과 2010년부터 2020년까지 인터넷 금융 거래 이용률에 큰 변화가 있었습니다. 같은 기간 은행 지점 수 역시 달라진 것으로 나타났습니다.
( Man: Here's the next news. These days, there are many people who do banking on the Internet. As a result of the survey, there was a big change in the utilization rate of Internet financial transactions from 2010 to 2020. The number of bank branches also changed during the same period. )
Exemplary answers
자료에 따르면 2010년부터 2020까지 10년간 인터넷 금융 거래 이용률은 25%에서 60%까지 증가했는데 같은 기간 은행 지점 수는 천 개 이상 줄었습니다. 이러한 변화가 나타난 이유는 스마트폰과 같은 전자 기기를 통해 손쉽게 금융 거래를 할 수 있는 환경이 조성되었기 때문입니다. 과거에는 은행에 직접 방문해서 처리하던 일들을 지금은 인터넷으로 하는 경우가 많아지다 보니 은행 지점의 필요성이 적어지면서 지점 수가 줄어들게 된 것입니다.
이러한 현상이 사회에 미치는 영향은 부정적 측면과 긍정적 측면에서 살펴볼 수 있습니다. 은행 지점이 크게 줄어든 것은 인터넷을 잘 다루지 못하는 사람들에게는 매우 큰 불편함을 느끼게 할 것이고, 은행 일자리가 줄어들게 할 가능성이 있다는 부정적 영향을 예상할 수 있습니다. 반면, 은행의 입장에서는 지점 유지 비용을 줄일 수 있고 이를 미래지향적 금융 거래 시스템을 구축하는 데 투입함으로써 경쟁력 향상을 이룰 수 있다는 긍정적 영향도 예상해 볼 수 있습니다.
( According to the data, Internet financial transaction utilization increased from 25% to 60% over the 10 years from 2010 to 2020, but the number of bank branches decreased by more than a thousand during the same period. The reason for this change is that an environment has been created where financial transactions can be easily made through electronic devices such as smartphones. In the past, as more and more people visit banks and do things on the Internet, the need for bank branches has decreased and the number of branches has decreased.
The impact of this phenomenon on society can be seen in both negative and positive aspects. A significant decrease in bank branches can be expected to make those who are not good at handling the Internet feel very uncomfortable and have the potential to reduce bank jobs. On the other hand, from the bank's point of view, it can also be expected that it can reduce branch maintenance costs and improve competitiveness by investing them in building a future-oriented financial transaction system of financial transactions. )
Tips
- Read visual information (e.g. table, graph, poster, newspaper headline) on a social issue or an abstract concept and explain what it is about by studying essential vocabulary and typical expressions used to express one’s opinion in a critical way.
- It will be helpful to encounter various visual information and practice expressing your opinion in a coherent manner.
- Use the time given as much as possible and work on your pronunciation and intonation and the speed at which you speak, while making sure that you sound accurate and natural. At the same time, make sure that what you say is conveyed clearly and accurately.
6. Presenting Your Opinion
- This is an advanced-level question where you will be required to express your thoughts and opinions in a logical manner in regard to an area of specialty, abstract concept, social issue, etc. or explain why you agree or disagree with a certain opinion.
- You will be given 70 seconds to prepare your answer. Then, you will have to answer within an 80-second time limit after the beep. This question is worth 15 points.
Instructions
질문을 듣고 의견을 제시하십시오. 70초 동안 준비하십시오. ‘삐’ 소리가 끝나면 80초 동안 말하십시오.
( Listen to the questions and give your opinion. Prepare for 70 seconds. Talk for 80 seconds after the "beep" sound is over. )
Sample questions
리더는 자신이 속한 조직을 이끄는 사람입니다. 리더의 생각과 행동은 조직은 물론 그 조직에 속한 구성원 전체에게 영향을 미칩니다. 훌륭한 리더의 조건은 무엇이라고 생각합니까? 리더가 갖춰야 할 조건 두 가지와 그 근거를 말하십시오.
( A leader is a person who leads the organization to which he belongs. Leaders' thoughts and actions affect not only the organization but also all members of that organization. What do you think are the conditions of a great leader? Tell us two conditions that a leader should have and the basis for that. )
Exemplary answers
리더가 어떤 사람인가에 따라 조직이 발전할 수도 있고 또 그렇지 않을 수도 있는데요. 저는 좋은 리더는 우선 정확한 판단력이 있어야 한다고 생각합니다. 리더는 자주 결정을 내려야 하는 순간을 만나게 됩니다. 예를 들면 어떤 사람에게 무슨 일을 맡길지, 조직이 무슨 일을 먼저 처리해야 할지와 같은 것들이죠. 그때 리더의 판단에 따라 일의 성패가 결정됩니다. 그러니까 리더는 어떤 일이 가장 신속하고 합리적인 방향으로 진행되도록 잘 판단할 수 있어야 됩니다.
그 다음은 추진력입니다. 아무리 뛰어난 안목으로 훌륭한 판단을 했더라도 추진력이 없으면 소용이 없습니다. 일을 하다 보면 일이 계획대로 진행되지 않거나 생각지도 못했던 난관에 부딪히게 되기도 합니다. 그럴 때 리더는 구성원들의 힘을 한데로 모아 일을 계속 진행시킬 수 있어야 됩니다.
저는 판단력과 추진력, 이 두 가지가 리더가 갖추어야 하는 가장 중요한 조건이라고 생각합니다.
( Depending on who the leader is, the organization may or may not develop. I think a good leader should have accurate judgment first. Leaders often encounter moments when they have to make decisions. For example, what kind of person to entrust and what kind of organization to do first. At that time, the success or failure of the work is determined by the leader's judgment. So leaders should be able to judge well so that something goes in the fastest and most reasonable direction.Next is driving force. No matter how good your judgment is, it's useless if you don't have momentum. As you work, things may not go as planned or face unexpected difficulties. In that case, the leader must be able to bring the strength of the members together and continue the work.I think judgment and drive are the most important conditions that a leader must have. )
Tips
- Try acquiring background knowledge about various topics and study related vocabulary, expressions, etc. so that you can present your opinion regarding a social issue, abstract concept, etc. that requires an advanced level of proficiency in Korean.
- Practice by using a wide range of vocabulary and sentence structures according to the context and try to speak in a logical and convincing way by presenting a reasonable basis.
- Work on your pronunciation and intonation and the speed at which you speak, while making sure that you sound accurate and natural so that the listener can understand exactly what you are trying to say.
