FAQ – Korean Level Test
Does this level test provide an official result?
No, this Korean test is a free self-assessment tool. It does not provide any official certification and has no academic value. Its purpose is to position you on the TOPIK scale and help you prepare for official exams by identifying areas for improvement.
Why take this test if it’s not official?
This test helps you assess your skills without stress, familiarize yourself with the TOPIK format, measure your progress over time, and target areas needing additional work. It’s a compass for your learning, not a diploma.
What is the best Korean test?
The TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean / 한국어능력시험) is the official reference exam for Korean. Developed by the South Korean government, it is internationally recognized for studies, employment, and immigration. It exists in two versions: TOPIK I (levels 1-2, beginner to elementary) with 2 sections over 100 minutes, and TOPIK II (levels 3-6, intermediate to advanced) with 3 sections over 180 minutes. The test assesses written and oral comprehension only. Organized 6 times a year in over 80 countries, it costs approximately 40-70€ depending on the country and is valid for life.
How do you say 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 in Korean?
Korean has two numbering systems used in different contexts:
Sino-Korean numbers (of Chinese origin – for dates, money, phone numbers):
- 1 – 일 (il)
- 2 – 이 (i)
- 3 – 삼 (sam)
- 4 – 사 (sa)
- 5 – 오 (o)
- 6 – 육 (yuk)
- 7 – 칠 (chil)
- 8 – 팔 (pal)
- 9 – 구 (gu)
- 10 – 십 (ship)
Native Korean numbers (for age, time, counting objects):
- 1 – 하나 (hana)
- 2 – 둘 (dul)
- 3 – 셋 (set)
- 4 – 넷 (net)
- 5 – 다섯 (daseot)
- 6 – 여섯 (yeoseot)
- 7 – 일곱 (ilgop)
- 8 – 여덟 (yeodeol)
- 9 – 아홉 (ahop)
- 10 – 열 (yeol)
Knowing which system to use is essential: “2 o’clock” = 두 시 (du si – native) but “2nd floor” = 2층 (i-cheung – sino-Korean).
What is a Korean oppa?
Oppa (오빠) is an affectionate term of address used by women to refer to an older male, typically an older brother, close friend, boyfriend, or sometimes a male celebrity. It’s a key element of the Korean honorific system that reflects social hierarchy based on age. Men use hyung (형) to refer to an older male. Other similar terms: unni (언니) – woman to older woman, noona (누나) – man to older woman. Inappropriate use of these terms can be considered impolite, as they imply a certain relational closeness.
What is Korean level A2?
Level A2 corresponds to TOPIK I level 2 (140-200 points). At this stage, you can use hangeul fluently, understand and use expressions about familiar topics (shopping, family, leisure), hold simple conversations on everyday topics, distinguish and use basic formal and informal language, read short simple texts, and master approximately 1500-2000 vocabulary words. This is the level needed for basic social interactions in Korea and typically represents 6-12 months of regular study after A1.
What are the TOPIK levels?
TOPIK comprises 6 levels divided into two exams. TOPIK I covers levels 1 (80-139 points, beginner) and 2 (140-200 points, elementary). TOPIK II covers levels 3 (120-149 points, lower intermediate), 4 (150-189 points, upper intermediate), 5 (190-229 points, lower advanced), and 6 (230-300 points, upper advanced). Level 3 is generally required to enter a Korean university, level 4-5 to work in business, and level 6 demonstrates near-native proficiency.
How long does it take to learn Korean?
Korean is classified among difficult languages for English speakers. Realistic estimates: TOPIK 1: 200-300 hours (6-9 months), TOPIK 2: 400-600 cumulative hours (1-1.5 years), TOPIK 3: 800-1200 cumulative hours (2-3 years), TOPIK 4: 1200-1800 cumulative hours (3-4 years), TOPIK 5-6: 2000-3000 cumulative hours (4-6+ years). Immersion in Korea can reduce these durations by 30-40%. Learning hangeul takes only 1-2 weeks, which is a major advantage.
Is Korean difficult to learn?
Korean presents unique challenges but also advantages. Difficulties: complex honorific system with 7 levels of politeness, agglutinative grammar with numerous particles, SOV word order (subject-object-verb), two numbering systems, pronunciation with sounds absent in English, sino-Korean vs native Korean vocabulary. Advantages: hangeul (scientific alphabet) very logical and quick to learn, regular pronunciation once rules are acquired, no tones like Chinese, no grammatical gender, regular and predictable conjugation, many modern resources (K-dramas, K-pop, webtoons).
What is hangeul?
Hangeul (한글) is the Korean alphabet, created in 1443 by King Sejong the Great. It’s one of the most scientific and logical writing systems in the world. It comprises 24 basic letters (14 consonants and 10 vowels) that combine into syllabic blocks. Unlike thousands of Chinese or Japanese characters, hangeul can be mastered in 1-2 weeks. The letters are phonetic and their shape reflects the position of the tongue and lips during pronunciation. For example: ㄱ (g/k), ㄴ (n), ㄷ (d/t), ㄹ (r/l), ㅁ (m), ㅂ (b/p), ㅅ (s), ㅇ (ng/silent), ㅈ (j), ㅎ (h).
What is the Korean honorific system?
The honorific system (존댓말 jondaetmal vs 반말 banmal) is fundamental in Korean. It reflects social hierarchy based on age, status, and relationship. Several levels exist: formal-polite (하십시오체), informal-polite (해요체), informal (해체), and other nuances. Using the wrong level can be considered disrespectful. Verbs, nouns, and even certain vocabulary words change according to the politeness level. For example, “to eat”: 드시다 (deusida – very honorific), 먹다 (meokda – neutral), 처먹다 (cheomeokda – vulgar). This system also applies to name suffixes (씨, 님) and pronouns.
Do I need TOPIK to study in Korea?
Yes, for most programs. South Korean universities generally require TOPIK 3 minimum for undergraduate admission (some programs require TOPIK 4), TOPIK 4-5 for master’s programs, and TOPIK 5-6 for doctoral programs. For Korean government scholarships (GKS/KGSP), TOPIK 3-4 is required. To obtain a skilled work visa (E-7), TOPIK 4 is often required. For naturalization, TOPIK 4 is mandatory. Some universities offer one-year intensive language courses before admission to reach the required level.
How can I progress after this test?
To progress effectively in Korean: study with a native teacher who masters the honorific system, practice hangeul daily until fully automated, watch K-dramas with Korean subtitles (not English), listen to K-pop while analyzing lyrics, use SRS apps for vocabulary and particles, practice handwriting hangeul, join language exchange groups, read webtoons adapted to your level, and take TOPIK practice tests regularly. Consistency is crucial – 30 minutes daily is better than 4 hours on weekends.
Why learn Korean in 2025?
Korean offers exceptional opportunities: Hallyu (Korean wave) – direct access to K-pop, K-dramas, films, webtoons without subtitles; 12th largest economy with giants like Samsung, Hyundai, LG; tech hub in AI, semiconductors, robotics; academic opportunities with generous government scholarships; entertainment industry expanding worldwide; rich culture between tradition and modernity; professional advantage rare in the West. South Korea is also a prized expatriation destination with excellent quality of life.
Transform your passion for Korea into real skill!
You’ve tested your level – it’s time to take it to the next level! BreakIntoLingo offers you online Korean courses with qualified native teachers who will teach you not only the language, but also the essential cultural subtleties to communicate like a true Korean. From hangeul to the honorific system, including intensive TOPIK preparation, our teachers create customized programs tailored to your goals.
Book your trial lesson and start your Korean adventure now!