📘 TOPIK Starter Series #1 — OVERVIEW : Why TOPIK? (and How to Win Fast)
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📘 TOPIK Starter Series #1 — Why TOPIK? (and How to Win Fast)
You weren’t planning to take TOPIK today.
Give me 5 minutes. I’ll show you why even non-test-takers use TOPIK as a system to learn faster—and how you can get a first win today.
- A simple mechanism that makes daily progress automatic (not willpower-based).
- A 90-day map for busy adults—no burnout, clear milestones.
- A 7-minute starter you can complete right after this post.
Learners don’t “get good” at Korean and then pass TOPIK. They build a tiny, repeatable routine—and the routine makes them good and pass.
This series installs that routine: method → sample item → solving tip → next action. Follow it, and the score follows you.
What is TOPIK? The Test of Proficiency in Korean measures non-native speakers’ ability. Bands: TOPIK I (Level 1–2), TOPIK II (Level 3–6). Sections: Listening & Reading (both), Writing (TOPIK II).
New to levels? Start here → Understanding Korean Proficiency Levels
Read on to discover…
- The “contrast flip” that turns Listening traps (하지만/그래도) into predictable answers.
- The 3-sentence scaffold that cleans up Writing—even for TOPIK I learners.
- Scan-first reading: two sentences that reveal most questions’ intent.
- Busy-adult 90-day map: 45-minute weekdays + one weekend mock.
Free series now, personalized coaching later: if you want a tailored plan or writing feedback, book a lesson → italki | Korean with Hoon
Part 1 — How to Prepare (Start Today)
🎯 Step 1) Pick Your Target Level
TOPIK I (1–2) — daily life basics
Perfect for momentum & confidence.
TOPIK II (3–6) — university & work
Aim 3–4 for entry, 5–6 for advanced roles.
🧭 Quick self-check: If you still translate most short notices, start with TOPIK I. If you can summarize main ideas and write 5–7 sentences, consider TOPIK II.
🧰 Step 2) Build a Lean Stack
- 📘 1 core text (grammar + reading) you’ll actually finish.
- 🗂️ 1 vocab deck (theme-based; add your own examples).
- 🧪 Past papers (start weekly from Week 2).
- 🧾 Error notebook with tags: grammar vocab inference timing careless
📅 Step 3) 90-Day Skeleton (Busy-Adult Friendly)
⏱️ Weekdays (45–60 min)
15 min listening shadowing → 20 min reading/grammar → 10–15 min vocab
🗓️ Weekend (75–90 min)
1 full mock section + 30 min error review
🏁 Milestones:
first full mock
gap-fix mock
exam-pace mock
light review only
⚡ Fast Wins (Listening / Reading / Writing)
🎧 Listening
Scan options ➝ Contrast (하지만/그래도) ➝ Numbers/Time ➝ Intent (last line)
📖 Reading
Title ➝ 1st sentence ➝ Last sentence ➝ Questions ➝ Targeted re-read
✍️ Writing (TOPIK I)
Topic ➝ Detail ➝ Wrap-up + 1 connector (그리고/하지만/그래서)
Coming next: Part 2 — TOPIK I Writing Templates (plug-and-play frameworks + model answers). Preview
Official & Trustworthy Resources
- 🔗 TOPIK Official Website (NIIED) → topik.go.kr
- 🔗 NIIED — TOPIK Info Page → niied.go.kr / TOPIK
- 🔗 Study in Korea (Gov. Portal) — TOPIK & Study Guides → studyinkorea.go.kr
- 🔗 Embassy / Korean Education Center Announcements (check your country) — e.g. Seattle Consulate TOPIK Notice
Tip: Registration, local test centers, and exact dates are usually posted by your nearest Korean Education Center or Embassy.
Related starter: Understanding Korean Proficiency Levels • Speak Like a Real Korean (6 Magic Words)
Before you go → Read the next post first! / 해당 글을 읽고 다음 글을 가장 먼저 읽으세요!
- Open Part 2 — TOPIK I Writing Templates now → Go to Part 2 / 지금 2편—TOPIK I 쓰기 템플릿을 열어보세요.
- Bookmark this blog (Ctrl/⌘+D) — Re-reading multiplies your progress. / 내 블로그를 즐겨찾기(Ctrl/⌘+D) 해두세요. 반복 읽기 학습이 가장 중요합니다.
Visualize Your Future Self
Read the full series and take one small action per day. You’ll install a study system you can run on your own—consistently.
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
— James Clear, Atomic Habits
If this helped, share it with a friend who’s learning Korean—and tell them to start at Part 1. Small habits, big wins.
💡 This article focuses on your learning and growth. For the best readability (diagrams & long-form layout), it’s more comfortable on PC. / 이 글은 여러분의 학습과 성장에 초점을 맞추었습니다. 가독성을 위해 PC 버전으로 읽으면 더 편합니다.
Ready for a personalized 90-day TOPIK plan?
Get feedback on your writing, fix weak spots fast, and stay consistent with weekly check-ins.
Book a Lesson on italki지금 예약하면 맞춤형 학습 로드맵과 과제 피드백을 바로 시작할 수 있어요.
Tags: TOPIK, Korean exam tips, TOPIK I, TOPIK II, Korean learning, study plan, habits
