Updated September 11, 2025 “Until I’m satisfied” — continuously improved with learner feedback.

TOPIK starter overview — exam day desk, headphones, study plan checklist for Korean test

📘 TOPIK Starter Series #1 — Why TOPIK? (and How to Win Fast)

📑 Table of Contents (open/close)

Hook — 5-minute case for TOPIK
Story — routine > score
What is TOPIK?
Part 1 — How to prepare (start today)
Fast wins (LRW)
Official resources
Next in the series
Coaching CTA

You weren’t planning to take TOPIK today.

Give me 5 minutes. I’ll show 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:

Day 30
first full mock

Day 60
gap-fix mock

Day 80
exam-pace mock

Day 85–89
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) → studyinkorea.go.kr
🔗 Embassy / Korean Education Center Notices — e.g. Seattle Consulate TOPIK Notice

Tip: Registration, local test centers, and dates are posted by your nearest Korean Education Center or Embassy.

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 2편을 열어보세요.
Bookmark this blog (Ctrl/⌘+D) — Re-reading multiplies progress. / 즐겨찾기하여 반복 학습하세요.