TOPIK I — Level 2

TOPIK

Vocabulary Target

~1,500-2,000 words

Grammar Focus

Connectors, irregular verbs, passive/causative basics

Overview

TOPIK I Level 2 is the higher tier within the TOPIK I exam. While you take the same test as Level 1 candidates, a higher score places you at Level 2. This level certifies that you can handle everyday communication beyond basic survival — making phone calls, using public services, and understanding simple announcements and notices. It corresponds roughly to CEFR A2.

Passing score: 140 out of 200 total points (combined Listening + Reading).

Achieving Level 2 demonstrates a solid foundation and is often the minimum requirement for certain Korean language programs and short-term work visas.

Exam Structure

The exam is identical to Level 1 — the same test paper, same questions.

Section Questions Time Points
Listening (듣기) 30 questions 40 minutes 100
Reading (읽기) 40 questions 60 minutes 100
Total 70 questions 100 minutes 200

To reach 140 points, you need strong accuracy on both sections. The later questions in each section (questions 20-30 in Listening, 30-40 in Reading) are significantly harder and test Level 2 competency specifically.

Vocabulary Topics

Level 2 requires approximately 1,500-2,000 words, building on the Level 1 foundation:

Grammar Points

Level 2 grammar adds complexity through connectors, irregular verbs, and more nuanced expressions.

Connectors (연결어미): - -아/어서 (because/and then): 배가 아파서 병원에 갔어요. — My stomach hurt so I went to the hospital. - -(으)니까 (because/since): 비가 오니까 우산을 가져가세요. — Since it's raining, take an umbrella. - -지만 (but): 비싸지만 맛있어요. — It's expensive but delicious. - -(으)면 (if): 시간이 있으면 같이 가요. — If you have time, let's go together. - -(으)ㄹ 때 (when): 한국에 갈 때 뭐 하고 싶어요? — When you go to Korea, what do you want to do?

Irregular verbs (불규칙 동사): - ㅂ irregular: 덥다 → 더워요 (hot), 춥다 → 추워요 (cold), 어렵다 → 어려워요 (difficult) - ㄷ irregular: 듣다 → 들어요 (to listen), 걷다 → 걸어요 (to walk) - ㅅ irregular: 짓다 → 지어요 (to build), 낫다 → 나아요 (to be better)

Additional patterns: - -고 있다 (progressive): 지금 공부하고 있어요. — I'm studying now. - -아/어 보다 (try doing): 김치를 먹어 보세요. — Try eating kimchi. - -(으)ㄴ 적이 있다 (experience): 한국에 간 적이 있어요. — I've been to Korea. - -기 전에 / -(으)ㄴ 후에 (before/after): 자기 전에 책을 읽어요. — I read before sleeping.

Study Tips

  1. Target 70% accuracy on both sections. With 140/200 needed, you cannot afford to be weak in either Listening or Reading. Balance your study time equally.
  2. Master the connectors. Level 2 Reading passages use compound sentences heavily. If you cannot parse -아/어서, -(으)니까, and -지만, comprehension drops dramatically.
  3. Study irregular verb tables systematically. There are only 7 irregular patterns in Korean. Memorize the common verbs in each category — they appear on every exam.
  4. Practice with real notices and signs. TOPIK I Reading includes questions about announcements (안내문), invitations (초대장), and signs. Visit Korean websites or apps to get used to these formats.
  5. Build reading speed. At Level 2, the later reading passages are 4-5 sentences long. Practice reading Korean text without stopping to look up every word — guess from context.

Sample Questions

Listening — Dialogue comprehension (듣기 15-20번 유형): You hear a dialogue: 남자: "주말에 뭐 할 거예요?" 여자: "친구하고 영화를 보려고 해요." Question: 여자는 주말에 무엇을 할 거예요? (a) 운동할 거예요 (b) 영화를 볼 거예요 (c) 여행을 갈 거예요 (d) 공부할 거예요

Answer: (b) 영화를 볼 거예요

Reading — Notice comprehension (읽기 유형):

한국어 교실 안내 일시: 매주 월요일, 수요일 오후 3시-5시 장소: 3층 305호 대상: 외국인 학생 신청: 1층 사무실

Question: 한국어 교실은 언제 합니까? (a) 매일 (b) 월요일, 수요일 (c) 화요일, 목요일 (d) 주말

Answer: (b) 월요일, 수요일

Reading — Paragraph main idea:

요즘 한국에서는 혼자 밥을 먹는 사람이 많습니다. 그래서 '혼밥'이라는 말이 생겼습니다. 혼자 먹기 좋은 식당도 많아졌습니다.

Question: 이 글의 중심 내용은 무엇입니까? (a) 한국 음식 종류 (b) 혼자 식사하는 문화 (c) 식당 추천 (d) 요리 방법

Answer: (b) 혼자 식사하는 문화

On LangSteps, Level 2 preparation builds on Level 1 material: