A beginner’s study path for TOPIK I

1. Build a foundation before timed practice

If you are new to Korean, begin with Hangul syllable blocks, common greetings, introductions, numbers, places, and polite requests. Learn what each word means and how it is used. Small amounts of spaced review make it easier to recognize vocabulary in a new sentence. Haru’s beginner lessons include short study cards and simple review questions.

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2. Practise listening for one useful clue

In listening practice, listen once for the overall situation: who is speaking and what they are doing. Listen again for concrete details such as a time, a price, a place, or a plan. Korean speech may connect sounds between syllables, so replaying a short sentence and reading its transcript can help beginners connect sound to spelling.

The official TOPIK website provides candidate tutorials that demonstrate its listening interface. Haru’s guided questions use newly written practice dialogue and device based Korean speech synthesis. Voice quality and Korean voice availability depend on your browser and device.

3. Read everyday text for its purpose

Short notices, schedules, messages, and simple passages often contain clues in familiar words and numbers. First ask what the text is for. Then find details such as 영업 시간 (business hours), 일요일 (Sunday), 오후 (afternoon), and 출발하다 (to depart). Review the answer explanation to see which word or phrase gave it away.

Try guided reading practice →

How TOPIK I PBT and IBT differ

The National Institute for International Education publishes separate formats for TOPIK I. Its current format overview lists the section counts, time limits, and level score ranges below. Check the linked official notice before registering because exam information can change.

Those scales belong to their own test formats. Haru’s short question sets use a simple correct-answer percentage for personal practice only. They do not estimate an official TOPIK score or predict a certificate level. Check the NIIED official format and score overview ↗

A short weekly routine

Try one small session at a time: review five words, practise a listening exchange, read a short notice, and revisit the explanations for questions you missed. Keep the pace sustainable. Build vocabulary and grammar alongside question practice rather than memorizing answer patterns alone.

Start a guided practice set

Haru offers a six question mixed set with three listening and three reading questions, plus four question practice in either section. English prompts and answer explanations support beginners. Listening questions use Korean speech playback when your device has a Korean voice installed.

Haru’s questions are original practice written for this learning site. They are not official, released, or copied TOPIK items. The mini set does not replicate the full exam timing or length.