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Writer's pictureEtika Sukma Adiyanti

"Taking on the TOPIK: My Journey and Stories from Around the World"

If you’re gearing up for the TOPIK exam, or just toying with the idea, I’ve got a story for you. Actually, I’ve got a collection of stories, because this adventure isn’t something you go through alone. The TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) exam is no small feat, and I’ve met some amazing people online along the way who shared their experiences with me. We laughed over our mistakes, panicked over tricky questions, and celebrated every small victory. Let’s walk through it together, like friends navigating a maze. And trust me, this maze has some interesting twists and turns!

 

First Things First: A Bit About TOPIK

 

For anyone who might be new to this whole thing, let’s break down TOPIK a bit. The exam is divided into two major parts: TOPIK I, which is meant for beginners, and TOPIK II, which is for intermediate to advanced learners. Each part is then further divided into levels. TOPIK I covers Levels 1 and 2, focusing on basic vocabulary and grammar. TOPIK II, on the other hand, spans Levels 3 to 6 and digs into more complex grammar, comprehension, and writing skills. Sound simple? Well, as I and my friends quickly learned, each level brings a whole new set of challenges.

 

Let’s start with TOPIK I, where many of us, myself included, first dipped our toes into the waters of Korean proficiency. When I first decided to take TOPIK Level 1, I thought, “How hard can it be? I already know some basic Korean phrases, and I can read Hangul!” But as the exam day got closer, I realized that knowing a few phrases and actually comprehending written and spoken Korean are two different ball games.

 

Lyba from Pakistan: The TOPIK I Journey

 

One of the first people I met on my TOPIK journey was Lyba from Pakistan. She had already taken both Levels 1 and 2 of TOPIK I and was kind enough to share some of her prep techniques. Lyba has this incredibly upbeat personality and told me, “Level 1 is all about laying down the foundation.” She prepared by watching Korean variety shows with subtitles. “I’d pick a show I really liked, like ‘Running Man’, and try to listen carefully to how the words are used,” she explained. The humor helped her remember words better, and it kept her engaged.

 

As she moved to Level 2, however, she noticed that the exam required a deeper understanding of context. “It wasn’t enough to just memorize vocabulary; I needed to understand how phrases fit together,” she said. For that, she started reading simple articles and news headlines. “When you get to Level 2, you have to follow basic stories in Korean, so reading news articles was really helpful!” She admitted to some nerves on test day but said the confidence boost she felt afterward was worth every moment of anxiety.

 

Priya from India: Battling Pre-Exam Jitters

 

Priya from India was another friend who took on TOPIK, and she was prepping for TOPIK II, specifically, Level 4. Priya’s goal was to achieve a score that could potentially get her into a Korean university for further studies, as Level 4 is often recognized by many institutions for admission purposes. I remember Priya being the most nervous of our group. “I felt like my brain froze on test day,” she said, laughing at herself in retrospect.

 

For Priya, vocabulary was the biggest challenge. “The amount of vocabulary you need to know for Level 4 is insane!” she told me. To tackle it, she created vocabulary lists that she would study every day. She also used an app to review grammar rules, and on test day, she had a small ritual of repeating key phrases to herself to calm her nerves. Her strategy was simple but effective: she’d say the vocabulary out loud while waiting in line for the exam room. “It helped me focus, and weirdly, it made me feel like I had my own cheerleader,” she joked.

 

Alex from Canada: Finding Fun in Group Studies

 

Then there’s Alex from Canada, one of the most easy-going learners I’ve ever met. Alex has this great sense of humor and isn’t one to take things too seriously. He approached his TOPIK studies with a laid-back attitude but still managed to reach Levels 3 and 4. Alex was the kind of person who turned studying into a social event. Every Saturday, he’d gather a few friends for a “Korean-only” study session. “We’d do everything,” he told me. “Flashcards, drama clips, grammar quizzes, you name it.”

 

For Alex, it wasn’t just about acing the exam; it was about making learning enjoyable. His group would challenge each other with vocabulary flashcards, and sometimes they’d even act out scenes from popular K-dramas in Korean. “When you’re having fun, it doesn’t feel like studying,” he explained. This method worked wonders for him, as he managed to pass Level 4 with flying colors. He credits his success to the group study dynamic, saying, “When you’re quizzing each other, you’re forced to think on your feet. And trust me, that’s great practice for the listening portion!”

 

Mei from China: Tackling Grammar One Step at a Time

 

Mei from China had a different approach entirely. She struggled with Korean grammar, which, according to her, was “like nothing I’d ever seen before.” Mei’s native language is Chinese, so learning Korean grammar structures felt foreign to her. She admitted that she was initially overwhelmed by all the conjugation rules and grammatical nuances.

 

But Mei didn’t let that stop her. She started by learning grammar through apps, slowly working her way through simple sentences. One of her favorite resources was reading short Korean stories, from kids’ books to slice-of-life webtoons. By the time she was ready to take TOPIK Level 3, Mei had developed a good grasp of sentence structures, although she admitted that complex grammar was still intimidating. “I was nervous, but at some point, I realized that if I just kept practicing, it would eventually stick,” she said. And it did! Mei passed her exam, which was a huge accomplishment considering her initial struggle.

 

Jonas from Germany: The Perfectionist’s Approach

 

Last but not least, I met Jonas from Germany, who was taking TOPIK Level 5 with one goal in mind, to score high enough for a job application in Seoul. Jonas is what you’d call a perfectionist. For him, nothing short of excellence would do. “I needed to score high for my job, so Level 4 just wasn’t enough,” he explained. Jonas approached his studies with a very systematic method, creating a detailed study calendar that focused on one skill at a time.

 

Each day of the week was dedicated to a different area: Mondays were for listening, Tuesdays for reading, Wednesdays for vocabulary, and so on. Jonas even went as far as recording himself speaking Korean to work on his pronunciation. “I’d listen to my recordings and jot down where I could improve,” he said. This meticulous approach might sound intense, but for Jonas, it was the key to his success. He passed Level 5 with impressive scores and is now eagerly awaiting the job opportunities that will open up for him.

 

My Journey: Just Getting Started with the Basics

 

As for me, I’m still at the very beginning, diving into TOPIK Level 1 and tackling the basics. Right now, it's mostly about building a foundation with simple vocabulary and basic grammar rules. Learning these essentials has been a great way to get comfortable with Korean, and it's shown me just how much more there is to discover in the language.

 

While I can breeze through some of the easier vocabulary questions, understanding even short passages feels like a real challenge. I often find myself going back and re-reading each sentence, trying to piece together the meaning. To make progress, I’ve started reading simple Korean articles and focusing on everyday Korean, like signs or short ads, to get used to the language in real-life contexts. I’ve even begun listening to Korean radio shows, although native speakers talk so quickly that it’s hard to keep up! It’s a challenge, but it’s also a fun and motivating way to improve.

 

So, there you have it—our journeys, nerves, and little triumphs on the path to TOPIK! Learning Korean has been a rollercoaster of moments, from fumbling over grammar to laughing with friends over mispronunciations, and sharing tips with people from all around the world. Each level, whether it’s the basics of Level 1 or the demanding complexity of Level 5, brings its own set of challenges and rewards. And along the way, you discover just how connected we all are in our shared struggles and victories, despite our different backgrounds.

 

Whether you’re aiming for a higher TOPIK level, considering studying in Korea, or simply hoping to enjoy Korean dramas without subtitles, remember that progress may feel slow, but each step truly counts. With every new word, each piece of grammar that clicks, and every attempt to engage with the language, you’re moving closer to understanding a new culture and connecting with more people. So, keep going, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the journey—because learning Korean isn’t just about passing an exam; it’s about becoming part of a global community that celebrates language, culture, and curiosity.

 

 

Written by Amna Khan

 

 

 

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Well Written👏👏👏

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