Pass TOPIK 1
16 weeks · 3 milestones
Understand basic Korean expressions and handle simple everyday exchanges. Unlike app-based learning, every milestone requires proof of real human communication — not a score on an app.
Milestone map
Milestone map
3 milestones
TOPIK I (covering levels 1–2) requires approximately 800 vocabulary items and understanding of basic sentence structures. Korean is an SOV (Subject-Object-Verb) language with postpositions rather than prepositions — the particle always follows the noun it marks. The topic marker 은/는 and subject marker 이/가 are the first major distinction: 은/는 marks what the sentence is about (topic), while 이/가 marks the grammatical subject. Basic tense is expressed with the polite -아/어요 ending in the present and -았/었어요 in the past.
Proof required
Complete a 60-item TOPIK I practice set and submit a photo with a score of 70% or above, plus a handwritten page showing: (1) 5 sentences using 은/는 and 5 using 이/가 with a note on the distinction, (2) 5 sentences in the polite present tense (-아/어요), (3) 3 sentences in the past tense (-았/었어요).
What gets checked
- 70% or above on a 60-item TOPIK I practice set
- 은/는 and 이/가 contrast sentences demonstrate genuine understanding of topic vs. subject marking
- Tense markers correctly applied: polite present vs. past forms