Milestone map
Milestone map
3 milestones
Build TOPIK I vocabulary and basic grammar
3 weeks
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
Common mistakes
- Treating 은/는 and 이/가 as interchangeable — this distinction does not exist in English and requires deliberate attention; it is tested at every TOPIK level
- Learning vocabulary only in romanisation (romanisasi/romaja) — TOPIK I tests Hangul reading without romanisation support
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- The 은/는 vs. 이/가 distinction: 은/는 often signals contrast or introduces a known/established topic; 이/가 often introduces new information as the grammatical subject. Ask the learner to explain one of their paired examples
- Past tense form: -았어요 after bright vowels (ㅏ/ㅗ), -었어요 after dark vowels — check this is correctly applied in the submitted sentences
- Hangul writing: all sentences should be in Korean script, not romanisation
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Expand TOPIK I to location particles and verb endings
3 weeks
TOPIK I vocabulary and grammar expands to include the location postpositions 에 (for static location and destination: 학교에 있어요, 학교에 가요) and 에서 (for active location: 학교에서 공부해요). Verb conjugation patterns include -고 싶어요 (want to), -을/를 좋아해요 (like), -고 있어요 (present continuous), and -(으)ㄹ 거예요 for future intention. Numbers in Korean follow two systems: Sino-Korean (일/이/삼...) for dates/money/phone, and native Korean (하나/둘/셋...) for counting objects with measure words.
Proof required
Submit a handwritten page (photo or scan) showing: (1) three sentences using 에 and three using 에서 with a note on the distinction, (2) two sentences using -(으)ㄹ 거예요 for future intention, (3) one example each of a Sino-Korean number and a native Korean number in a sentence context.
What gets checked
- 에 vs. 에서 sentences correctly contrast static/directional location with active location
- Future -(으)ㄹ 거예요 sentences use a realistic future context (not present or past framing)
- Number system sentences correctly pair the number type with the right counting context (Sino-Korean for money/date, native Korean for counting objects)
Common mistakes
- Using 에 for active location (e.g. 카페에 공부해요) — this is the most common particle error at TOPIK I level; active location requires 에서
- Mixing up the two number systems — native Korean numbers are used with native Korean counters (시 for hours uses 한 시, not 일 시; but 분 for minutes uses 일 분, not 하나 분)
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- 에 vs. 에서: at school = 학교에서 (active location — studying happens there); going to school = 학교에 가요 (direction); being at school = 학교에 있어요 (static location). Ask the learner to explain the difference
- Number systems: 한 시 삼십 분 (1:30) uses native Korean for hours and Sino-Korean for minutes. The learner should know this hybrid convention
- Future -(으)ㄹ 거예요: the appropriate form after a consonant stem is -을 거예요, after a vowel stem -ㄹ 거예요. Check that the learner has applied the correct form
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Pass TOPIK I and hold a 5-minute Korean conversation
2 weeks
Submit your official TOPIK I result. Because TOPIK does not test speaking, also record a 5-minute unscripted conversation with a native or near-native Korean speaker. At TOPIK I level, conversations will cover simple everyday topics: greetings, family, food, daily routine, and immediate surroundings. Tone and politeness markers (-요 ending) should be used consistently.
Proof required
Submit (1) your official TOPIK I result notification (NIIED-issued, showing level 1 or 2 achieved), AND (2) a video recording of a 5-minute unscripted conversation with a native or near-native Korean speaker, with both sides audible.
What gets checked
- Official TOPIK I result showing Level 1 or Level 2 achieved (80+ for Level 1, 140+ for Level 2 out of 200)
- Conversation is at least 5 minutes with both speakers audible
- Polite speech level (-요 ending) used consistently throughout the conversation
Common mistakes
- Studying only for the written exam without practising speaking — TOPIK I vocabulary and patterns need to transfer to production through speaking practice
- Using informal speech (반말) in the conversation before establishing that context — polite speech (-요) is the correct default for a conversation with an unfamiliar speaker
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- The TOPIK I result should be NIIED-issued — it shows total score and the achieved level (1 or 2 within TOPIK I)
- Polite speech level: the -요 ending should appear on essentially every sentence at this level; sporadic omission is acceptable, consistent omission suggests the learner is not yet comfortable with formal register
- Conversation topics at TOPIK I level: greetings, basic preferences (좋아요/싫어요), daily routine, food — this range is appropriate and expected
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