Everyday life
Shopping, transport and medical visits can be harder when you cannot explain what you need.
With preparation, your starting point changes
A different starting point
Without enough preparation
With Korean preparation
Everyday life
You can ask questions, get help and handle everyday situations more easily.
Administration
You may need help understanding instructions and application forms.
Administration
You can check information and documents yourself and ask the person in charge questions.
Study
Korean-taught lectures, assignments and presentations can be demanding.
Study
You can express your ideas and discuss what you have learned to check your understanding of the lessons.
Work
Job searches, applications and interviews may be more difficult.
Work
Learning workplace expressions can help you better understand your experience and job responsibilities.
Opportunities
Without checking language requirements, you may miss suitable programmes.
Opportunities
You can prepare for your chosen institution’s requirements and explore the options available to you.
Language skills are one part of your preparation. Check the relevant institution’s admission, hiring and residence requirements.
Build the Korean you need, step by step
Korean and visas
Language requirements depend on your purpose and visa category. Korean ability alone does not determine visa approval; check official guidance for your category.
Korean for work
Korean helps you understand instructions and safety information, and explain your experience in interviews. Start with the expressions used in your target role.
Practice in daily life
Combine the Korean you encounter with listening and speaking practice. Set specific goals and practise situations you expect to encounter each day.
Plan learning alongside arrival
Check application dates and required scores first, then try making a study plan that fits your current level and the time you have available.
Prepare for the test. Use the language.
TOPIK assesses Korean proficiency for non-native speakers.
Check the guidance page of your target university or institution for the required scores and assessment procedures.
TOPIK I
Listening · Reading
TOPIK II
Listening · Writing · Reading
Checked 26 Oct 2026 · NIIED Study in Korea / TOPIK