Korean Job Discussion Forums

[iotaphi821]

Just wondering if anyone had taken it? What your impression was, what you studied, how you did, did you take the Basic or the "regular"?

Thinking when I get over there I may look into it and use it as a model of what to study for, just wanted some opinions from people that have taken it.

[coralreefer_1]

I took and passed the mid-level (중급) TOPIK almost 2 years ago.

At that time, I had just finished a year long Korean language program at a university. Aside from the books we studied at the university (SNU series) the bookstores carry the KLPT books for several levels,and those are also a good primer for the appropriate level TOPIK. The only TOPIK books at the stores I have seen are simply books of past tests, nothing like the KLPT books which shows the grammar, vocab, etc, for that level, and gives the English translation for the vocab, explanations for grammar usage.

Also, the TOPIK website (at least at that time, not sure about now) had previous tests( not sample tests but the actual test taken before) available for download, along with the audio for the listening portion. It was quite easy to download those tests, take them, then check the answers from the answer sheet. This is a good way to identify any problems you have and have an idea of what you need to work on..(In my case, causatives and passives gave me headaches, and still do)

I found the test to be quite easy, but granted I had just finished the program, and had been studying the KLPT books and studying the practice tests also..so I scored in the mid 90's when i actually took the test. It was all fresh in my mind, though if I took the same test now, I'm sure I would not score as high.

As far as the test itself, its pretty basic, and you can get the feeling that the Korean learning style of memorization plays a big part of the test. Honestly I would like to see a speaking portion done also, with an examiner and being graded on pronunciation and ability to form sentences on the fly.

[eunjeong]

You can get books for studying for the KLPT? Where do you get them?

[asylum seeker]

They have books for it at most of the big book stores like Bandi & Lunis or Books Libro, just look in the languages section. Also once you have registered on the TOPIK website ( http://www.topik.or.kr )you can download previous exams. Doing lots of previous exams is a good way to study for it as the same kind of questions tend to come up. At the 중급 level you're going to need to memorize a lot of vocab, no way to avoid that.

[eunjeong]

I'm guessing those stores are not in korea =D
i'm in korea so i'm hoping to find somewhere in korea to buy the books, but i guess gmarket might have them. i'm planning on taking the intermediate or advanced test in september. the grammar is okay for me, but i need to study vocab. ^^ can you suggest a book for me?

[eunjeong]

I'm guessing those stores are not in korea =D
i'm in korea so i'm hoping to find somewhere in korea to buy the books, but i guess gmarket might have them. i'm planning on taking the intermediate or advanced test in september. the grammar is okay for me, but i need to study vocab. ^^ can you suggest a book for me?

[Snowflake]

[coralreefer_1]

I've never heard of those bookstores, but I can tell you the large chain bookstores Kyobo and Yoongpun (sp) both carry the books mentioned as well as many other Korean language materials.