TOPIK I (Beginner) tests foundational Korean: vocabulary, grammar, listening, and reading comprehension. Below are 10 questions across these sections, each with a step-by-step solution. Use them to gauge your current level and identify weak areas.
Listening Section (듣기)
Question 1: Choose the correct picture
You hear: "여기가 도서관입니다. 책이 많습니다." (This is the library. There are many books.)
Options: A) A classroom with desks B) A library with bookshelves C) A park with trees D) A restaurant with tables
Solution: The speaker says "도서관" (library) and "책" (books). Option B matches. The other options describe different places. Always listen for the key noun.
Question 2: Select the appropriate response
You hear: "오늘 날씨가 어때요?" (How is the weather today?)
Options: A) 네, 좋아요. B) 따뜻해요. C) 책을 읽어요. D) 학교에 가요.
Solution: The question asks about weather. Option B means "It's warm." Option A is a general agreement, C and D are unrelated. Listen for the topic — here it's 날씨 (weather).
Question 3: Complete the conversation
You hear: "가방이 있어요?" (Do you have a bag?) — then a pause.
Options: A) 네, 여기 있어요. B) 아니요, 책이에요. C) 가방이 커요. D) 네, 좋아요.
Solution: The question expects a yes/no answer about possession. Option A says "Yes, here it is." Option B is contradictory (no, it's a book). C describes size, D expresses liking. A is the natural response.
Reading Section (읽기)
Question 4: Read the sign
Sign text: "출입 금지" (No entry)
Question: What does this sign mean? A) You may enter. B) Do not enter. C) Please enter. D) Exit here.
Solution: "출입" means entry/exit, "금지" means forbidden. So "No entry." Option B is correct.
Question 5: Read the notice
Notice: "오늘은 휴일입니다. 내일 오전 9시에 문을 엽니다." (Today is a holiday. We open tomorrow at 9 AM.)
Question: When does the place open? A) Today at 9 AM B) Tomorrow at 9 AM C) Today at 9 PM D) Tomorrow at 9 PM
Solution: Key phrase: "내일 오전 9시" (tomorrow 9 AM). Option B is correct. The word "휴일" (holiday) tells you today is closed.
Question 6: Vocabulary in context
Sentence: "저는 매일 아침 7시에 일어납니다."
Question: What does "일어납니다" mean? A) Eat B) Sleep C) Wake up D) Study
Solution: The sentence says "Every morning at 7 I ..." The verb 일어나다 means to get up/wake up. Option C. Context clues: 매일 아침 (every morning) + time.
Vocabulary & Grammar (어휘·문법)
Question 7: Choose the correct particle
Sentence: "학교___ 갑니다." (Go to school.)
Options: A) 에 B) 에서 C) 을 D) 이
Solution: The particle 에 indicates direction/target (to a place). 에서 means "at" or "from." 을 is object marker, 이 is subject marker. So A is correct.
Question 8: Verb conjugation
Base verb: "먹다" (to eat)
Question: Which is the polite present tense form? A) 먹어요 B) 먹었어요 C) 먹을 거예요 D) 먹고
Solution: Polite present tense for 먹다 is 먹어요. Option B is past tense, C is future, D is connective form. A is correct.
Question 9: Opposite adjective
Question: What is the opposite of "크다" (big)?
Options: A) 작다 B) 많다 C) 좋다 D) 높다
Solution: The antonym of 크다 is 작다 (small). 많다 means many, 좋다 good, 높다 high. So A.
Question 10: Sentence ordering
Words: "저는 / 학생 / 입니다"
Question: Arrange to form a correct sentence. A) 저는 학생입니다. B) 학생 저는 입니다. C) 입니다 저는 학생. D) 저는 입니다 학생.
Solution: Standard Korean sentence order: Subject + Noun + 입니다 (copula). So "저는 학생입니다" (I am a student). Option A.
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Worked Solutions: Key Takeaways
- Listening: Focus on keywords (nouns, verbs). Don't get distracted by similar-sounding options.
- Reading: Look for time expressions, negations, and location markers.
- Grammar: Master basic particles (에, 에서, 을/를, 이/가) and present tense conjugations.
- Vocabulary: Build a core set of 500–800 words for TOPIK I.
Practice consistently. Even 15 minutes daily improves retention.
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