Preparing for TOPIK II (Intermediate + Advanced) means choosing the right study materials from a crowded market. Not every book is worth your time or money. Here are the top 5–8 books for TOPIK II, what each does best, where they fall short, and how to sequence them for maximum results.
1. TOPIK II Complete Guide (Korean Edition)
Best for: All-around preparation for levels 3–6. This is the most comprehensive single volume, covering grammar, vocabulary, reading, and listening with full-length practice tests.
Weak spots: The explanations are entirely in Korean. Beginners at level 3 may struggle without a separate grammar reference. The writing section guidance is minimal.
Use it: As your primary textbook. Work through one unit per week, then take the practice tests under timed conditions.
2. Yonsei Korean Reading (Level 3–4 & 5–6)
Best for: Building reading speed and comprehension. These books use authentic TOPIK-style passages on topics like culture, history, and science.
Weak spots: No listening or writing practice. Vocabulary lists are embedded but not indexed, making review tedious.
Use it: After you finish the Complete Guide’s reading sections. Read one passage daily, time yourself, and note unknown words.
3. Korean Grammar in Use (Intermediate & Advanced)
Best for: Mastering grammar patterns tested in TOPIK II. Clear English explanations with multiple example sentences and comparison charts.
Weak spots: No practice questions or mock tests. It’s a reference, not a workbook. You must apply the grammar elsewhere.
Use it: Keep this alongside your main textbook. When you encounter a confusing grammar point, look it up here.
4. TOPIK II Writing Guide (Korean Edition)
Best for: The writing section, which is the hardest for most test-takers. This book breaks down each question type (fill-in, short answer, essay) with templates and model answers.
Weak spots: Overly formulaic — examiners can spot template essays. Also, the model answers are often too advanced for intermediate learners.
Use it: In the final 4–6 weeks before your test. Practice writing two essays per week, then compare with the models to improve structure.
Take a free TOPIK II (Intermediate + Advanced) demo mock to find out where you stand: Try the demo →
5. TOPIK II Actual Tests (Past Papers)
Best for: Real exam simulation. These collections of past TOPIK II papers (from 2014 onward) are the closest you’ll get to the actual test.
Weak spots: No answer explanations — just the answer key. You need to figure out why you got something wrong. Also, the listening audio files can be hard to find.
Use it: As your final preparation. Take one full test every weekend for the month before your exam. Review mistakes with a study partner or tutor.
6. Vitamin Korean (Level 3–6)
Best for: Vocabulary and expression building in context. Each unit focuses on a theme (e.g., health, travel, work) with integrated reading and listening.
Weak spots: Not directly aligned to TOPIK question types. The difficulty level is slightly lower than the actual exam.
Use it: For supplementary vocabulary and listening practice. Do one unit per day if you have extra time.
7. Hot TOPIK II (Writing)
Best for: Intensive writing practice with detailed feedback. This book provides 50+ writing prompts and sample answers with error analysis.
Weak spots: Only available in Korean. The answer analysis assumes you already know grammar well.
Use it: After the Writing Guide, as a second writing resource. Focus on the error analysis sections to avoid common pitfalls.
Honest Sequencing Recommendation
Here’s a realistic 4-month plan:
- Month 1–2: Complete Guide + Korean Grammar in Use. Build foundational knowledge.
- Month 3: Yonsei Reading + Vitamin Korean. Expand vocabulary and reading speed.
- Month 4: Writing Guide + Hot TOPIK II + Actual Tests. Focus on exam strategy and simulation.
See TOPIK II (Intermediate + Advanced) mock-test packs and pricing: View plans →