Preparing for EPS TOPIK requires a clear study plan and consistent practice in vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening. Explore with Migii how to build an effective study roadmap to improve your skills step by step. A structured approach helps learners gain confidence and be fully prepared for every section of the EPS TOPIK exam.
What is EPS TOPIK?
Before starting your EPS TOPIK preparation, it is essential to understand your “opponent” clearly. Knowing the structure, purpose, and differences from other Korean language tests will help you plan an effective study strategy.
EPS TOPIK (Employment Permit System - Test of Proficiency in Korean) is a specialized Korean language proficiency test for foreign workers who want to work in South Korea under the EPS program. The exam focuses on reading and listening skills, assessing whether candidates can understand basic Korean in a workplace environment.
In contrast, TOPIK I-II is designed for students, expatriates, or people seeking permanent residency in South Korea. TOPIK evaluates a broader range of language skills, including reading, listening, writing, and sometimes speaking, depending on the level. Key differences at a glance:
- Target audience: EPS TOPIK is designed specifically for foreign workers who want to work in South Korea, while TOPIK I-II is intended for students, expatriates or people seeking permanent residency.
- Skills tested: EPS TOPIK evaluates only reading and listening skills necessary for the workplace, whereas TOPIK I-II tests reading, listening, writing, and sometimes speaking at advanced levels.
- Purpose: The main purpose of EPS TOPIK is to determine employment eligibility for foreign workers, while TOPIK I-II is used for academic admission, residency, or immigration purposes.
EPS TOPIK is for foreign workers, unlike TOPIK I-II which targets students or residency seekers
EPS TOPIK Exam Structure (Reading & Listening)
The EPS TOPIK exam is designed for foreign workers who want to work in South Korea. It has two main sections: Listening and Reading, each containing 20 questions. The time limit for each section is 25 minutes.
In the Listening section, you will answer questions based on short conversations, simple announcements, or by listening while looking at pictures. This section tests your ability to understand spoken Korean in everyday and workplace situations.
In the Reading section, questions focus on vocabulary, grammar, short passages, and practical materials like signs, charts, or receipts. This part checks whether you can understand written Korean used in daily life and work.
Each section is scored out of 100 points, for a total of 200 points. The entire exam lasts 50 minutes. Knowing the exam structure helps you focus on the right skills, practice effectively, and manage your time well during the test.
EPS TOPIK consists of Listening and Reading sections, each 20 questions and 25 minutes long, totaling 50 minutes
Detailed EPS TOPIK Preparation Plan for Beginners
Preparing for the EPS TOPIK exam requires a clear, step-by-step plan. This roadmap is designed for beginners to build a solid foundation in Korean, practice essential skills, and gradually improve speed and accuracy for both the Reading and Listening sections. Following this plan will help you study efficiently and increase your chances of passing the exam.
Phase 1: Build the Foundation (First 0 - 2 months)
In the first two months, focus on learning the basics of Korean. Start with Hangul, the Korean alphabet. Practice writing each character, mastering pronunciation, and understanding syllable rules. This step is crucial because proper reading and pronunciation will support both Listening and Reading sections later.
Next, study the 60 lessons from the official EPS TOPIK textbook. Concentrate on basic vocabulary used in daily and workplace situations, and learn essential grammar patterns such as sentence structures, verb conjugations, and common particles. Spend time writing short sentences using the new words and grammar to reinforce memory.
Phase 2: Intensive Practice (Months 3 – 4)
Once the foundation is solid, move to intensive practice. Start by systematizing your grammar knowledge. Review all grammar points from the first 60 lessons and organize them into lists for quick reference.
Next, expand your vocabulary by studying the 15 main topics in the EPS textbook, such as workplace instructions, daily life expressions, and common verbs/nouns used in conversations. Create flashcards or lists to review frequently.
Begin listening practice using the audio files provided in the textbook. Focus on short conversations, announcements, and dialogues that simulate real workplace situations. Listen multiple times and write down key words or phrases to improve both comprehension and retention.
Phase 2 focuses on grammar review, vocabulary expansion, and listening practice for real workplace situations
Phase 3: Mock Tests and Acceleration (Last 1 – 2 months)
In the final stage, focus on exam simulation and speed. Solve mock exam sets, such as the 1000 or 2000 question compilations, under timed conditions similar to the real test. This helps you adapt to the pace of the EPS TOPIK exam.
Carefully review your mistakes after each mock test. Identify weak areas, whether in grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, or listening. Spend extra time revising those areas and practice targeted exercises to improve.
Also, practice time management strategies: allocate the correct amount of time to each section, avoid spending too long on difficult questions, and learn to move on when necessary to complete all questions within the 25-minute limit per section.
>> Link download Test: Download here
Tips and Strategies to Pass EPS TOPIK
Preparing effectively for EPS TOPIK requires not only consistent study but also smart strategies to maximize your score. Focusing on time management, listening, and reading techniques will make your EPS TOPIK learning more efficient and productive.
- Time management for Reading and Listening: Allocate specific time for each section (25 minutes per section). Practice completing mock tests within the time limit to improve speed and avoid spending too long on difficult questions.
- Effective Listening Strategies: While listening, focus on keywords and essential information. Take notes of numbers, names, or instructions mentioned in conversations to answer accurately.
- Reading Strategies: Start by skimming the text to get the main idea, then locate key details for each question. Avoid reading word by word, which wastes time; focus on understanding context and main points.
Effective EPS TOPIK preparation combines time management, listening, and reading strategies to maximize your score
Must-Have EPS TOPIK Preparation Materials
To succeed in EPS TOPIK, having the right materials is essential. Proper resources make your EPS TOPIK learning more effective and structured.
Standard Textbook for EPS TOPIK (60 Lessons)
This is the main textbook for EPS TOPIK learners. It covers vocabulary, grammar, reading passages, and essential expressions for daily life and workplace situations. Studying this book thoroughly lays a strong foundation for both the Reading and Listening sections.
EPS TOPIK Practice Workbook
This workbook provides additional exercises and mock questions to reinforce the lessons from the main textbook. It helps learners practice under exam-like conditions and identify weak areas to focus on.
The workbook offers extra exercises and mock tests to strengthen skills and identify weak points
Vocabulary & Grammar Materials
Dedicated vocabulary and grammar books help learners systematically memorize essential words and grammar points for the EPS TOPIK exam. These materials often include topic-based word lists, sentence patterns, and practice exercises to strengthen language accuracy and comprehension.
Migii TOPIK
Migii TOPIK is a popular mobile app and online platform that offers mock tests, vocabulary exercises, and listening practice tailored for EPS TOPIK candidates. It helps learners track progress, identify weak areas, and practice anytime, anywhere, making it a great supplement to textbooks and audio files.
Migii TOPIK offers mock tests, vocabulary exercises, and listening practice to support EPS TOPIK learning anytime, anywhere
Effective EPS TOPIK preparation requires a clear study plan and consistent practice in vocabulary, grammar, listening, and reading. Using the right materials will help you build a solid foundation and improve test performance. Migii TOPIK offers mock tests, vocabulary exercises, and listening practice, making it easier to track progress and strengthen weak areas. Start using Migii TOPIK today to study efficiently and boost your chances of passing the exam.
