Preparing for the TOPIK exam starts with mastering grammar. A TOPIK grammar book helps you focus on key grammar points that appear in the test, saving time and improving accuracy. Unlike general books, a TOPIK grammar book targets real exam patterns, helping you build strong writing and comprehension skills for both TOPIK I and II. With the right TOPIK grammar book, you can study effectively and boost your TOPIK score with confidence.
1. How to Choose the Right TOPIK Grammar Book
The first thing to look for is coverage of essential grammar points that appear frequently in recent TOPIK exams. A reliable TOPIK grammar book will highlight high-frequency patterns tested in the reading and writing sections — such as connectors, verb endings, and grammar structures that express contrast, cause, or intention. This ensures you spend your study time on what matters most for your target level.
Next, the book should provide clear explanations with practical examples and exercises. Understanding grammar rules is only half the job; practicing them is what helps you remember and apply them correctly. Books that include mini-quizzes or example sentences help reinforce learning and make your grammar study more interactive.
A well-organized book should also be structured by proficiency levels — starting from Beginner (TOPIK I) to Advanced (TOPIK II). This way, learners can build a solid base and then gradually progress toward more complex grammar forms. Many top TOPIK grammar books divide chapters according to levels or TOPIK test sections, making it easy to plan your study schedule.
Finally, bonus points go to books that offer bilingual explanations (Korean + English). Having translations and explanations in both languages helps learners quickly understand context, especially if they’re self-studying. This dual-language approach is particularly useful for beginners preparing for TOPIK I, as it bridges the gap between understanding and practical usage.
Choosing the right TOPIK grammar book made simple
2. Top 10 Recommended TOPIK Grammar Books (2025 Edition)
Choosing the right TOPIK grammar book can greatly improve your exam preparation. Grammar is the core of the TOPIK test, shaping your reading, writing, and overall fluency. Whether you aim for TOPIK I or TOPIK II, using quality Korean TOPIK grammar resources helps you study efficiently. Below are five recommended TOPIK grammar books for 2025, reviewed for clarity, structure, and usefulness for all learners.
2.1. New TOPIK I Essential Grammar 101
Level: Beginner / TOPIK I
Highlights: This beginner-friendly TOPIK grammar book covers the 101 most essential grammar points that frequently appear in the TOPIK I exam. It starts from basic sentence endings like “–이에요/예요,” and gradually moves toward structures like “–지만,” “–(으)면서,” or “–고 싶어요.”
Each grammar point includes:
- Clear English and Korean explanations
- Realistic example sentences used in conversation and reading passages
- Practice exercises for immediate reinforcement
Best for: Learners preparing for their first TOPIK test or anyone who wants to build a solid grammar foundation before moving on to TOPIK II.
Why it’s good: The content is concise yet comprehensive, allowing beginners to study grammar efficiently without feeling overwhelmed. Many teachers recommend this as a “starter guide” because it mirrors the actual grammar used in past TOPIK questions. If you’re looking for an approachable Korean TOPIK grammar resource, this book is an excellent choice.
New TOPIK I Essential Grammar 101
2.2. New TOPIK II Korean Essential Grammar
Level: Intermediate to Advanced / TOPIK II
Highlights: This advanced TOPIK grammar book focuses on the complex grammar structures required for writing and reading sections of TOPIK II. Topics include sentence connectors like “–(으)므로,” “–더라도,” and “–(으)ㄹ 수록,” which are key for essay writing and comprehension tasks.
It also includes sections comparing similar grammar points (e.g., “–지만” vs. “–(으)나”), which helps learners avoid subtle mistakes in context. Each grammar explanation is followed by sample questions similar to those in real exams, making it ideal for test-oriented study.
Best for: Students targeting TOPIK level 4–6 who already have a strong basic grammar foundation but need to refine their academic Korean writing.
Why it’s good: Unlike general grammar references, this TOPIK grammar book uses authentic examples from past exams, ensuring you study what truly matters. It’s a perfect bridge between language learning and real exam application.
New TOPIK II Korean Essential Grammar
2.3. Korean Grammar Language Study Card
Level: All levels (TOPIK I & II)
Highlights: This innovative TOPIK grammar resource comes in the form of flashcards rather than a traditional book. Each card introduces one grammar point with:
- Korean + English explanation
- Example sentences
- QR codes linking to online pronunciation and audio examples
It covers over 150 grammar structures, making it ideal for daily review sessions or studying while commuting.
Best for: Learners who prefer on-the-go revision or need a compact way to review grammar anytime.
Why it’s good: The Korean TOPIK grammar flashcards are compact, visual, and convenient for quick study sessions. This set complements your main TOPIK grammar book by offering flexible review and helping you strengthen memory. The bilingual explanations make it especially useful for self-learners without direct guidance from a Korean teacher.
Korean Grammar Language Study Card
2.4. TOPIK I Grammar: Beginner Level
Level: Beginner / TOPIK I
Highlights: This book explains each grammar point in clear, simple English with gradual progression from easy to intermediate grammar patterns. It contains exercises, quizzes, and sentence-building activities after each chapter, ensuring learners can apply what they study immediately.
The layout is visual and student friendly. Each grammar explanation includes a short dialogue, translation, and a usage tip box showing how it appears in real exam questions.
Best for: Self-study learners, new students, or anyone preparing for TOPIK I who needs a structured approach to learning grammar from zero.
Why it’s good: Many beginners find Korean grammar intimidating. This TOPIK grammar book simplifies the learning process, combining theory with practical examples. The explanations are bilingual, helping learners quickly understand meaning and form. It’s also excellent for reviewing before attempting mock exams.
TOPIK I Grammar: Beginner Level
2.5. Essential Grammar Points for the TOPIK Test
Level: Intermediate / Advanced / TOPIK II
Highlights: This comprehensive TOPIK grammar book compiles nearly every grammar pattern tested in TOPIK levels 3–6. It categorizes grammar into functions such as:
- Connective endings
- Causative and passive forms
- Concessive and conditional clauses
- Formal written expressions
Each grammar section includes multiple examples and short exercises that reflect real TOPIK question types.
Best for: Learners doing final revision before their exam or those who want a single book that covers both TOPIK I and II grammar points.
Why it’s good: It serves as a grammar checklist, perfect for reviewing everything before test day. Many advanced learners use this book as their final step reference to ensure full coverage. With its clear structure and concise notes, it is one of the most trusted TOPIK grammar books among serious test takers.
2.6. Korean Grammar in Use (Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced)
Among the most respected TOPIK grammar books, Korean Grammar in Use remains a go-to reference for both beginners and advanced learners. This three-level series (Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced) explains grammar through practical examples, dialogues, and mini-exercises that mirror real conversation.
What sets this Korean TOPIK grammar book apart is its context-based approach. Instead of simply listing grammar rules, it shows how each pattern functions naturally in sentences. For TOPIK I, it helps learners build simple sentence structures, while TOPIK II users can strengthen complex writing and reading comprehension.
Each lesson also includes visual summaries and short quizzes, making it ideal for self-study. With balanced explanations in Korean and English, it’s one of the most complete resources for mastering TOPIK grammar step by step.
Korean Grammar in Use (Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced)
2.7. TOPIK Grammar and Vocabulary Master
If you are looking for a single TOPIK grammar book that also covers vocabulary, TOPIK Grammar and Vocabulary Master is a perfect choice. It targets intermediate to advanced learners who aim to boost both grammar accuracy and word usage for TOPIK II.
This book focuses on grammar structures that frequently appear in writing and reading sections, such as cause-effect expressions, contrast patterns, and formal connectors. Every chapter includes bilingual explanations, sample sentences, and practice questions based on past TOPIK papers.
Because it integrates grammar with vocabulary, learners develop stronger contextual understanding and can express ideas more naturally in essays and short responses. As a result, it’s an excellent resource for improving Korean TOPIK grammar knowledge efficiently before the exam.
TOPIK Grammar and Vocabulary Master
2.8. Korean Grammar for Speaking
Korean Grammar for Speaking is a comprehensive Korean TOPIK grammar guide designed for learners who want to improve both writing and communication skills. It contains grammar structures that frequently appear in TOPIK grammar sections, helping learners write more fluently and accurately.
Each grammar point is presented with explanations, examples, and short dialogues showing natural usage. Unlike many traditional grammar books, this one emphasizes how grammar enhances meaning, tone, and fluency.
Korean Grammar for Speaking
2.9. Korean Grammar for International Learners (Yonsei University Press)
Developed by Yonsei University, this TOPIK grammar book is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative resources for foreign learners. It provides in-depth explanations of grammatical forms, supported by examples from authentic Korean texts.
Its biggest strength lies in clarity and accuracy. Each grammar pattern includes meaning, formality level, and real-world usage, which helps learners understand not just how but when to use specific structures.
The book is perfect for anyone preparing for both TOPIK I and TOPIK II, since it explains grammar progressively from beginner to advanced. With bilingual translations and practice sections, this Korean TOPIK grammar reference can easily serve as your main grammar textbook or supplementary material.
Korean Grammar for International Learners (Yonsei University Press)
2.10. Korean Grammar Palette
The Korean Grammar Palette is one of the newest and most visually engaging TOPIK grammar books for 2025. Designed for visual learners, it uses color-coded grammar categories to help students identify patterns quickly and remember them more effectively.
This Korean TOPIK grammar resource organizes content by usage type — such as expression, connection, and comparison — making it easy to understand relationships between grammar points. The explanations are bilingual (Korean and English), and each section includes example dialogues and short practice exercises.
3. Who Should Use These Grammar Books
These TOPIK grammar books are ideal for learners at different levels.
- Beginners (TOPIK I) should start with books like New TOPIK I Essential Grammar 101 or TOPIK I Grammar: Beginner Level to build foundational grammar with simple explanations and exercises.
- Intermediate to Advanced learners (TOPIK II) benefit from New TOPIK II Korean Essential Grammar or Essential Grammar Points for the TOPIK Test, which cover complex sentence structures for reading and writing sections.
- Students needing quick revision can use compact summaries like the Korean Grammar Language Study Card, perfect for reviewing essential grammar points before the exam.
Here are some grammar resources you can refer to for effective TOPIK study:
4. How to Study Grammar Effectively for TOPIK
To make the most of your topik grammar book, combine focused grammar study with practical exercises. Start by integrating grammar practice into reading and writing tasks, so you can see how each structure is used in context.
Pay special attention to grammar patterns that frequently appear in TOPIK I and TOPIK II exams. Identify which points challenge you the most, and review your common mistakes. Keeping a notebook of example sentences from your Korean TOPIK grammar books can help reinforce correct usage.
Short, daily study sessions are more effective than long, infrequent sessions. Aim for 15–30 minutes of targeted grammar drills each day, using exercises and quizzes from your topik grammar book. Regular practice ensures that grammar becomes second nature when tackling reading comprehension, writing prompts, and listening exercises.
Master TOPIK grammar with effective study techniques
5. Expert Tips for Grammar Preparation (TOPIK I & II)
Understanding grammar beyond rules is key to excelling in the TOPIK exam. Learn how different grammar points affect sentence tone, formality, and nuance. This insight helps in the writing section and when interpreting reading passages.
Practice actively by rewriting sentences using different grammar patterns. For example, transform a simple statement into a question, negative, or formal version. This method, guided by your topik grammar book, deepens comprehension and recall.
Analyzing past TOPIK exams is another powerful strategy. Notice which grammar structures repeat across tests. Focusing on these frequently tested patterns ensures that your study is efficient and directly aligned with exam requirements.
A topik grammar book is essential for building a strong foundation and improving your score in both TOPIK I and TOPIK II. It helps you review key structures, avoid common mistakes, and study more effectively. To support your learning, the Migii TOPIK app provides practice tests, grammar exercises, and clear explanations. Use your topik grammar book together with Migii TOPIK to study smarter and achieve your target.
