Free tool
TOPIK study plan generator
Pick your starting point, target level, and a 2026 sitting. The plan gives weeks available, hours per week, milestone phases, and a realism check.
How this plan works
The plan converts a starting level and target level into a total study-hours estimate, divides by the number of weeks until your chosen test sitting, and reports the implied weekly pace. The hours-to-level figures (80, 200, 400, 700, 1,000, 1,400 hours from zero) are widely cited approximations from Korean language education sources, not official NIIED figures.
Pace bands
- Under 6 hours per week: comfortable. Sustainable alongside work and family.
- 6 to 12 hours per week: tight but doable. Requires consistent daily time and one longer weekend block.
- 12 to 25 hours per week: aggressive. Realistic only if Korean study is your main daytime activity, full-time language program, or sabbatical.
- Over 25 hours per week: not realistic outside intensive full-time programs. Plan flags this and suggests a later sitting.
What the plan does NOT replace
This is a pacing tool, not a curriculum. Seoulstart stays in the practical-decision lane: helping you choose a sitting, set weekly expectations, and avoid the common trap of registering for a test you cannot realistically pass. For actual lessons, vocabulary drills, and grammar reference, the strongest free and paid options are TTMIK, How to Study Korean, Lingodeer, and TOPIK GUIDE on YouTube.
When to start KIIP instead
If your goal is F-2-7 residence visa or F-5 permanent residency, KIIP (사회통합프로그램) is the higher-value path long-term. KIIP Level 5 completion adds 10 bonus F-2-7 points that TOPIK cannot provide, and KIIP certificates do not expire. The most efficient sequential strategy is: take TOPIK first to earn KIIP placement (Level 3 places you into KIIP 4), then finish KIIP Levels 4 and 5. See the TOPIK for visa points guide for the full comparison.
FAQ
How many study hours does it take to reach each TOPIK level?▾
Widely cited approximations from Korean language education sources: about 80 hours to Level 1, 200 hours to Level 2, 400 hours to Level 3, 700 hours to Level 4, 1,000 hours to Level 5, and 1,400 hours to Level 6 from zero. NIIED does not publish official figures. Your actual pace will vary based on prior language study, native language, and study method.
How many hours per week of study is realistic?▾
Most foreign residents who study TOPIK alongside work or other commitments invest 5 to 10 hours per week. Above 12 hours per week is sustainable only if Korean study is your primary daytime activity. The plan tags pace bands: under 6h is comfortable, 6 to 12 is tight, 12 to 25 is aggressive, over 25 is rarely realistic outside full-time programs.
Should I take TOPIK or do KIIP?▾
Both award the same F-2-7 visa language points at the same level. KIIP adds 10 bonus points at Level 5 that TOPIK cannot provide, and KIIP certificates do not expire (TOPIK is valid for 2 years). TOPIK is faster (one test sitting) and accessible for self-study. A common sequential strategy: take TOPIK first to earn KIIP placement (Level 3 places you into KIIP 4), then finish KIIP 4 and 5.
Why does the plan sometimes suggest a later sitting?▾
If your target level requires more weekly study hours than is realistic for someone with other commitments, the plan flags an aggressive or infeasible pace and points you to the next sitting of the same format. Passing the test under-prepared and retaking is more expensive in money and morale than waiting one sitting and preparing properly.