The complete guide to Korean for studying in South Korea

Why South Korea?

In recent years South Korea has become one of the most attractive study destinations: universities at the forefront of technology and engineering, generous government scholarships, and a culture known around the world, from music and cinema to industry. The key that opens this door is the Korean language and its official exam, TOPIK.

What is the TOPIK exam?

TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is the official exam that measures Korean proficiency for non-native speakers, and it comes in two parts:

• TOPIK I: levels 1 and 2 (beginner); covering reading and listening skills.
• TOPIK II: levels 3 to 6 (intermediate to advanced); in addition to reading and listening, it includes a writing section.

Your score determines which of the six levels you are placed at. The exam is held several times a year in many countries.

What level do you need for admission?

Most Korean universities require at least TOPIK level 3 for admission to Korean-taught programmes, and many programmes — especially competitive ones — prefer level 4. At some universities, even if you are admitted with level 3, reaching level 4 may be a graduation requirement. A higher level also noticeably improves your chances when competing for scholarships.

The GKS scholarship

The government-funded GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) is Korea's best-known scholarship and typically covers tuition, a monthly stipend, round-trip flights and a period of Korean language training (usually around one year). A good TOPIK score at application time is generally considered a plus, and in some cases holders of higher levels are exempted from part of the language training.

Korean-taught or English-taught programmes?

Many Korean universities also offer English-taught programmes, which you can apply to with an IELTS or TOEFL certificate. However, Korean-taught programmes offer a wider range of majors, and daily life, student jobs and employment after graduation in Korea are practically difficult without Korean. That is why even students in English-taught programmes usually study Korean alongside their degree.

University language institutes

Almost every major Korean university has its own Korean language institute running intensive courses over several terms. A common route for many international students is to first study at one of these institutes on a language visa and then, after reaching the required level, enter the university's degree programme. Starting your language learning in Iran significantly shortens this stage and reduces its costs.

A realistic timeline

The Korean script (Hangul) is very logically designed and can usually be learned in a few sessions, but reaching an intermediate level takes perseverance. With regular classes and consistent practice, going from zero to TOPIK level 3 usually takes about one to one and a half years, and intensive courses can shorten the journey. The key is consistency: short daily practice beats long but scattered sessions.

Tips for learning more effectively

• Take reading and writing in Hangul seriously from the very beginning, and do not rely on English transliteration.
• Learn vocabulary in sentences and situations, not as dry word lists.
• Train your ear to the natural rhythm of the language with Korean series, music and podcasts.
• Practise speaking from the earliest levels, even with short and simple sentences.
• Before the TOPIK exam, be sure to work through several practice tests under timed conditions.

Starting from Karaj

GLOBAL TALK language institute runs Korean courses from beginner level up to TOPIK exam preparation. If you are serious about studying in South Korea, book a consultation and placement session at GLOBAL TALK and get a plan tailored to your goal and your timeline.