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안녕하세요, 여러분? (Hello, everyone!) Have you ever wondered where your Korean level is? There are some ways you can check your Korean language level! I'll show you the ways you can check your level including the free one and what the language levels mean!
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1. Language Levels: CEFR
The most common language level criteria would be the CEFR. It stands for the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It provides a common basis for the description of language proficiency across Europe and increasingly, the world. The levels are breakdown from A to C and each one has 1 and 2 levels.
A1 - Beginner: At this level, learners can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of the needs of a concrete type. They can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know, and things they have.
A2 - Elementary: Learners at this level can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g., basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). They can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
B1 - Intermediate: At this level, learners can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. They can deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken. They can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest and describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions.
B2 - Upper Intermediate: Learners at this level can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. They can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. They can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
C1 - Advanced: At this level, learners can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes. They can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices.
C2 - Proficiency: Learners at this level can understand with ease virtually everything hear or read. They can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. They can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
2. TOPIK
To know your level, the most common way is to take a test. There is an official Korean language-level test! It is called TOPIK. It stands for the Test of Proficiency in Korean. It is a standardized test designed to assess and certify the Korean language proficiency of non-native speakers. It is administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) in South Korea.
The TOPIK test is usually held several times a year in various locations worldwide! So you don't have to go to Korea to take a test! You can register online and find the most convenient location and time for you. The website provides many languages, of course, for non-native test takers like English, Chinese, and Japanese.
TOPIK evaluates the language skills of test takers in reading, listening, and writing. The test is divided into multiple levels, ranging from Level 1 (beginner) to Level 6 (advanced). Each level assesses different levels of language proficiency, covering various aspects of grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and communication. Compared to CEFR, the topic levels will be matched like this.
The test is not free, of course. To register, you have to pay $40 for TOPIK Ⅰ and $55 for TOPIK Ⅱ. You'll be able to pay online as you register for the test. You can get a refund in case you can't take a test, but there'll be terms and limits for the amount you can get back.
If you are thinking of studying abroad or getting a job in Korea, you will need to take this test. Because many schools and companies require the test score as evidence of your Korean level. Some institutions require a minimum TOPIK score for admission. So, you have to check in advance of their requirement!
If you are curious about more information, please visit their official website. It may show up in Korean, but you can change the language setting by clicking the globe shape on the top right. It is located next to "Login" and "Sign Up."
3. King Sejong Institute
The TOPIK can be a big matter for you! Since it is official and not free! But don't worry! I'll teach you another way to check your level for free! You can use the website called the King Sejong Institute Foundation.
The King Sejong Institute Foundation is an organization that aims to promote and teach the Korean language and culture worldwide. It is named after King Sejong the Great, the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty who is highly respected for his contributions to inventing the Korean alphabet. You can see the picture of his statue at the home of my site as well!
When you go to this website, you can access many Korean learning materials. They even provide you with a free Korean-level test. You can simply go to the online level test page, sign up, log in, and start your test! You can choose your own level to take. However, there is a three-month waiting period to take the same level test again. For example, once you take the 1A, you have to wait for three months to take 1A again. But you don't have to wait for a different level. So, if you get a good grade from 1A, you can go ahead and start 1B right away!
Since they have many good materials, I highly recommend you check the site. But promise me to come back and study with my site, too! 🤗
4. Closing: Korean Level Tests
Let's compare the two tests I told you. The TOPIK is an official test that you can take offline. It is not free but will be an official proof of your Korean language level. The King Sejong site is a place you can take online for free. You can use the result as a reference for your level. You can use this site to prepare the TOPIK.
Knowing your Korean level can help you the way you head. Also preparing for a test can help you focus on all aspects of language like listening, speaking, reading, and writing. I'll prepare more detailed information on TOPIK for students who want to take a test one day. If you have any questions regarding the Korean-level tests, please let me know! Thanks for reading my post!