Do you speak Korean? If so, why not take the TOPIK test, the world’s most popular Korean language proficiency exam?
But is it worth your time, money, and effort? What can you do with a TOPIK certificate? And what are the benefits of TOPIK?
If you are still deciding and looking for some convincing reasons, this article is a perfect fit.
Here, you will find many advantages of TOPIK. So, let’s find out everything.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Importance of TOPIK
TOPIK is the most popular Korean test worldwide. It is an international standardized exam that measures Korean skills for non-native speakers.
NIIED (National Institute for International Education) certifies your Korean language ability. It is part of the Korean Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology.
This means you will earn a recognized certificate accepted globally for different purposes.
8 Definite Advantages of the TOPIK test
You may wonder if you should take TOPIK or not. And what are the advantages associated with it?
While there are several clear positive reasons, let’s explore the 8 top benefits of TOPIK.
1. It increases the chances to get scholarships
One of the top advantages of taking TOPIK is to get a scholarship to study in South Korea.
Although TOPIK might not be the primary criterion at most universities, the score increases your chances against someone with similar credentials.
Korea is home to some excellent educational institutions. A few are among the top 200 World University Rankings.
The South Korean government, companies, and several universities offer scholarships to deserving students worldwide.
GKS (Global Korean Scholarship), the most well-known one, provides many opportunities. Their scholarships include undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate research courses. The seats vary depending on the country.
Many top-ranked Korean universities, including Seoul National University (SNU), Korea University (KU), Yonsei, POSTECH, KAIST, Hanyang, EWU, Sogang, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Kyung Hee, Hankuk, give individual grants, rewards, and scholarships for many of their courses.
Most of these scholarship programs do not require a Korean language test score, but it can improve your chances.
Sometimes, TOPIK is even mandatory. The GKS Undergraduate course, for example, requires at least level 3. However, you get a year before the degree program to learn Korean and achieve level 3.
2. Give your career a boost
Of all the reasons for learning a new language, career prospects are the learners’ primary motivation.
In today’s globalized economy, many jobs require knowledge of Korean, which opens doors to career opportunities around the globe.
Let’s say you are looking for jobs in Korean organizations or companies worldwide that do business with South Korea. In that case, your ability to communicate in Korean can make your resume stand out.
TOPIK score helps the employer to shortlist candidates.
An interviewer is likelier to ask, “What TOPIK level did you achieve?” instead of, “Do you understand Korean?”
Your TOPIK certification document included in your CV led to this result.
Many jobs like teacher, tour guide, interpreter, translator, and content writer are available.
If you intend to work as a Korean language specialist, aim for at least TOPIK level 5. Fluent Korean can make you an asset and earn you more.
3. Immigration to South Korea
The number of immigrants to South Korea has risen recently. In 2019, foreign residents accounted for 4.9% of the total population.
Korea opened its doors to foreign workers in the late 1990s, mainly in labor-intensive areas. Since then, elementary Korean language skills have become necessary for jobs.
Are you set your sights on immigrating to Korea and applying for permanent residence?
If so, you can participate in the “Korea Immigration and Integration Program” (KIIP), which the Ministry of Justice administers.
In that scenario, the TOPIK score can play a vital role. It also benefits various other visas, like study, work, or even a marriage visa.
Your applications will get preference, among others, ahead of others who don’t have such qualifications.
4. You will know your exact level
If you’ve been learning Korean for some time, you will want to check your Korean skills. This is where the TOPIK score comes in handy.
You will discover your current knowledge and recognize your shortcomings. Then, you can focus on the areas that need improvement.
You can concentrate and give extra attention to your weaknesses to perform better in upcoming exams.
It will also encourage you to pursue more Korean language learning goals in the future.
5. It motivates and acts as a confidence booster
Another benefit of TOPIK is that it raises your self-esteem and heightens your confidence when you pass it.
This shows success compared to other Korean learners who haven’t appeared for the test.
Getting a Korean certification is fun because you can brag about it with your friends. It is also tangible proof that you have reached a certain Korean level.
From your career and social transition perspective, it can develop your personality.
Finally, without a doubt, passing is a big morale and confidence booster.
6. Study or work in Korea
Despite being a developed nation, the cost of living in Korea is lower than in other big economies.
You can also have a once-in-a-lifetime experience of encountering cultural features. Plus, you can enjoy delicious foods, see incredible festivals, and visit beautiful tourist spots.
South Korea is monolingual. And that’s why you need a good command of the Korean language for the vast majority of work there.
TOPIK can be a great asset to your profile if you plan for higher study in Korea. Your application to various colleges and universities will get the required liking.
Besides the comfortable stay and genuine interaction, getting a post-study job in Korea will be much easier if you have TOPIK certification.
Sometimes, studying at a Korean university or practicing in a Korean-speaking business world is a prerequisite.
It is also useful when applying to various jobs in Korean companies. Many businesses want you to pass a certain level of TOPIK, ranging from levels 3 to 6.
7. TOPIK is open to everyone
If you are learning Korean, you may wish to get an official diploma or degree for various reasons. To do that, you must study at a Korean learning center.
But what if you want to self-study or learn through books, a private teacher, apps, and online resources?
After all, not everyone can attend regular Korean studies.
The solution is TOPIK!
TOPIK is the best way to improve your employment possibilities. You can also continue your education and prepare for traveling, studying, or living overseas.
TOPIK examination is open to everyone, regardless of language skills, levels, age, nationality, or profession.
You don’t need to join any course to prove your knowledge. It is open to non-native speakers, with no set or minimum requirements.
You can prepare yourself. Then, pick the TOPIK dates, find the nearest test center, and apply. Once you pass, you will earn an international certification that everyone trusts.
8. The fee is pretty affordable
Unlike other famous international language tests like DELF, TEF, DELE, SIELE, TestDaF, CILS, and CAPLE, the TOPIK examination fee is pocket-friendly.
The exam fee for TOPIK 1 (levels 1 to 2) is 40,000 won, and for TOPIK 2 (levels 3 to 6), it is 55,000 won.
It is between INR 800 and INR 1,000 in India, making it one of the most reasonably priced international certification exams.
Final Words: Should you take TOPIK?
From career and scholarship to permanent residency in Korea and confirmation of one’s level, there are many definite benefits of TOPIK.
It provides the candidate with a quality Korean-level certification that is valuable for academic, personal, or professional projects.
The incentives associated with it far outweigh the drawbacks it may have. And that is why the number of test-takers has grown multifold in the past two decades.
As with everything, the exam has a few disadvantages. But that is for another day.
I hope this blog article helped you understand and decide how to use your TOPIK result.
Why are you preparing for TOPIK, and what is your motivation? You can leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
