140+ of 200 · TOPIK I · upper beginner
140 or more out of 200 on TOPIK I. This is the highest level TOPIK I awards — Level 3 and above require the separate TOPIK II exam. 140 points means answering roughly 49–50 of the 70 questions correctly (approximate, since questions carry different point values).
1,500–2,000 words. Handling everyday situations such as phone calls, asking directions, simple business at the post office or bank. Telling formal and informal speech (존댓말 / 반말) apart. Understanding short texts on familiar topics.
Level 2 is the first practically "useful" level. Many Korean universities accept Level 2 for conditional admission from their language institute (어학당) into a bachelor's programme, requiring Level 4 before graduation. On the F-2-7 points visa, Level 2 earns the first language points. Some employers treat it as a bonus for E-9 workers.
The main difference from Level 1 is reading speed. Reading gives 60 minutes for 40 questions, and the most common failure for Level 2 candidates is never reaching the last ten. So always work past papers against the clock. In Listening, questions 21–30 (longer dialogues) decide it. Moving from Level 1 to Level 2 usually takes a further 2–3 months.