120+ of 300 · TOPIK II · intermediate
120 or more out of 300 on TOPIK II (Listening 100 + Writing 100 + Reading 100). Note that this is the LOWEST level TOPIK II awards: a candidate with 119 receives no level at all — TOPIK II does not hand out a "Level 2". So sit TOPIK II only when Level 3 is within reach.
Comfortable daily communication and getting things done in public settings (hospital, office, university). Expressing opinions on familiar social topics — work, study, health, weather. Understanding the difference between written and spoken style. Around 3,000 words.
Level 3 is the most frequently required threshold. For GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) undergraduate and graduate tracks, TOPIK 3+ earns extra points and some universities require it for direct admission. It is a significant source of points on the F-2-7 points visa and for F-6. For Korean employers it is the lowest formal proof of "speaks Korean". Sufficient for admission to most non-medical undergraduate programmes.
TOPIK II introduces a new section — Writing — and for Level 3 candidates it is the intimidating one. In practice, questions 51–52 (sentence completion, 10 points each) and 53 (a 200–300 character chart description, 30 points) are learned by template, and a Level 3 candidate can deliberately keep question 54 (50 points) short to save time for other sections. For 120 points, 45–50 each in Listening and Reading plus 25–30 in Writing is enough. From TOPIK I Level 2 to Level 3 typically takes 4–6 months.