Tips to pass the EPS-TOPIK exam

Learning a new language can be very challenging, especially when you're just starting. But guess what? You're not alone in feeling that way! In this article, we'll share some super cool tips that make learning Korean much easier. We'll help you know where to start and never give up. By the end, you'll see that learning Korean can fun, rewarding, and you'll be on your way to acing that test! So, let's dive in and learn Korean.

Study Tips!

1. Download the free books provided by HRD Korea

Its ok if you don't want to spend too much on books and lessons when you are self studying. You can download the books provided by HRD Korea. These are made especially for those who want to apply as EPS workers.

 

2. Dowload other useful apps for studying

There are many free apps available to help you study for the EPS-TOPIK exam

 

3. Start with reading and writing hangeul

It is good to start with the basics! Practice reading and writing in hangeul, the korean writing system. 

 

4. Memorize common greetings

After learning how to read and write, it is good to know a few common phrases or greetings. Learn how to say hello (안녕하세요), thank you ( 감사합니다), and even how to introduce yourself (자기소개) as these will be the phrases that you will use most often.

 

5. Memorize common vocabularies

Nouns and everyday objects

Verbs and daily actions

Actions and commands

Names of Places

Names of common tools

 

6. Practice writing the hangeul form of the verb (20-50 times for each word per day) 

Practice makes perfect! Remember when we were kids and they wanted us to write our names 100 times? This helps us memorize words and also helps us get used to writing in hangeul. Make sure to practice, practice, and practice. (Also correct the mistakes you make along the way).

 

7. Use flashcards to memorize words faster

Flashcards are good tools to memorize vocabularies faster. You can use words or images. But make sure to use 한글 instead of spelling it out in english so you can get used to using it faster.

 

8. Use Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition is a good method to memorize new words faster. Make a goal of learning 10-50 words per day, then reviewing them the next day.

For example learn 10 words on day 1, on day 2 learn 10 new words plus the ones you learned on day 1. On day 3 learn 10 words, then review the words you learned on day 1 and 2. Continue until the end of the study period.

 

9. Study grammar points  according to the curriculum

Most books have good curriculums that start with the very basic grammar, then moving to more complicated grammar points. 

 

10. Use different books and resources

Even if books follow their own curriculum, it is still best to compare with other books to understand the lesson better. Book from Sogang University, Yonsei University, and Seoul National University all have good explanations of the grammar points and how to use them.

Free online resources also have good explanations and examples available.

 

11. Use Naver Dictionary

Naver dictionary is a good source to see the english translation of korean words, as well as their usage.

 

12. Practice answering Korean interviews and doing korean commands

Being prepared for the exam would mean being confident enough or used to doing the commands. It is far more difficult to do commands if it is the first time for you to hear them. So practice, practice, practice. Listen to audio that give our commands and questions, or ask your friends and family to help you practice.

 

13. Practice answering the EPS-TOPIK mock exam and reviewing your weak points

You can get nervous during the exam day. Try answering the mock exams so you would get the feel of the exam. See which part of the exam you are doing well in, and which parts you struggle with and focus more on studying that. Many people say that 80% of your score in the mock exam is going to be your score in the real exam.

 

14. Practice with other people

It would be better if you can practice with other people as you can try responding to different questions asked by different people. Do roleplay! Actual speaking is very different from just reading from a book.

 

15. Act like it's the real exam and time yourself

You only have around 25 mins to answer all 20 questions, so it means you have around 1 minute for each item. Practice taking the exam and see if you need to answer faster or not.

 

16. Memorize common and higher-level vocabularies 

If you are going to live in Korea, it would mean you have to use Korean every day. This would also mean, you have to know how to express different ideas in korean. Learn the 500 most commonly used korean vocabulary, then increase to 1000, then 2000, until you reach 5,000 words (or 10,000 if you want to be fluent). 

 

17. Sleep well, exericise, take enough breaks

It is very important to take care of your health while studying. A healthy body contributes to a healthy mind, exercise helps bring oxygen into your brain which helps it function better. Sleep enough hours so you can actually perform at your best and understand the lessons faster. 
For every 50 mins you study, take a 10 minute break then go back to studying.

 

18. Join EPS groups 

Join groups to learn from others and also stay updated about the application process

 

List of free useful websites for learning Korean

 

Free Korean Books