Which Korean test do you need?
TOPIK, EPS-TOPIK and KIIP (Social Integration Program) sound similar but are separate systems with different purposes. What you need right now decides which one applies to you.
Side by side
| TOPIK | EPS-TOPIK | KIIP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Run by | NIIED | HRD Korea | Ministry of Justice |
| Purpose | General Korean proficiency (study, work, visa) | Selecting E-9 workers | Integration / residency & naturalisation course |
| Mainly for | Anyone | Applicants coming on E-9 | Foreigners already living in Korea |
| Format | Exam (several times a year, IBT/paper) | Exam (before entry, mostly overseas) | Course attendance + stage tests |
Pick by situation
- Already working in Korea, preparing for E-7-4 / residency / naturalisation → TOPIK or KIIP. Both are often accepted as the Korean requirement.
- Not yet in Korea, applying for an E-9 job → EPS-TOPIK.
- University entry or graduation requirement → TOPIK (usually TOPIK II).
For most workers already in Korea, what matters in practice is TOPIK Level 2 or KIIP Stage 2.
Requirements change. Check TOPIK at topik.go.kr, EPS-TOPIK at eps.hrdkorea.or.kr, KIIP at socinet.go.kr, and visa rules at hikorea.go.kr.