Studying Korean While Working in Korea — E-7-4 Points, TOPIK, Social Integration Program

Who is this for?

• You have worked on an E-9 visa for almost 4 years and are preparing to change to E-7-4
• You want to raise your Korean points from 50 to 80 or 120
• You are not taking a test yet, but you want to improve your Korean for work and daily life

If you are already in Korea and need a test for visa points, the test is TOPIK, not EPS-TOPIK. For the difference, see EPS-TOPIK and TOPIK.

E-7-4 Korean language points

E-7-4 Korean points	TOPIK	Social Integration Program	KIIP pre-assessment
50 points	Level 2	Complete level 2	41–60 points
80 points	Level 3	Complete level 3	61–80 points
120 points	Level 4 or higher	Complete level 4 or higher	81 points or higher

• TOPIK results are valid for 2 years from the result announcement date. Pre-assessment results also cannot be used after 2 years.
• Even with a pre-assessment score of 41 or more, it does not count if your speaking score is below 3 and you are placed in level 0.
• The points table can change every year with the selection plan of 법무부 (Ministry of Justice). Check the notice on 하이코리아 (HiKorea, the government immigration website) before you apply. All requirements are in E-7-4 Skilled Worker.

Which way is right for me?

TOPIK is better if:

• You work shifts, so it is hard to attend classes on fixed days.
• You like studying alone.
• If your goal is level 2, you only need to take TOPIK I (listening and reading).

The Social Integration Program (KIIP) is better if:

• You can attend fixed classes on weekends or in the evening.
• You want to prepare for next steps such as permanent residency (F-5) while taking classes.
• Apply at socinet.go.kr. First, you take the pre-assessment to decide your starting level. Level 0 is free. Levels 1–4 cost 100,000원 per level (since January 1, 2025). For details, see Social Integration Program.

The order for using free materials

1. Check your current level with the EPS-TOPIK public question book. You can download it free from "한국어학습지원 → 공개문제집" (Korean learning support → public question book) at epstopik.hrdkorea.or.kr. Listening MP3 files are included. Time yourself and do one full test. The format is different from TOPIK, but it is good for checking your basic level.
2. Build your basics with the standard Korean textbook. On the same website, under "한국어표준교재" (standard Korean textbook), you can see the textbook and audio files. It has many expressions used at work and in daily life.
3. Review with the self-study supplementary textbook (E-book). It is in the same menu.
4. Use the level-by-level lessons and materials at Nuri King Sejong Institute (nuri.iksi.or.kr). After you sign up, you can use it for free. For classes with fixed times, Online King Sejong Institute accepts students each semester.
5. Learn the test format with TOPIK past papers. In the materials section of topik.go.kr, you can see questions from some past tests. From one month before the test, focus mainly on past papers.
6. Look for free classes in person. Some local foreign resident support centers (외국인주민지원센터), foreign worker support centers (외국인노동자지원센터), and religious or community groups run weekend classes. This is different in each area, so call 1345 or 1577-0071, say the name of your area, and ask. How to find free Korean classes
7. Check if you can borrow Korean textbooks and TOPIK question books from a public library. How foreigners sign up (for example, if you can use your 외국인등록증 (Alien Registration Card)) is different at each library, so ask them directly.

TOPIK test schedule

• In 2026, the last paper-based test (PBT) in Korea is on November 15. Registration opens for a short time about two months before the test, so it has most likely already closed.
• For the 2027 schedule, check the notice on topik.go.kr. It is safest to register on the first day.
• Test fees in Korea (2026): TOPIK I paper test 40,000원, TOPIK II paper test 55,000원, TOPIK I computer test (IBT) 70,000원, TOPIK II IBT 95,000원.
• If you want to change visas before the special delay rule ends (2026-12-31), make your plan by counting up to the result announcement date. The announcement date is different for each test, so check the notice.

If you buy a book, check these things

This guide does not recommend any specific book or publisher. Choose yourself using the points below.

1. Does it match your goal? For level 2, choose a TOPIK I book. For level 3 or higher, choose a TOPIK II book. If you take KIIP classes, the class textbook is already decided, so check that first.
2. Explanation language: Books with explanations in Nepali or English are easier for studying alone. Books only in Korean are hard for beginners.
3. Is it the latest format? Check the year it was published. The test format has changed before, so choose a recent edition. If you plan to take the IBT, check that the book covers the IBT format.
4. Listening audio: Check if it has MP3 or QR-code audio. A test book without listening is only half a book.
5. Explanations: A book that explains why the answer is correct is better than a book with only the answers.
6. Used and free first: First, see if the library, books from coworkers who studied before you, and free materials are enough.

Be careful

• If someone says "Pay money and we guarantee your TOPIK level or KIIP completion," it is a scam.
• Some apps and courses are free only at the start and soon ask you to pay. Do not enter your card number or alien registration number without care.
• Most certificates from general free classes are not accepted for E-7-4 points. You can only get the points through TOPIK or KIIP.
• If you change visas using the special delay rule, you cannot invite your family until you meet the Korean requirement. If you do not meet it by the deadline, your extension may be limited.

Frequently asked questions

Q. How much should I study each day? A. There is no fixed rule. Doing 20–30 minutes of listening and vocabulary every day stays in your memory longer than studying a lot only on weekends.

Q. Which is faster, TOPIK or KIIP? A. It is different for each person. If you already know the basics, TOPIK level 2 may be faster. With KIIP, if your pre-assessment score is 41 or more, that score alone can give you 50 points.

Q. Can I use my EPS-TOPIK score for E-7-4? A. The points table lists TOPIK, KIIP levels, and the KIIP pre-assessment. The notice does not say if EPS-TOPIK scores are accepted, so ask 1345.

Q. I am too busy at work to go to the test center. A. TOPIK is usually held on weekends. If it is on a work day for you, request annual leave early or talk with your company.

Where to get help

• Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) topik.go.kr
• Social Integration Information Network (Soci-Net) socinet.go.kr
• EPS-TOPIK study materials epstopik.hrdkorea.or.kr
• Nuri King Sejong Institute nuri.iksi.or.kr
• 외국인종합안내센터 (Immigration Contact Center) 1345 – questions about E-7-4 and KIIP
• 외국인력상담센터 (Foreign Worker Counseling Center) 1577-0071 – questions about free local classes