Essential Korean Vocabulary for TOPIK — Learn through K-Dramas


If you’re preparing for the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean), you need strong vocabulary skills. The good news is, many of the words that appear on TOPIK also appear frequently in K-dramas. By combining exam study with drama learning, you can make memorization more fun and effective. Here are some essential words to focus on.

1) 가족 (Gajok) — Family

Family themes are everywhere in K-dramas and are also common in TOPIK reading passages.

  • 우리 가족은 행복해요. — My family is happy.
  • Drama use: Titles like Reply 1988 focus heavily on family relationships.

2) 사랑 (Sarang) — Love

No K-drama is complete without love, and this word is a TOPIK essential.

  • 사랑해요. — I love you.
  • Drama use: Romantic confession scenes.

3) 시간 (Sigan) — Time

Frequently appears in exams and dramas when talking about schedules, life, or fate.

  • 시간이 없어요. — I don’t have time.
  • Drama use: It’s Okay, That’s Love often mentions time in relationships.

4) 친구 (Chingu) — Friend

K-dramas love to show the bonds of friendship, just like TOPIK texts.

  • 친구랑 영화 봤어요. — I watched a movie with my friend.
  • Drama use: Twenty-Five, Twenty-One shows deep friendships and loyalty.

5) 학교 (Hakgyo) — School

School settings are common in both dramas and exam passages.

  • 학교에 가요. — I go to school.
  • Drama use: School 2013 and similar series revolve around student life.

6) 일 (Il) — Work / Job

TOPIK frequently tests words related to jobs and responsibilities.

  • 오늘 일이 많아요. — I have a lot of work today.
  • Drama use: Office dramas like Misaeng highlight the struggles of work.

7) 행복 (Haengbok) — Happiness

A common exam word and a frequent line in dramas about personal growth and relationships.

  • 행복하세요! — Be happy!
  • Drama use: Characters often ask if someone is happy after big changes in life.

8) 건강 (Geongang) — Health

Both exams and dramas emphasize health as a key part of well-being.

  • 건강이 제일 중요해요. — Health is the most important.
  • Drama use: Hospital dramas like Hospital Playlist.

9) 집 (Jip) — Home

Appears constantly in daily conversations, exams, and dramas alike.

  • 집에 가고 싶어요. — I want to go home.
  • Drama use: Homecomings in Crash Landing on You.

10) 날씨 (Nalssi) — Weather

Common in beginner TOPIK levels and often sets the mood in dramas.

  • 오늘 날씨가 좋아요. — The weather is nice today.
  • Drama use: Titles like When the Weather Is Fine.

Final Words

TOPIK vocabulary doesn’t have to feel dry. By hearing these words in K-dramas, you’ll not only memorize them faster but also understand how they carry real emotions and context.
Next time, we’ll look at everyday Korean greetings and polite phrases you’ll actually use in cafés, shops, and social settings.
Aloha to words for exams and emotions—사랑, 가족, 행복. 🌟

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