TOPIK I Reading: Handling Long Parenthetical Info

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괄호 내용 / 부연 설명 / 핵심 제외
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Section
TOPIK I Prep
✅
TL;DR
  • In TOPIK I reading, long parentheses often add examples, names, dates, or explanations; they are usually not the main point.
  • First read the sentence without the parentheses, then return only if the answer needs the extra detail.
  • Do not choose an option just because it repeats a word from the parentheses.
🎧
🎧 Helper Note
Read the key Korean sentences aloud twice: first without the parentheses, then with them. This trains your eyes and voice to keep the main sentence clear even when extra information appears in the middle.

🔑 The Big Picture

TOPIK I reading texts are short, but they sometimes include long information inside parentheses: ( ). This information can explain a word, give an example, show a time, or add a name. The problem is that beginners often stop inside the parentheses and lose the main sentence.
The safe habit is simple:
주어 + 핵심 동사/형용사 + 목적 comes first. Parentheses are extra.
Example:
  • 우리 반은 다음 주에 현장학습(학교 밖에서 배우는 활동)을 갑니다.
  • Core sentence: 우리 반은 다음 주에 현장학습을 갑니다.
  • Extra explanation: 학교 밖에서 배우는 활동
The main idea is not “school outside.” The main idea is that the class will go on a field trip next week.

🧩 Core Concepts / Patterns

1. Parentheses often define a word

Korean texts may explain a less common word in parentheses.
  • 도서관은 오늘 휴관(문을 열지 않음)입니다.
  • Core: 도서관은 오늘 휴관입니다.
  • Meaning: The library is closed today.

2. Parentheses often give examples

The examples help, but they are not always the answer.
  • 저는 과일(사과, 배, 귤)을 자주 먹습니다.
  • Core: 저는 과일을 자주 먹습니다.
  • Main point: The speaker often eats fruit.

3. Parentheses often give background information

Names, dates, places, and explanations can appear inside parentheses.
  • 김민수 씨(우리 회사 직원)는 부산에 삽니다.
  • Core: 김민수 씨는 부산에 삽니다.
  • Main point: Minsu Kim lives in Busan.

4. Parentheses can create trap choices

A wrong answer may copy a word from the parentheses but miss the main sentence.
Text:
  • 저는 주말마다 등산(산에 오르는 운동)을 합니다.
Bad trap:
  • “The speaker studies mountains.”
Correct idea:
  • “The speaker hikes every weekend.”

✅ Exam Strategy

Step 1: Cover the parentheses mentally

Read the sentence as if the parentheses are not there.
  • 저는 내일 박물관(옛날 물건을 볼 수 있는 곳)에 갑니다.
  • First read: 저는 내일 박물관에 갑니다.

Step 2: Find the core message

Ask yourself:
  • Who or what is the sentence about?
  • What happens?
  • When or where does it happen?
  • Is the sentence positive, negative, past, present, or future?

Step 3: Return to the parentheses only when needed

Use the parentheses if:
  • You do not know the word before the parentheses.
  • The answer asks about meaning.
  • The parentheses explain a key noun.
Skip the parentheses if:
  • They only list examples.
  • They only give a name or title.
  • They distract from the main action.

Step 4: Beware of copied words

TOPIK options often use words from the passage. A copied word is not enough. Choose the option that matches the whole sentence meaning.

⚠️ Pitfalls

  • Reading too slowly inside parentheses: You may forget the subject or verb.
  • Choosing the longest answer: Long answers often copy extra details but miss the main point.
  • Treating examples as the main category: If the text says 과일(사과, 배), the main category is 과일, not only apples and pears.
  • Missing negatives: 휴관(문을 열지 않음), 금연(담배를 피우지 않음), 무료(돈을 내지 않음) often include negative meaning.
  • Ignoring time words outside parentheses: 내일, 다음 주, 어제, 매주 are often more important than the explanation inside parentheses.

🧠 Fast Reading Formula

Use this three-part formula:
1. Read around the parentheses → 2. Say the core sentence → 3. Check if the extra detail changes the answer
Example:
  • 이번 행사는 무료(돈을 내지 않음)입니다.
  • Core sentence: 이번 행사는 무료입니다.
  • Extra detail confirms: No payment is needed.
  • Correct understanding: The event is free.
📝
Practice Hub: 50 TOPIK I Reading Questions
Set 1: Find the core sentence
For Questions 1–10, remove the parenthetical information and choose the best core meaning.
  1. 저는 주말마다 등산(산에 오르는 운동)을 합니다.
    1. I climb mountains every weekend.
    2. I study mountains every weekend.
    3. I go to school every weekend.
    4. I buy sports clothes every weekend.
  1. 오늘은 도서관이 휴관(문을 열지 않음)입니다.
    1. The library is open today.
    2. The library is closed today.
    3. The library is very far.
    4. The library has many books.
  1. 민지는 과일(사과, 배, 귤)을 좋아합니다.
    1. Minji likes only apples.
    2. Minji dislikes pears.
    3. Minji likes fruit.
    4. Minji sells oranges.
  1. 우리 가족은 설날(한국의 명절)에 할머니 댁에 갑니다.
    1. The family goes to Grandmother’s house on Seollal.
    2. The family studies Korean holidays.
    3. Grandmother comes to the family’s house.
    4. The family goes to school on Seollal.
  1. 저는 매일 아침 지하철(땅 밑으로 다니는 전철)을 탑니다.
    1. I walk every morning.
    2. I take the subway every morning.
    3. I clean the subway every morning.
    4. I study underground every morning.
  1. 이 가게는 오늘 세일(값을 싸게 팖)을 합니다.
    1. This store is closed today.
    2. This store has a sale today.
    3. This store is expensive today.
    4. This store sells only clothes.
  1. 학생들은 운동장(학교에서 운동하는 곳)에 모였습니다.
    1. The students gathered at the playground.
    2. The students went home early.
    3. The students studied in the library.
    4. The students bought exercise books.
  1. 저는 취미(좋아해서 자주 하는 일)로 그림을 그립니다.
    1. I draw as a hobby.
    2. I teach art at school.
    3. I buy pictures often.
    4. I do not like drawing.
  1. 내일 회의는 오후 두 시(14:00)에 시작합니다.
    1. The meeting starts tomorrow at 2 p.m.
    2. The meeting starts today at 2 p.m.
    3. The meeting ends tomorrow at 2 p.m.
    4. The meeting is canceled tomorrow.
  1. 이 식당은 금연(담배를 피우지 않음)입니다.
    1. You can smoke in this restaurant.
    2. This restaurant sells cigarettes.
    3. This restaurant is non-smoking.
    4. This restaurant is very smoky.
Answers: Set 1
  1. 1 — 등산 means hiking or mountain climbing; the core is 주말마다 등산을 합니다.
  1. 2 — 휴관 means the place does not open.
  1. 3 — 사과, 배, 귤 are examples of 과일.
  1. 1 — The parenthesis explains 설날; the action is going to Grandmother’s house.
  1. 2 — 지하철 is the core transportation noun.
  1. 2 — 세일 means selling at a cheaper price.
  1. 1 — 운동장 is the place where the students gathered.
  1. 1 — 취미 explains why the speaker draws.
  1. 1 — 오후 두 시 and 14:00 are the same time.
  1. 3 — 금연 means smoking is not allowed.
Set 2: Choose the main idea
For Questions 11–20, choose the sentence that best matches the passage.
  1. 저는 방학(학교에 가지 않는 기간)에 제주도에 갈 겁니다.
    1. The speaker will go to Jeju during vacation.
    2. The speaker goes to school in Jeju.
    3. The speaker does not like vacation.
    4. The speaker came from Jeju yesterday.
  1. 우리 동네에는 공원(사람들이 쉬거나 산책하는 곳)이 많습니다.
    1. There are many parks in the speaker’s neighborhood.
    2. The speaker works at a park.
    3. The speaker’s neighborhood is noisy.
    4. People cannot walk in the neighborhood.
  1. 저는 점심으로 비빔밥(밥에 여러 가지 채소를 넣고 비벼 먹는 음식)을 먹었습니다.
    1. The speaker ate bibimbap for lunch.
    2. The speaker cooked many vegetables for dinner.
    3. The speaker does not eat rice.
    4. The speaker bought lunch but did not eat it.
  1. 이 영화는 어린이(아이)가 볼 수 있습니다.
    1. Children can watch this movie.
    2. Children made this movie.
    3. This movie is only for adults.
    4. This movie is about children’s schools.
  1. 한국어 수업은 매주 월요일(한 주의 첫 번째 평일)에 있습니다.
    1. Korean class is every Monday.
    2. Korean class is every weekend.
    3. Korean class starts next month.
    4. Korean class is difficult because of Monday.
  1. 저는 시장(물건을 사고파는 곳)에서 신발을 샀습니다.
    1. The speaker bought shoes at a market.
    2. The speaker sold shoes at school.
    3. The market is closed.
    4. The speaker lost shoes at a market.
  1. 이 책은 초급자(처음 배우는 사람)에게 좋습니다.
    1. This book is good for beginners.
    2. This book is written by beginners.
    3. This book is too expensive.
    4. This book is about first days of school.
  1. 오늘 발표는 지수 씨(우리 반 친구)가 합니다.
    1. Jisu will give today’s presentation.
    2. Today’s presentation is about Jisu.
    3. The class will not have a presentation.
    4. Jisu will listen to a friend’s presentation.
  1. 저는 감기(기침이 나고 열이 나는 병)에 걸려서 병원에 갔습니다.
    1. The speaker went to the hospital because of a cold.
    2. The speaker works at a hospital.
    3. The speaker went to the hospital to meet a friend.
    4. The speaker is not sick now.
  1. 우리 학교 축제(학생들이 함께 즐기는 행사)는 다음 금요일입니다.
    1. The school festival is next Friday.
    2. The school festival was last Friday.
    3. The school has no festival.
    4. The school festival is only for teachers.
Answers: Set 2
  1. 1 — 방학 explains the time period; the main action is going to Jeju.
  1. 1 — 공원 is the key noun; 많습니다 shows quantity.
  1. 1 — The food and meal time are both outside the trap.
  1. 1 — 어린이 is explained as 아이; 볼 수 있습니다 means can watch.
  1. 1 — 매주 월요일 is the schedule.
  1. 1 — 시장 is the place; 신발을 샀습니다 is the action.
  1. 1 — 초급자 means beginner.
  1. 1 — The parenthesis identifies Jisu; the verb is 발표를 합니다.
  1. 1 — 감기에 걸려서 gives the reason for going to the hospital.
  1. 1 — 다음 금요일 is the main time information.
Set 3: Avoid parenthetical traps
For Questions 21–30, choose the option that is NOT supported by the sentence.
  1. 저는 주말에 한강(서울에 있는 큰 강)에서 자전거를 탑니다.
    1. The speaker rides a bicycle on weekends.
    2. The speaker rides near the Han River.
    3. The Han River is in Seoul.
    4. The speaker swims in the Han River.
  1. 이 박물관은 무료(돈을 내지 않음)로 들어갈 수 있습니다.
    1. People can enter the museum for free.
    2. People do not need to pay money.
    3. The place is a museum.
    4. People must buy an expensive ticket.
  1. 저는 매일 일기(하루 동안 있었던 일을 쓰는 글)를 씁니다.
    1. The speaker writes a diary every day.
    2. A diary is writing about the day.
    3. The speaker writes every day.
    4. The speaker reads a diary every morning.
  1. 이 버스는 공항(비행기를 타는 곳)까지 갑니다.
    1. This bus goes to the airport.
    2. People can take airplanes at the airport.
    3. This bus goes somewhere related to airplanes.
    4. This bus is an airplane.
  1. 우리 반은 체육대회(학생들이 운동 경기를 하는 행사)를 준비합니다.
    1. The class is preparing for a sports day.
    2. Students play sports at the event.
    3. The class is preparing something.
    4. The class already finished the sports day yesterday.
  1. 저는 서점(책을 파는 가게)에서 친구를 만났습니다.
    1. The speaker met a friend at a bookstore.
    2. A bookstore sells books.
    3. The speaker met someone.
    4. The speaker bought many books with a friend.
  1. 이 약은 식후(밥을 먹은 후)에 드세요.
    1. Take this medicine after a meal.
    2. The medicine is connected to mealtime.
    3. The instruction is about medicine.
    4. Take this medicine before eating.
  1. 내 동생은 유치원(어린아이들이 다니는 학교)에 다닙니다.
    1. The speaker’s younger sibling attends kindergarten.
    2. Kindergarten is for young children.
    3. The younger sibling goes to a school-like place.
    4. The speaker teaches at a kindergarten.
  1. 저는 편의점(24시간 물건을 살 수 있는 가게)에서 우유를 샀습니다.
    1. The speaker bought milk at a convenience store.
    2. A convenience store is a place to buy things.
    3. The speaker bought something.
    4. The speaker sold milk for 24 hours.
  1. 오늘 모임은 취소(하지 않음)되었습니다.
    1. Today’s meeting was canceled.
    2. The meeting will not happen.
    3. The sentence is about today’s meeting.
    4. The meeting started on time today.
Answers: Set 3
  1. 4 — 자전거를 탑니다 means rides a bicycle; swimming is not stated.
  1. 4 — 무료 directly means no payment is needed.
  1. 4 — The sentence says writes a diary, not reads one.
  1. 4 — The bus goes to the airport; it is not an airplane.
  1. 4 — 준비합니다 is present/future preparation, not already finished yesterday.
  1. 4 — Meeting a friend is stated; buying many books is not stated.
  1. 4 — 식후 means after eating, not before eating.
  1. 4 — The younger sibling attends kindergarten; the speaker teaching there is not stated.
  1. 4 — The speaker bought milk; selling milk is not stated.
  1. 4 — 취소되었습니다 means it was canceled.
Set 4: Use parentheses when they explain meaning
For Questions 31–40, choose the best meaning of the underlined Korean word from the parenthetical explanation.
  1. 이곳은 출입 금지(들어가거나 나갈 수 없음)입니다.
    1. You may enter freely.
    2. You cannot enter or leave this place.
    3. You should leave quickly.
    4. You can buy tickets here.
  1. 오늘 수업은 온라인(인터넷으로 하는 것)으로 합니다.
    1. The class is by internet.
    2. The class is outside.
    3. The class is canceled.
    4. The class is in a library.
  1. 이 음식은 매진(다 팔림)되었습니다.
    1. The food is very spicy.
    2. The food is all sold out.
    3. The food is free.
    4. The food is new.
  1. 시험 전에 복습(배운 것을 다시 공부함)을 하세요.
    1. Study learned material again.
    2. Learn a sport.
    3. Buy a new book.
    4. Rest after the test.
  1. 이 길은 일방통행(한쪽 방향으로만 감)입니다.
    1. People can go both ways.
    2. People can go only one direction.
    3. The road is very wide.
    4. The road is closed because of rain.
  1. 저는 외식(집 밖에서 음식을 사 먹음)을 자주 합니다.
    1. I often eat outside the home.
    2. I often cook at home.
    3. I often clean the kitchen.
    4. I often buy groceries only.
  1. 이 상품은 교환(다른 물건으로 바꿈)이 가능합니다.
    1. You can exchange this product.
    2. You cannot touch this product.
    3. You can borrow this product.
    4. You must throw away this product.
  1. 저는 저축(돈을 모음)을 시작했습니다.
    1. I started saving money.
    2. I started spending money.
    3. I started borrowing books.
    4. I started studying numbers.
  1. 이 버스는 직행(다른 곳에 들르지 않고 바로 감)입니다.
    1. The bus goes directly.
    2. The bus stops at every place.
    3. The bus is late.
    4. The bus is cheap.
  1. 이 표는 환불(낸 돈을 돌려받음)이 안 됩니다.
    1. You can get your money back.
    2. You cannot get a refund for this ticket.
    3. You can change the ticket time.
    4. You can buy two tickets.
Answers: Set 4
  1. 2 — 들어가거나 나갈 수 없음 explains 출입 금지.
  1. 1 — 인터넷으로 하는 것 explains 온라인.
  1. 2 — 다 팔림 means sold out.
  1. 1 — 다시 공부함 explains review.
  1. 2 — 한쪽 방향으로만 감 explains one-way traffic.
  1. 1 — 집 밖에서 사 먹음 explains eating out.
  1. 1 — 다른 물건으로 바꿈 explains exchange.
  1. 1 — 돈을 모음 explains saving money.
  1. 1 — 바로 감 explains direct service.
  1. 2 — 환불이 안 됩니다 means a refund is not possible.
Set 5: Short TOPIK-style reading items
For Questions 41–50, read the sentence and choose the best answer.
  1. 다음을 읽고 알 수 있는 것을 고르십시오. 오늘부터 학생증(학생임을 보여 주는 카드)이 있어야 도서관에 들어갈 수 있습니다.
    1. Anyone can enter the library.
    2. Students need a student ID to enter the library.
    3. The library gives cards today.
    4. Students cannot use the library anymore.
  1. 다음을 읽고 알 수 있는 것을 고르십시오. 이번 주 토요일에 벼룩시장(쓰던 물건을 사고파는 곳)이 학교 운동장에서 열립니다.
    1. A flea market will be held at the school playground this Saturday.
    2. The school playground is closed every Saturday.
    3. Students will buy only new things.
    4. The flea market was held last week.
  1. 다음을 읽고 알 수 있는 것을 고르십시오. 이 카페에서는 개인 컵(자기가 가지고 온 컵)을 사용하면 500원을 할인해 줍니다.
    1. The cafe gives a discount for using a personal cup.
    2. The cafe sells cups for 500 won.
    3. People cannot bring cups to the cafe.
    4. The cafe gives free coffee to everyone.
  1. 다음을 읽고 알 수 있는 것을 고르십시오. 민수 씨는 통학(집에서 학교까지 다님) 시간이 길어서 아침 일찍 집을 나옵니다.
    1. Minsu leaves home early because the commute to school is long.
    2. Minsu lives very close to school.
    3. Minsu does not go to school.
    4. Minsu leaves school early every morning.
  1. 다음을 읽고 알 수 있는 것을 고르십시오. 이 아파트는 엘리베이터 공사(고치는 일) 때문에 다음 주 월요일부터 사흘 동안 엘리베이터를 사용할 수 없습니다.
    1. The elevator cannot be used for three days from next Monday.
    2. The elevator will be faster next Monday.
    3. The apartment has no elevator.
    4. The construction finished this Monday.
  1. 다음을 읽고 알 수 있는 것을 고르십시오. 저는 환경 보호(자연을 지키는 일)를 위해 가까운 곳은 걸어갑니다.
    1. The speaker walks to nearby places to protect the environment.
    2. The speaker always takes a taxi.
    3. The speaker dislikes nature.
    4. The speaker walks only because there are no buses.
  1. 다음을 읽고 알 수 있는 것을 고르십시오. 박 선생님은 결석(학교에 오지 않음)한 학생에게 숙제를 이메일로 보냈습니다.
    1. Teacher Park emailed homework to the absent student.
    2. Teacher Park was absent from school.
    3. The student sent homework to Teacher Park.
    4. The student came to school and received homework.
  1. 다음을 읽고 알 수 있는 것을 고르십시오. 이 수업은 선착순(먼저 온 사람 순서)으로 스무 명만 신청할 수 있습니다.
    1. Only twenty people can register in order of arrival.
    2. Everyone can register anytime.
    3. Twenty teachers will teach the class.
    4. People who come late can register first.
  1. 다음을 읽고 알 수 있는 것을 고르십시오. 다음 달부터 쓰레기 분리배출(종류별로 나누어 버림)을 하지 않으면 벌금을 내야 합니다.
    1. People must separate trash by type from next month.
    2. People do not need to throw away trash.
    3. Trash collection stops next month.
    4. People will receive money for throwing away trash.
  1. 다음을 읽고 알 수 있는 것을 고르십시오. 공연장 안에서는 촬영(사진이나 영상을 찍음)이 금지되어 있습니다.
    1. Taking photos or videos is not allowed inside the performance hall.
    2. People must take photos inside the performance hall.
    3. The performance hall is only for photographers.
    4. People can record the show if they sit inside.
Answers: Set 5
  1. 2 — 학생증 is required to enter the library.
  1. 1 — The time, place, and event are all stated.
  1. 1 — 개인 컵 use gives a 500-won discount.
  1. 1 — 통학 시간이 길어서 gives the reason for leaving early.
  1. 1 — 다음 주 월요일부터 사흘 동안 means for three days from next Monday.
  1. 1 — 환경 보호를 위해 explains the purpose of walking.
  1. 1 — 결석한 학생 means the student who did not come to school.
  1. 1 — 선착순 and 스무 명만 are both key restrictions.
  1. 1 — 분리배출 means separating trash by type.
  1. 1 — 촬영이 금지되어 있습니다 means taking photos or videos is prohibited.

✅ Final Review Checklist

  • Read the sentence once while skipping the parentheses.
  • Identify the main noun and main verb.
  • Use the parentheses only to clarify an unknown word.
  • Reject answer choices that copy parenthetical words but change the main action.
  • Pay special attention to negative meanings such as 금지, 휴관, 취소, and 환불 안 됨.