TOPIK Practice – TOPIK I 어휘 [Vocabulary] 1–5 (2/18/2026) – havana syndrome

정답: B. 증상

How to solve: The sentence states that Havana Syndrome is known to be accompanied by unknown ______. To complete the sentence logically, a word referring to physical or mental manifestations of an illness is needed. 'Symptoms' fits this context.

A — '뉴스' means 'news'. It does not fit the context of an illness being accompanied by something. Illnesses are not accompanied by news.

B — '증상' means 'symptoms'. This word perfectly fits the context of an illness having specific manifestations. Havana Syndrome is indeed characterized by various symptoms.

C — '물건' means 'object' or 'thing'. This word is irrelevant to the context of an illness.

D — '선물' means 'gift'. This word is completely out of context for describing an illness.

정답: C. 경험했다

How to solve: The sentence talks about diplomats and Havana Syndrome in Cuba. The blank needs a verb that describes what diplomats would do in relation to experiencing a syndrome. 'To experience' is the most suitable verb.

A — '노래했다' means 'sang'. It is not logical for someone to 'sing' a syndrome.

B — '먹었다' means 'ate'. It is not logical for someone to 'eat' a syndrome.

C — '경험했다' means 'experienced'. This is the most appropriate verb to describe having gone through a particular event or condition like a syndrome.

D — '보냈다' means 'sent' or 'spent (time)'. While one might 'spend time' somewhere, one doesn't 'send' or 'spend' a syndrome in the sense of contracting it.

정답: C. 원인

How to solve: The sentence states that something about Havana Syndrome has not yet been clearly identified. When discussing a syndrome or illness, what is typically 'not yet identified' is its 'cause'.

A — '장소' means 'place'. While the syndrome occurred in specific places, its 'exact place' is not typically what remains 'undisclosed' in the context of scientific understanding.

B — '친구' means 'friend'. This is entirely irrelevant to the context of a syndrome's scientific understanding.

C — '원인' means 'cause'. This is the most suitable word, as the exact cause of Havana Syndrome is indeed a subject of ongoing investigation and remains largely unknown.

D — '노래' means 'song'. This is completely irrelevant to the context of a syndrome.

정답: C. 조사하고

How to solve: The sentence states that many experts are ______ about Havana Syndrome. When experts deal with a mysterious phenomenon like a syndrome, they typically 'investigate' or 'research' it. Among the given options, '조사하다' (to investigate) is the most fitting.

A — '이야기하고' means 'talking'. While experts might talk about it, the primary action of experts regarding an unknown syndrome is usually more formal than just talking.

B — '공부하고' means 'studying'. This is plausible, but 'investigating' implies a more active inquiry into its nature, which is typical for experts.

C — '조사하고' means 'investigating' or 'researching'. This is the most appropriate action for experts trying to understand a mysterious syndrome.

D — '놀고' means 'playing'. This is completely inappropriate for experts dealing with a serious medical phenomenon.

정답: C. 외교관

How to solve: The sentence asks about the primary group of people suffering from Havana Syndrome. It is widely known that Havana Syndrome primarily affects diplomats and intelligence officers, especially those stationed abroad. Among the choices, '외교관' (diplomat) is the correct answer.

A — '학생' means 'student'. Students are not typically the primary group affected by Havana Syndrome.

B — '선생님' means 'teacher'. Teachers are not typically the primary group affected by Havana Syndrome.

C — '외교관' means 'diplomat'. This is historically and factually correct, as Havana Syndrome first gained prominence among US and Canadian diplomats in Cuba.

D — '가수' means 'singer'. Singers are not typically the primary group affected by Havana Syndrome.