South Korea Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of the Land of Morning Calm

Hanbok is a traditional Korean attire worn during festivals, celebrations, and ceremonies. It’s characterized by vibrant colors, flowing lines, and no pockets.

The Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon) symbolizes the Korean people's perseverance and beauty. "Mugunghwa" means "eternal blossom that never fades," and it's widely featured in Korean songs and literature.

Jeju Island is a volcanic island popular for tourism, natural beauty, lava tubes, and Hallasan Mountain. It’s sometimes referred to as the "Hawaii of South Korea."

The South Korean Won (₩) is the national currency, abbreviated as KRW. It comes in various denominations, and the economy is known for being export-driven, especially in electronics, automobiles, and shipbuilding.

South Korea has one of the most rigorous education systems globally, with high university entrance standards and long study hours. Students often attend "hagwons" (private academies) after school.

Samulnori is a genre of Korean percussion music using four instruments: kkwaenggwari (small gong), jing (large gong), janggu (hourglass drum), and buk (barrel drum). It’s energetic and used in festivals.

Lee Jae‑myung officially took office on June 4, 2025, after being elected in a snap election on June 3. In his inauguration speech, he emphasized the need to unite the country following a period of political turmoil.

Seoul is the political, economic, and cultural heart of South Korea. With over 9 million residents, it’s a modern metropolis famous for advanced infrastructure, historic palaces, shopping districts like Myeongdong, and high-tech areas like Gangnam and Digital Media City.

Hangul was invented in 1443 by King Sejong and his scholars. It consists of 14 consonants and 10 vowels, arranged into syllabic blocks. It’s considered easy to learn and highly efficient for digital use.

Mount Hallasan is a dormant volcano located on Jeju Island, rising 1,947 meters above sea level. It's a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and popular hiking destination, surrounded by unique flora and volcanic landscapes.

Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is known for its coastal beauty, bustling port, seafood, and the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), one of Asia’s most prominent.

BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) released “Dynamite” in 2020, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became the first song by a Korean act to reach No. 1 in the U.S.

The country code for South Korea is +82, used when dialing a South Korean number from abroad. Each region within Korea has additional area codes.

The Korean Demilitarized Zone is a 250-kilometer-long and 4-kilometer-wide buffer zone established after the Korean War armistice in 1953. It’s heavily guarded and one of the most militarized borders in the world, though ironically named "demilitarized."

K-Pop, or Korean pop music, is a global cultural phenomenon blending catchy music, dance, and fashion. Artists like BTS, BLACKPINK, and EXO have massive international followings.

The Han River runs through Seoul and is lined with parks, bike paths, and bridges. It was historically important for trade and is now central to the city’s landscape and leisure activities.

Korean is the sole official language of South Korea. It is written in Hangul, an alphabet created in the 15th century by King Sejong to promote literacy among commoners. Hangul is considered one of the most scientific writing systems in the world.

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art known for high, fast kicks and spinning techniques. It’s an Olympic sport and taught in more than 200 countries worldwide.

South Korea has one of the most rigorous education systems globally, with high university entrance standards and long study hours. Students often attend "hagwons" (private academies) after school.

Samsung, founded in 1938, is one of the world’s largest technology companies, known for smartphones, TVs, and semiconductors. It contributes significantly to South Korea’s economy and global reputation in tech.

Tteokbokki is a chewy and spicy dish made from soft rice cakes, fish cakes, and gochujang (Korean chili paste). It's commonly sold by street vendors and is a comfort food.

South Korea joined the United Nations in 1991. It is also a member of the OECD, G20, and WTO, reflecting its status as a developed nation and global economic player.

The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the first held in Asia and jointly hosted by two countries. South Korea’s national team made it to the semi-finals, a historic achievement that boosted football's popularity nationwide.

Kimchi is Korea’s most iconic side dish made through fermentation, usually with napa cabbage and Korean radish seasoned with chili powder, garlic, and ginger. It’s praised for its probiotics and cultural significance.

Known as the Sea of Japan internationally and the East Sea in South Korea, this body of water plays a key role in trade, security, and regional maritime disputes.