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Quizzes > History

Korean History Quiz: Dynasties, Customs, and Pop Culture

Quick, free quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results on Korean culture quiz topics.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Bikram RawatUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting elements of Korean culture for a history trivia quiz

This Korean history quiz helps you review dynasties, customs, and modern pop culture with 15 quick questions. Get instant feedback, spot gaps fast, and compare eras from early kingdoms to today. If you want more, try our South Korea quiz, or go wider with an east asia quiz.

Which dynasty built the Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju?
Goryeo
Baekje
Silla
Joseon
Bulguksa Temple was constructed in the 8th century during the Unified Silla period, reflecting Silla's sophisticated Buddhist architecture. It remains one of Korea's most significant cultural landmarks.
What is kimchi traditionally made from?
Fermented vegetables
Raw fish
Stir-fried meat
Rice cake dessert
Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made by fermenting vegetables, most commonly napa cabbage and radishes, with seasonings. Its fermentation process gives it a distinctive sour and spicy flavor.
Which Korean holiday is known as the Harvest Moon festival?
Seollal
Chuseok
Buddha's Birthday
Dano
Chuseok, often called the Harvest Moon festival, is a major Korean holiday that celebrates the autumn harvest. Families gather to give thanks, share food, and honor their ancestors.
What does Hangul refer to?
The Korean alphabet
A fermented dish
A type of temple
A traditional costume
Hangul is the phonetic alphabet created in the 15th century by King Sejong to promote literacy. It is unique for its scientific design and ease of learning.
Which South Korean boy band achieved global fame in the 2010s?
Big Bang
EXO
Seo Taiji and Boys
BTS
BTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys, rose to global prominence in the 2010s through chart-topping albums, sold-out world tours, and active engagement on social media. They have greatly contributed to the spread of K-pop worldwide.
Which dynasty is credited with instituting the civil service examination system based on Confucian principles?
Baekje
Goryeo
Joseon
Silla
During the Joseon dynasty, the gwageo civil service examinations were established to recruit government officials based on merit and Confucian learning. This system shaped Korea's bureaucratic and educational structures for centuries.
What is the traditional Korean attire known as?
Kimono
Ao dai
Qipao
Hanbok
Hanbok is the traditional Korean clothing characterized by vibrant colors and simple lines without pockets. It is worn on special occasions and holidays to celebrate Korean heritage.
The gayageum is a traditional Korean musical instrument similar to which of the following?
Flute
Zither
Drum
Violin
The gayageum is a plucked string instrument similar to a zither, with twelve strings stretched over a wooden body. It has been used in both court and folk music since ancient times.
In which decade did the Korean Wave (Hallyu), referring to the global spread of Korean culture, first begin to gain significant momentum?
1970s
1960s
2000s
1990s
The Korean Wave started in the 1990s with the export of Korean dramas and pop music to neighboring Asian countries. This cultural export laid the foundation for broader global interest in Korea's entertainment and lifestyle.
Which region in Korea is particularly famous for its spicy cuisine, including dishes such as kimchi and gochujang-based stews?
Jeolla province
Gangwon province
Chungcheong province
Gyeongsang province
Jeolla province, especially Jeonju and Gwangju, is renowned for its bold and spicy flavors, making it a culinary hotspot in Korea. The region's rich agricultural output supports a variety of fermented and seasoned dishes.
Which palace in Seoul served as the main royal palace during the Joseon dynasty?
Changgyeonggung
Changdeokgung
Gyeongbokgung
Deoksugung
Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, was the main and largest of the Five Grand Palaces during Joseon. It symbolized the dynasty's authority and houses the National Palace Museum today.
What is the traditional celebration of the Lunar New Year in Korea called?
Hansik
Chuseok
Seollal
Dano
Seollal is Korea's Lunar New Year celebration marked by ancestral rites, traditional games, and special foods like tteokguk. It is one of the most important holidays in Korean culture.
Which Korean martial art is characterized by high kicks and dynamic footwork?
Aikido
Judo
Karate
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art known for its emphasis on head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques. It is also an Olympic sport.
What is the name of the colorful Korean paper lantern festival held each spring to celebrate Buddha's Birthday?
Boryeong Mud Festival
Lotus Lantern Festival
Gwangju Biennale
Andong Mask Dance Festival
The Lotus Lantern Festival is held annually to celebrate Buddha's Birthday and features vibrant lantern parades in cities like Seoul. It honors Buddhist traditions and Korean craftsmanship.
What tool is primarily used in traditional Korean calligraphy to write Hangul characters?
Chisel
Pen
Stylus
Brush
In Korean calligraphy, a soft-bristled brush is used to create the fluid strokes of Hangul characters. The techniques emphasize control of ink flow and brush pressure.
What is Jikji, recognized by UNESCO as the world's oldest extant book printed with movable metal type?
A Silla law code
A Joseon medical text
A Goryeo poem collection
A 1377 Buddhist document
Jikji is a Buddhist anthology printed in 1377 during the Goryeo dynasty and is the oldest surviving book made using movable metal type. Its recognition by UNESCO highlights Korea's early contributions to printing technology.
The March 1st Movement of 1919 is best known for mobilizing which group in Korea's independence struggle?
Feudal lords of Joseon
Japanese merchants
Chinese diplomats
Nationalist activists seeking independence
The March 1st Movement was a nationwide protest led by Korean nationalists demanding independence from Japanese rule. It unified diverse social groups and inspired subsequent resistance activities.
The Hwarang of the Silla period were known primarily as what?
Youth warriors trained in arts and military skills
Commoner farmers
Royal family palace guards
Buddhist monks
The Hwarang were an elite group of young male warriors in Silla who trained in both martial arts and cultural pursuits. They played a key role in unifying the Korean Peninsula under Silla rule.
Which modern Korean dialect is considered the standard or prestige dialect in South Korea?
Gyeongsang dialect
Seoul/Gyeonggi dialect
Busan dialect
Jeju dialect
The Seoul/Gyeonggi dialect is the basis for the standard form of Korean used in education, media, and government. It gained prestige due to Seoul's political and cultural dominance.
Jongmyo Jeryeak, the royal ancestral ritual music of the Joseon dynasty, is classified by UNESCO as what type of heritage?
Natural heritage
Intangible cultural heritage
World heritage site
Tangible cultural heritage
UNESCO designates Jongmyo Jeryeak as an Intangible Cultural Heritage due to its living performance traditions and ceremonial significance. It preserves the music and rites performed at the royal shrine in Seoul.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify significant dynasties, figures, and events in Korean history
  2. Analyze the evolution of traditional Korean customs and arts
  3. Evaluate the impact of historical milestones on modern society
  4. Demonstrate familiarity with Korean festivals, cuisine, and language terms
  5. Apply knowledge of Korean pop culture and entertainment trends
  6. Recognize regional variations in Korean traditions and heritage

Cheat Sheet

  1. Three Kingdoms Period (57 BC - 668 AD) - Grab your time-travel goggles and journey to the era when Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla vied for power, shaping the very DNA of Korean culture and politics. Their epic battles, strategic alliances, and cultural exchanges built the roots of tradition. Understanding these legacies is key to unlocking Korea's complex historical tapestry. Three Kingdoms of Korea
  2. Joseon Dynasty (1392 - 1897) - Step into the golden age of Confucian governance, where scholars guided the state and societal norms revolved around filial piety and ritual. It was during this period that King Sejong introduced Hangul, a writing system designed to boost literacy among commoners. The artistic, scientific, and philosophical achievements of Joseon still resonate in modern Korea. Joseon Dynasty
  3. Japanese Occupation (1910 - 1945) - Delve into one of the most challenging chapters in Korea's past, when colonial rule brought profound social, economic, and cultural disruptions. Studying this era reveals the resilience of the Korean spirit and the birth of independence movements. It also helps explain the foundations of contemporary national identity. Korea under Japanese rule
  4. Traditional Korean Music (Gugak) - Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of court music, folk melodies, and shamanistic rituals that make up gugak. These centuries-old tunes connect listeners to ancestral ceremonies and seasonal celebrations. Exploring the instruments and vocal styles offers a window into Korea's rich artistic soul. Traditional Arts
  5. Korean Festivals: Chuseok & Seollal - Celebrate harvest time and the lunar new year alongside Koreans during Chuseok and Seollal, two of the nation's most cherished holidays. You'll discover ancestral rites, feasting rituals, and vibrant folk games that strengthen family bonds. These festivals encapsulate community spirit and gratitude. Chuseok
  6. Iconic Korean Dishes - Dive into a sensory feast with kimchi's spicy crunch, bibimbap's harmonious mix of rice and veggies, and bulgogi's savory-sweet grilled beef. Each dish tells a story of regional ingredients, seasonal traditions, and communal dining. Understanding food culture reveals daily life and social values. Korean cuisine
  7. The Korean Wave (Hallyu) - Ride the tidal wave of K-pop beats, binge-worthy dramas, and award-winning films that have captured global audiences. This cultural phenomenon showcases Korea's soft power and creative innovation. Exploring Hallyu helps explain contemporary media trends and cross-cultural exchange. Korean Wave
  8. Regional Culinary Delights - From Jeju Island's fresh seafood platters to Gangwon Province's hearty potato stews, regional specialties highlight Korea's diverse geography. Learning these local flavors offers insight into community identities and ingredient-driven cooking. It's a delicious way to map Korea's culinary landscape. Korean regional cuisine
  9. The Korean Language: Hangul - Marvel at King Sejong's linguistic masterpiece, Hangul, crafted in 1443 to promote literacy for everyone. Its logical alphabet structure remains one of the most efficient writing systems in the world. Studying Hangul opens doors to understanding Korean thought and expression. Hangul
  10. Confucianism's Influence - Explore how Confucian ideals of hierarchy, education, and family duty guided Korea's social fabric for centuries. These principles shaped legal codes, schooling systems, and everyday etiquette. Recognizing Confucian roots clarifies many modern social customs. Confucianism in Korea
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