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Quizzes > Geography

South Korea quiz: Test your knowledge of culture, history, and places

Quick, free quiz with Korea trivia questions. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Adesh KumarUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of Korean landmarks, K-pop icons, cultural symbols and quiz theme on coral background.

This South Korea quiz helps you check what you know about K-pop, landmarks, food, and history. Get a clear score at the end and see what to review; then try our east asia quiz, explore Asia trivia, or take a country trivia quiz for more practice.

What is the capital city of South Korea?
Seoul
Incheon
Daegu
Busan
The capital city of South Korea is Seoul, which serves as the political, cultural, and economic center of the country. It is home to historic sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and modern landmarks like the N Seoul Tower. Once a small city during the Joseon dynasty, Seoul has grown into a metropolitan area of over 10 million residents. .
Which traditional Korean clothing is known for its vibrant colors and simple lines?
Hanbok
Yukata
Kimono
Hanfu
Hanbok refers to the traditional Korean dress known for its simple lines and vibrant colors. It has been worn since the Joseon dynasty and is now commonly seen during festivals and celebrations. Unlike the Japanese kimono or Chinese hanfu, the hanbok emphasizes curved lines and a flowing skirt. .
What is the official currency of South Korea?
Chinese yuan
South Korean won
Japanese yen
Thai baht
The official currency of South Korea is the South Korean won (KRW). It replaced the hwan in 1962 and is issued by the Bank of Korea. The won is subdivided into 100 jeon, though coins in jeon are no longer used in everyday transactions. .
Which historic palace in Seoul is known as the 'Northern Palace' and was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty?
Gyeongbokgung
Changdeokgung
Gyeonghuigung
Deoksugung
Gyeongbokgung, also known as the 'Northern Palace', was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Constructed in 1395, it served as the home of kings, the royal family, and government headquarters. Although it was heavily damaged during the Japanese occupation, it has undergone significant restoration since the 1990s. .
What does the abbreviation 'DMZ' stand for on the Korean Peninsula?
Defense Military Zone
Demarcation Zone
Demilitarized Zone
Demilitarized Zoning
DMZ stands for the Demilitarized Zone, a buffer area between North and South Korea established by the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953. It stretches roughly 250 kilometers across the peninsula and is about 4 kilometers wide. Despite its militarized surroundings, the DMZ is one of the most well-preserved habitats in Korea. .
Which city in South Korea is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site Bulguksa Temple?
Gyeongju
Incheon
Seoul
Busan
Bulguksa Temple is located in Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla kingdom. It dates back to the 8th century and is one of Korea's most significant Buddhist sites. The temple and its stone pagodas reflect the high craftsmanship of the Silla period. .
Who is credited with creating the Korean alphabet, Hangul, in the 15th century?
Admiral Yi Sun-sin
Confucius
King Taejo
King Sejong the Great
King Sejong the Great commissioned the creation of Hangul during the 15th century as a simpler alternative to Classical Chinese characters. Completed around 1443 and officially promulgated in 1446, it allowed literacy to spread among commoners. Hangul's scientific design makes it one of the most efficient writing systems in the world. .
In which year did South Korea host the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang?
2014
2018
2010
2022
PyeongChang hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXIII Olympic Winter Games. This was the first Winter Olympics held in South Korea. The event featured athletes from 92 countries competing in 102 events across 7 sports. .
Which ancient Korean kingdom succeeded in unifying most of the Korean Peninsula in 668 AD?
Baekje
Balhae
Goguryeo
Silla
Silla was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea and succeeded in unifying most of the peninsula in 668 AD. With the help of China's Tang dynasty, Silla defeated Goguryeo and Baekje. This unification period ushered in a golden age of art, culture, and Buddhism known as Unified Silla. .
On what date was the Korean War armistice signed, effectively ceasing hostilities on the peninsula?
October 1, 1951
July 27, 1953
June 25, 1950
August 15, 1945
The Korean War armistice was signed on July 27, 1953, effectively ceasing hostilities between North Korea and South Korea. It was signed by representatives of the United Nations Command, North Korea, and China. Although fighting stopped, a formal peace treaty was never signed. .
What is the highest mountain in South Korea?
Jirisan
Seoraksan
Bukhansan
Hallasan
Hallasan is a shield volcano and the highest mountain in South Korea, standing at 1,947 meters (6,388 feet). It is located on Jeju Island and is a designated national park. The mountain is home to unique plant and animal species and features a crater lake called Baengnokdam. .
In what year did King Sejong officially promulgate Hangul, the Korean alphabet?
1450
1446
1492
1443
King Sejong officially promulgated Hangul through the publication of the Hunminjeongeum in 1446. This announcement outlined the principles of the new alphabet and its benefits for literacy. Prior to this, Korean writing relied primarily on Classical Chinese characters. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Iconic K-pop Hits -

    Participants will be able to name major K-pop songs and artists that have shaped South Korea's music scene.

  2. Identify Historic Landmarks -

    Participants will recognize famous cultural and historical sites across the Republic of Korea.

  3. Describe Street Foods and Traditions -

    Participants will understand popular Korean street foods and cultural customs that make South Korea unique.

  4. Distinguish Regional and Historical Facts -

    Participants will differentiate between key events and regional characteristics in South Korea's history.

  5. Evaluate Your South Korea Quiz Performance -

    Participants will assess their own mastery of the quiz korea challenges and identify areas for improvement.

  6. Enhance Cultural Appreciation -

    Participants will develop a deeper appreciation for South Korea's vibrant culture and global influence.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Hangul: The Ingenious Korean Alphabet -

    Innovated by King Sejong in 1443, Hangul's modular design is recognized by UNESCO for its linguistic brilliance (UNESCO, 2021). A simple mnemonic for the basic vowels is "아 야 어 여 오 요 우 유 이," moving from simple strokes to compound forms. Mastering Hangul gives you a head start on any South Korea quiz by unlocking the original script of signs and song lyrics.

  2. Historic Palaces and UNESCO Sites -

    Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces in Seoul reflect Joseon-era grandeur and are UNESCO World Heritage sites (UNESCO World Heritage Centre). Remember "G-C" (Gyeongbok & Changdeok) to recall the two must-see palaces. Recognizing these landmarks earns you extra points in a Republic of Korea quiz focused on cultural heritage.

  3. K-Pop Industry's Big Three and BTS Phenomenon -

    SM, YG, and JYP dominate K-pop production, while BTS broke records by hitting over 20 million album sales worldwide (IFPI, 2022). Use the formula "3 Labels + 1 Global Act = K-pop Powerhouse" to recall the industry structure for your Korea quiz. Familiarity with these key players helps you shine in any South Korea trivia challenge.

  4. Iconic Street Foods and Flavor Profiles -

    Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and odeng (fish cakes) are staples at markets like Gwangjang (Korean Food Foundation). A tasty memory trick: "THO" (Tteokbokki, Hotteok, Odeng) covers three must-try treats. Knowing these snacks and their flavor notes will spice up your answers on a South Korea quiz.

  5. Tech & Innovation Leadership -

    South Korea consistently ranks at the top for broadband speed and smartphone penetration (ITU, 2023). Companies like Samsung and Hyundai symbolize the country's R&D prowess, often cited in global innovation indices. Dropping these facts into your quiz korea responses underscores how cutting-edge the Republic of Korea truly is.

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