Basic Korean Vocabulary Trivia Quiz

Answer: Eat it.

"Kimchi" is the spicy, usually fermented, vegetable and spice dish that accompanies every Korean meal from breakfast to dinner. It comes in many varieties, so if you don't like one, go ahead and try another. The standard "kimchi" is made with bok choi and lots of garlic. Cucumber "kimchi" is particularly tasty, with the contrasting flavors of the cool cucumbers and the flaming-hot spices.

Answer: Teachers.

"Hagwans" are after-school English language academies. Many native English speakers find work in them. In fact, if you meet an English-speaking foreigner who's not with the US military, odds are he or she teaches at a "hagwan"!

Answer: The Korean alphabet.

Ask a Korean who the greatest Korean king was, and she'll probably say, "King Sejong." Until his reign, in the late 15th century, the Korean language was written using Chinese characters. Sejong wanted to promote literacy and a Korean identity separate from China, so he directed scholars to develop an alphabet. "Hangul" was the result.

Answer: In restaurants.

"Bulgogi", or "Korean barbecue," is thin-sliced marinated meat, cooked by the diners right at the table. It's eaten by wrapping bits of it in leafy vegetables, such as sesame leaves. Each restaurant has its own selection of side dishes that diners share as they enjoy the "bulgogi" experience.

Answer: She wears it.

"Hanbok" is the traditional Korean national costume. It consists of a jacket, worn with a skirt by women and with pants by men. The "hanbok" is worn for ceremonial occasions. Although the cut doesn't vary much, the different fabrics and trims used give each "hanbok" a distinctive look.

Answer: It's a beverage -- drink it!

"Soju" is a Korean alcoholic drink made from rice hulls or other agricultural leftovers. It contains about 20-30% alcohol. You can do shots, make a Korean variation on a boilermaker, or mix it with non-alcoholic drinks. Koreans sometimes mix it with green tea.

Answer: When you want a snack.

"Kimbap" is sometimes called "Korean sushi." It's usually made from ham, eggs, pickled radishes, and vegetables rolled in rice and dried seaweed. Though it looks a lot like sushi, it has a distinctly different taste. You might like it even if you dislike sushi. It's also available in variations, including vegetarian and vegan, but you have to really shop around to find these!

Answer: She'll give you a piece of her mind!

An "ajumma" is an older, married Korean woman. Although traditionally, Korean society is very male-oriented, the woman of the house carries a lot of clout, and she stands her ground against offending children and outsiders. Offending an "ajumma" is like coming between a mama bear and her cubs!

Answer: military history.

A "seong" is a fortress. Suwon's fortress is Hwaseong, built in the late 18th century. Due to its beauty and historic significance, it's designated a World Cultural Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. You can walk along most of the wall a distance of nearly 6 kilometers. You will see four elaborate entrance gates, five secret gates, a beacon tower, and other features. Don't forget to ring the enormous Bell of Filial Piety three times -- once to honor your parents, once for family health and happiness, and once for your dreams.

Answer: won

Although you'll see the sign for the "won" -- a W with a horizontal line through it -- all over Korea, there is no W in the the Korean alphabet! They use two vowels, making a sound like "Oooh-ah" said very quickly. Try it -- you'll make a sound like a W.