South Korea is a fascinating country with a rich culture and long history. Let’s explore some brain teasers and riddles about this dynamic Asian nation.
Geography
Riddle 1
I’m a 2,744 meter tall mountain located in the Taebaek Mountain Range. Mount Halla and I are the tallest mountains in South Korea. What mountain am I?
Answer: Jirisan
Riddle 2
I’m an island located off the southwest corner of the Korean peninsula, filled with tangerine groves. James Bond visited me in the movie Die Another Day. What island am I?
Answer: Jeju Island
Riddle 3
We are four islands located between South Korea and Japan in the Korea Strait. Dokdo/Takeshima is part of our group. What are we collectively called?
Answer: The Liancourt Rocks
Riddle 4
I’m a 155 mile long river that flows from North Korea to South Korea and enters the Yellow Sea. I’m one of the longest rivers on the Korean peninsula. What river am I?
Answer: The Imjin River
Riddle 5
I’m a heavily fortified strip of land that runs across the Korean Peninsula, separating North and South Korea. I’m considered one of the most militarized borders in the world. What am I?
Answer: The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
History
Riddle 6
I was an ancient Korean kingdom that occupied parts of Manchuria and the Korean Peninsula from 37 BCE to 668 CE. What was I called?
Answer: Goguryeo
Riddle 7
I was a 15th century Korean scientist and inventor who created early versions of the rain gauge, armillary sphere, and water clock. I even built an astronomical observatory. Who am I?
Answer: Jang Yeong-sil
Riddle 8
I referred to the Japanese occupation of Korea from 1910-1945. Koreans were forced to adopt Japanese names during my dark 35 year period. What period was I?
Answer: Japanese Imperial rule/Japanese Occupation
Riddle 9
I was a three-day popular uprising in Korea that started on April 19, 1960. I was student-led and protested against the autocratic rule of Syngman Rhee. What event was I?
Answer: The April 19th Revolution
Riddle 10
I was a coup d’état led by Major General Park Chung-hee on May 16, 1961 that overthrew the Second Republic of South Korea. I led to authoritarian rule for nearly two decades. What am I?
Answer: 5.16 Military Coup
Culture
Riddle 11
I am a traditional Korean costume worn during the Joseon dynasty by commoners, aristocrats and royalty alike. Women wore me as a full length wrap-around skirt while men wore me as a jacket. What am I?
Answer: Hanbok
Riddle 12
We are a Korean caste hereditary system that existed during the Joseon Dynasty. Members could not change castes or occupations. The 4 castes from highest to lowest were: Yangban, Jung-in, Sangmin, and Cheonmin. What was this rigid social system called?
Answer: Korean Caste System
Riddle 13
I originated among the lower classes in 19th century Korean society as a form of musical storytelling performed by itinerant singers. Today I’m recognized by UNESCO on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. What traditional Korean art form am I?
Answer: Pansori
Riddle 14
We are 2 traditional Korean rival martial arts that both originated during the Joseon dynasty. One focuses more on kicking while the other utilizes more hand strikes. What are these arts called?
Answer: Taekkyeon and Subak
Food
Riddle 15
I’m a popular Korean rice dish made by boiling short-grain white rice with other ingredients like meat, vegetables, mushrooms, seafood or kimchi. What dish am I?
Answer: Bibimbap
Riddle 16
I’m a savory and spicy fermented Korean side dish made with napa cabbage, salt, garlic, ginger and chili powder. I’m served as a side dish at nearly every Korean meal. What am I?
Answer: Kimchi
Riddle 17
I’m a thick, bone broth Korean soup made with noodles and various meat or seafood ingredients like beef, pork, chicken or shellfish. Some popular varieties I’m served in are Seolleongtang and Galbitang. What type of soup am I?
Answer: Guk or Kuk
Riddle 18
We are sweet, warm Korean punches usually made with citrus-infused honey or sugar and ginger. Popular winter versions include Sujeonggwa and Yujacha. What type of traditional Korean drink are we?
Answer: -Cha (-tea)
Language
Riddle 19
I’m the most widely spoken language in both North and South Korea with about 77 million speakers worldwide. I’m considered a language isolate, but utilize some Chinese loanwords. What language am I?
Answer: Korean
Riddle 20
I’m Korea’s indigenous writing system created in the 15th century by King Sejong the Great. With 24 letters, I’m considered one of the most scientific writing systems in the world. What am I?
Answer: Hangeul
Riddle 21
We are special Korean honorific forms of speech used to show respect when talking about or to elders, teachers, customers and superiors. We have 7 noun levels from “highest” to “lowest” standing. What are we called?
Answer: Speech Levels
Current Events
Riddle 22
I’m the current President of South Korea, elected in 2022. I’m the country’s third female president but the first one without familial political ties. Who am I?
Answer: Yoon Suk-yeol
Riddle 23
I’m a South Korean drama streaming platform operated by Hybe Corporation. I showcase many Korean pop music artists, behind-the-scenes content and Korean dramas. What platform am I?
Answer: Weverse
Riddle 24
I’m a South Korean multinational entertainment and retail conglomerate controlling artists and actors like BTS, Seventeen, NU’EST, GFRIEND and others. I promote the global Korean Wave. What company am I?
Answer: Hybe Corporation
Riddle 25
I’m a South Korean drama about a sacrificial bride in 1930s Korea and a present-day police detective linked by black magic. With a 9.1/10 rating, I’m the highest rated South Korean cable TV series in history. What hit show am I?
Answer: The Bride of Habaek/Habaekui Shinbu
Religion
Riddle 26
I’m South Korea’s largest organized religion, followed by 27.6% of the population. Rather than a single denomination, I encompass over 100 denominations sharing beliefs. Christianity is my overarching name. What am I called?
Answer: Protestantism or Korean Protestant Christianity
Riddle 27
I originated in Korea in the 1940s as a syncretic, monotheistic religion that incorporates elements of Buddhism, Confucianism, shamanism and traditional Korean folk religions. I have over 4 million members worldwide. What new religious movement am I?
Answer: Jeungsanism
Riddle 28
I’m a headquarters temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism located on Mt. Jirisan. I’m one of the Three Jewel Temples of Korea. Pilgrims have visited me to pay homage for over 1,300 years. What historic temple am I?
Answer: Hwaeomsa Temple
Science & Technology
Riddle 29
I’m a South Korean automaker that builds affordable, high-quality vehicles like the Sonata, Elantra, Accent and more. I’m currently the 5th largest vehicle manufacturer in the world. What company am I?
Answer: Hyundai Motor Company
Riddle 30
I’m a South Korean technology company that creates consumer electronics like TVs, phones, appliances and semiconductors. I’m currently the world’s 2nd largest TV manufacturer behind Samsung. What company am I?
Answer: LG Electronics
Riddle 31
I’m a South Korean biopharmaceutical firm specializing in innovative medicines like oncology, immunology and neuroscience. My headquarters is in Seoul and I’m currently researching over 30 new medications. What company am I?
Answer: Celltrion
Economy
Riddle 32
I’m the official currency of South Korea issued by the Bank of Korea. I use the symbol ₩ and come in denominations of ₩10, ₩50, ₩100, ₩500, ₩1k, ₩5k, ₩1w, ₩5w and coins. What currency am I?
Answer: South Korean won
Riddle 33
I’m a major port city and sprawling metropolitan area located on the southeast coast of South Korea along the Sea of Japan. I’m South Korea’s 2nd most populous city after Seoul. What thriving city am I?
Answer: Busan
Riddle 34
I refer to the period from 1962 to 1996 when South Korea transitioned from an impoverished nation to a developed, high-income country. I’m named after a South Korean export-oriented economic strategy. What remarkable era of growth was I?
Answer: The Miracle on the Han River
Sports & Entertainment
Riddle 35
I’m a South Korean professional Overwatch esports team based in Seoul, South Korea. I play in the Overwatch League for the Seoul Dynasty franchise. What team am I?
Answer: Seoul Dynasty
Riddle 36
We are a popular South Korean septet boy band formed in Seoul in 2010. We helped spread the Korean Wave globally with pop songs like “Dynamite,” “Butter,” and “Permission to Dance.” Our loyal fan base is called ARMY. Who are we?
Answer: BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan)
Conclusion
That’s over three dozen brain twisters and riddles from across South Korean geography, history, culture, language, current events, religion, science, economy, sports and entertainment. How many were you able to solve on your own?
South Korea remains a wellspring of mysteries, marvels, and surprises. Learning fun facts through puzzles is a clever way to keep your mind engaged and gain insightful perspectives.
Spend some time unraveling more enigmas about the Land of Morning Calm! Whether traveling yourself or talking with those who have, be inquisitive, make connections and continue expanding your knowledge.
