South Korea: What’s there?
Look at the pictures above. What country do they represent? Do you know much about it? Can you remember any interesting facts?
Watch and learn
Watch the video and describe what you see.
What do you know about South Korea?
First, answer the questions, then take the quiz and check how much you know about this country.
Lead-in Questions: South Korea
🎵 Culture & Entertainment
- Have you ever listened to K-pop? What do you think of it?
- Do you know any K-dramas or Korean movies? Which ones have you watched?
- Why do you think Korean culture is so popular around the world today?
🍱 Food
- Have you ever tried Korean food? What did you eat?
- Would you try something like kimchi or spicy rice cakes? Why or why not?
- How is Korean food different from food in your country?
🏞️ Travel & Nature
- If you could visit South Korea, what places would you like to see?
- Do you enjoy hiking or nature trips? Did you know hiking is very popular in Korea?
- Would you like to stay in a traditional Korean temple for a few days?
💻 Technology & Modern Life
- Did you know South Korea is one of the most high-tech countries in the world? What do you think daily life there looks like?
- How important is technology in your life? What would your day be like without it?
👘 Traditions & History
- What traditional clothes do people wear in your culture? Have you seen the Korean hanbok?
- What do you know about Korean history or traditions?
🌏 Global Influence
- How do you think South Korea has influenced the world in recent years?
- Why do you think people from different countries are becoming more interested in Korean culture?
South Korea Quiz
Instructions: Choose the correct answer or write your response where needed. Each question is worth 1 point.
1. What is the capital city of South Korea?
A) Busan
B) Seoul
C) Incheon
D) Daeg
2. What traditional Korean food is made from fermented vegetables, usually spicy?
A) Sushi
B) Tofu
C) Kimchi
D) Ramen
3. What does “K-pop” stand for?
A) Korean Pop
B) Kids’ Pop
C) Keyboard Pop
D) Kickstart Pop
4. What is the name of the traditional Korean clothing worn during festivals and holidays?
A) Yukata
B) Hanbok
C) Sari
D) Ao dai
5. Which Korean dish is made of spicy rice cakes?
A) Tteokbokki
B) Bibimbap
C) Bulgogi
D) Mandu
6. What is South Korea famous for in the tech world?
A) Farming tools
B) Smartphones and electronics
C) Space rockets
D) Wooden toys
7. What is the “Hallyu Wave”?
A) A traditional Korean dance
B) A type of sea current
C) The global popularity of Korean culture
D) A hairstyle
8. What kind of entertainment is a “K-drama”?
A) A comedy show
B) A Korean video game
C) A Korean TV series
D) A cartoon
9. What large South Korean group has fans worldwide and includes members like RM and Jungkook?
A) EXO
B) BTS
C) BigBang
D) BLACKPINK
10. Name one activity that many Koreans enjoy on weekends, especially in the mountains.
Correct answers
✍️ Your answer:
🇰🇷 South Korea Quiz – Answer Key
✅ B) Seoul
✅ C) Kimchi
✅ A) Korean Pop
✅ B) Hanbok
✅ A) Tteokbokki
✅ B) Smartphones and electronics
✅ C) The global popularity of Korean culture
✅ C) A Korean TV series
✅ B) BTS
✅ Hiking (Any mention of hiking, walking in the mountains, or nature walks is acceptable.)
Key vocabulary for talking about South Korea
Vocabulary: South Korea Theme
Click here to see the words.
- K-pop
Definition: A popular music genre from South Korea that blends pop, hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music, often performed by idol groups.
Example: K-pop has become a global phenomenon, with fans from all around the world. - Hanbok
Definition: Traditional Korean clothing, typically worn on special occasions or holidays.
Example: She wore a beautiful hanbok during the Korean New Year celebration. - Kimchi
Definition: A traditional Korean dish made of fermented vegetables, usually spicy and sour, often with cabbage and radish.
Example: Kimchi is served with almost every Korean meal as a side dish. - Hallyu (Korean Wave)
Definition: The global spread of Korean culture, including K-dramas, K-pop, fashion, and food.
Example: The Hallyu wave has introduced Korean culture to millions across the globe. - Tech-savvy
Definition: Being skilled and knowledgeable in using modern technology.
Example: South Korea is known for being one of the most tech-savvy countries in the world. - Temple stay
Definition: A cultural experience in South Korea where visitors stay in a Buddhist temple to learn about monastic life.
Example: During her temple stay, she practiced meditation and learned about Buddhist philosophy. - Hiking
Definition: Walking long distances on trails or in nature, often in the mountains.
Example: Hiking is a favorite weekend activity for many Koreans, especially in Seoul’s nearby mountains. - Modernization
Definition: The process of adapting something to modern needs or habits, especially in terms of technology or lifestyle.
Example: South Korea’s rapid modernization after the Korean War is often called an economic miracle. - Street food
Definition: Ready-to-eat food sold by vendors on the streets, often unique to a region or culture.
Example: Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food made of spicy rice cakes. - Drama (K-drama)
Definition: A television series from South Korea, often romantic or emotional in theme.
Example: She stayed up all night binge-watching her favorite K-drama. - Idol
Definition: A young star in the Korean entertainment industry, especially in K-pop.
Example: Many teenagers dream of becoming K-pop idols one day. - Palace
Definition: A grand residence of royalty. South Korea has several historical palaces, like Gyeongbokgung.
Example: They visited the palace in Seoul and watched the changing of the guards. - Chopsticks
Definition: A pair of slender sticks used as eating utensils, commonly in East Asian countries.
Example: She learned to eat with chopsticks during her trip to Korea. - Respect
Definition: A feeling or expression of admiration for someone’s qualities or culture, often deeply rooted in Korean customs.
Example: Showing respect to elders is an important part of Korean culture. - BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan)
Definition: A world-famous South Korean boy band that played a major role in spreading K-pop internationally.
Example: BTS broke records with their concerts and music videos worldwide.
What’s so fascinating about South Korea?
Watch the video and write down the things South Korea is famous for.