Although Korean pop culture is sweeping the globe through the K-wave, there are so many things to talk about when it comes to this fascinating country. With the sophistication of ancient garments, lush wooden exteriors of traditional houses, and unique heritage such as Pansori and Mask Dance, Korea’s history is not one to simply skim over. More than its events, Korean history belongs to some pretty incredible figures. Poets, painters, scholars, royals, and soldiers all line textbook pages with their both accomplishments and failures. We know that Buzzfeed can tell you which BTS member you’ll shack up with, but why not go for that old-fashioned romance with one a Korean historical figure?
To take the quiz, be sure to keep track of your answers and tally the amount of each letter you chose at the end. Whichever letter has the most choices, you’ll find your soulmate! Leave a comment below and let us know which historical figure you’ll be dreaming about tonight! Enjoy!
1. What’s your idea of a perfect first date?
A. A peaceful stroll in a park where we can spend quality time talking.
B. A board game night! I’m definitely going to win.
C. A hike with breathtaking views.
D. A night out with drinks! What’s a better way to break the ice?
E. A quiet cafe where we can share our ideas over coffee.
2. Pick a theme for your wedding.
A. Very traditional and romantic. Red roses by the dozen!
B. Something more modern and sophisticated… with a twist. I want there to be something people will talk about.
C. A rustic, country-esque wedding with all my favorite people.
D. I’m still not totally sold on the idea of marriage. An elopment or something quick and easy would be fine by me.
E. A backyard wedding with close friends and family.
3. Choose your pet.
A. Dog
B. Bird
C. Horse
D. Cat
E. Rat
4. Your friend is crying from a breakup. How do you comfort them?
A. Sit with them for as long as it takes. That’s what they would do for me.
B. Tell them to move on! Their ex wasn’t worth it anyway.
C. A pat on the back is as much as I can say.
D. A fun night out with the gang will definitely help them get over it.
E. Talk it out while creating a list of pros and cons: pros to being single, cons of their former relationship.
5. Choose a flavor of ice cream.
A. Cookie Dough
B. Rum & Raisin
C. Salted Caramel
D. Dark Chocolate
E. Green Tea
6. Choose something to wear.
A. Leather belt
B. Bucket hat
C. Combat boots
D. Skinny jeans
E. Argyle sweater
7. What would you be voted as in high school?
A. Prom King
B. Most Likely to Be President
C. Best Looking
D. Most Likely to Be on Broadway
E. Valedictorian
8. Choose a honeymoon destination.
A. Paris
B. Capetown
C. Costa Rica
D. Hong Kong
E. Rome
9. If you were given $10, how would you spend it?
A. I’d probably share it with friends and order a good meal.
B. Add it to the bank.
C. Buy a beer at my favorite pub.
D. Cinema time!
E. I’d buy some new stationary.
10. You just got arrested. What was it for?
A. I was just trying to break up a fight. What did I do?!
B. I was protesting at the mayor’s office. But don’t worry – I’ll be back next week.
C. I got into a fight with my best friend. But it’s okay. We’re cool now.
D. Drunk driving (not the first time, probably not the last).
E. Shoplifting. I thought I was being sneaky…
11. Choose a song for your first dance at your wedding.
A. ‘The Way You Look Tonight’ by Frank Sinatra
B. ‘R.E.S.P.E.C.T.’ by Aretha Franklin
C. ‘Marry You’ by Bruno Mars
D. ‘Sexual Healing’ by Marvin Gaye
E. ‘Jar of Hearts’ by Christina Perry
12. What’s your worst nightmare?
A. Losing the ones I love.
B. Not being respected or taken seriously.
C. Getting ill and not being able to recover.
D. Getting a bad reptuation and not being able to shake it.
E. Rejection.
13. Choose a drink for a night-out.
A. Craft Beer / Coca-Cola
B. Aperol Spritz / Sprite
C. Ale or Stout / Dr. Pepper
D. Pina Colada / Orange Soda
E. Whiskey Highball / Ginger Ale
14. What’s your favorite kitchen utensil?
A. Pizza cutter
B. Knife set
C. Rolling pin
D. Blender
E. Ladle
15. Pick a cat.
If you got mostly As…
You’ve been matched with King Jeongjo (정조)! Although you may have a different reputation depending on who you talk to, most people are able to find a loyal and strong character in you. You’re firm in your beliefs, but you’re also able to forgive. These two aspects of your personality make you a great match for the famous king, who not only honored his infamous father Crown Prince Sado with portraits and monuments, but also forgave the grandfather who killed him. What a romantic thing to bond over, eh?
If you got mostly Bs…
You’re best suited with Empress Myeongseong, aka Queen Min (명성황후). Your headstrong and intelligent character is a charm to many. While you may tend to make enemies easily, you can’t avoid being utterly true to yourself. You know what’s right and you stand by that, even if you feel like the rest of the world believes otherwise. This is why you the pair of you would be well suited to one another, as the Empress was a shining star in both political and social movements against Japanese colonization. In fact, it may be argued that she had more of an influence than her husband! Sadly, she was murdered by Japanese troops in Gyeongbokgung Palace at the mere age of 43. Read more about her and explore her life through our one-of-a-kind Queen Min Tour.
If you got mostly Cs…
Looks like you’re getting cozy with Admiral Yi Sun Shin (이순신)! Brave of heart and clear of mind, you’re known for the passion and drive you carry through into area of your life. Although you’re a courageous and brave soul, you understand the importance of teamwork. Without the help of the beloved people in your life, you may believe that you couldn’t get far. With your grit, you’d be best suited to the incredible Admiral Yi Sun Shin, who is most known for his victory against the Japanese navy during the Imjin War. Celebrated as a national hero, his statues can be found all over Korea and his name often appears in naval history books around the globe.
If you got mostly Ds…
Nobody is better suited to you than the spectacular Hwang Jin Yi (황진이). You’re passionate, artistic, and always the life of the party. You practically ooze glamour and sophistication from your pores – and without much effort. And while some people might just view you as a fun and carefree partner, you’re much more than that. You’re not afraid to express your emotions and wear your heart on your sleeve. After all… life’s too short, right? This is why the famous Korean gisaeng (female entertainer), Hwang Jin Yi is a perfect match for you. Not only famous for her otherworldly beauty, but also her intellect and incredible penmanship through acclaimed Sijo (시조) poetry.
If you got mostly Es…
Looking for that special someone? Look no further than Yi Hwang (이황). With a mind unmatched by many, you value integrity and honesty above all else. Not only could you coin yourself a scholar, but a warrior of justice who is dedicated to finding the truth. In turn, you’re the one people seek out for advice. Yi Hwang, the legendary Seonbi (선비), is an easy match for you. One of the most prominent Confucian scholars of the Joseon dynasty, Yi was regularly exiled for raising awareness about corruption in the palace while simultaneously respected for his dedication to morality. Today, his face adorns the blue 1,000 won bill.
Hungry for more Korean history? Check out our article on Seoul Date Spots for History Lovers or live the real experience in Hongdae’s Jeoson-themed Restaurant.
