1.
What is the main celebration of the Korean New Year?
Correct Answer
C. Seollal
Explanation
Seollal is the main celebration of the Korean New Year. It is a traditional holiday that marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year. During Seollal, families gather together to pay respects to their ancestors, perform ancestral rituals, and share a special meal called "seollal tteokguk." It is a time for Koreans to express gratitude, honor their heritage, and wish for a prosperous year ahead. Dano, Lunar New Year, and Chuseok are also important holidays in Korea, but Seollal is specifically associated with the Korean New Year celebration.
2.
When is the Korean New Year celebrated?
Correct Answer
A. The first day of the lunisolar calendar
Explanation
The Korean New Year is celebrated on the first day of the lunisolar calendar. The lunisolar calendar is a traditional calendar system that is based on both the moon's phases and the solar year. This means that the date of the Korean New Year can vary each year, as it is determined by the lunar cycle.
3.
What is the main food served during the Korean New Year?
Correct Answer
C. Rice Cake Soup (tteokguk)
Explanation
During the Korean New Year, the main food served is Rice Cake Soup (tteokguk). This traditional dish is made with sliced rice cakes, beef broth, and various toppings such as egg, seaweed, and green onions. It is considered a symbol of good luck and longevity, and is commonly eaten to celebrate the New Year in Korea. Noodles and fried rice are also popular dishes in Korean cuisine, but they are not specifically associated with the Korean New Year. Therefore, the correct answer is Rice Cake Soup (tteokguk).
4.
Why do people wear traditional clothes during the Korean New Year?
Correct Answer
C. It symbolizes respect for one's ancestors.
Explanation
Wearing traditional clothes during the Korean New Year symbolizes respect for one's ancestors. This is because the Korean New Year, known as Seollal, is a time when families gather to pay tribute to their ancestors and honor their memory. By wearing traditional clothing, individuals show their respect and reverence for their ancestors and the traditions and values they passed down through generations. It is a way to connect with one's roots and show gratitude for the sacrifices made by their ancestors.
5.
Which of the following is the main activity during the Korean New Year?
Correct Answer
D. Family gatherings and feasting
Explanation
During the Korean New Year, the main activity is family gatherings and feasting. This is a time when families come together to celebrate and honor their ancestors. They gather around a special table called "charye" and offer food and drinks to their ancestors as a sign of respect. This tradition is known as "seollal" and is considered one of the most important holidays in Korea. It is a time for families to bond, share meals, and engage in various cultural activities together.
6.
Which of the following animals is NOT associated with the Korean New Year?
Correct Answer
A. ElepHant
Explanation
The Korean New Year is associated with the zodiac animals, also known as the Chinese zodiac. Each year is represented by a different animal, and the zodiac cycle does not include the elephant. Therefore, the elephant is not associated with the Korean New Year.
7.
Why are red envelopes filled with money given during the Korean New Year?
Correct Answer
B. To wish good luck and fortune!
Explanation
Red envelopes filled with money are given during the Korean New Year to wish good luck and fortune. In Korean culture, it is believed that the color red symbolizes good luck and fortune, and the act of giving money in red envelopes is seen as a way to bestow blessings and good wishes upon the recipient. This tradition is a gesture of goodwill and a wish for the person to have a prosperous and fortunate year ahead.
8.
What is the significance of cleaning houses before the Korean New Year?
Correct Answer
D. It symbolizes getting rid of bad luck.
Explanation
Cleaning houses before the Korean New Year is significant because it symbolizes the belief in getting rid of bad luck. It is believed that cleaning the house thoroughly will remove any negative energy or bad luck that may have accumulated over the past year. By cleaning, people hope to start the new year with a fresh and clean slate, inviting good luck and fortune into their lives. This tradition is deeply rooted in Korean culture and is seen as a way to bring positivity and good fortune into the upcoming year.
9.
The holiday takes place over several months.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement mentions that the holiday takes place over several months. However, the answer is false, which means that the holiday does not take place over a span of several months.
10.
Which of the following is associated with the Korean New Year?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
The Korean New Year is associated with performing Korean rituals, eating traditional foods, and playing folk games. During this holiday, Koreans engage in various rituals and customs to honor their ancestors and bring good luck for the coming year. Traditional foods such as tteokguk (rice cake soup) and jeon (Korean pancakes) are also prepared and enjoyed during this time. Additionally, playing folk games like yutnori (a board game) and jegichagi (a shuttlecock-kicking game) is a common tradition during the Korean New Year. Therefore, all of the options mentioned are associated with the Korean New Year.