Saju Compatibility: What It Really Means

The Korean Tradition of Gunghap

In Korean culture, checking “gunghap” (궁합/宮合) has long been a tradition before marriage. Parents would exchange the couple’s birth information (생년월일) and consult a Saju practitioner to assess compatibility. While less common today, many Koreans still check compatibility out of curiosity or respect for tradition.

But what does Saju compatibility actually measure? And how should we understand its results?

What Compatibility Analysis Examines

Element Interactions

The primary focus is how the Five Elements in each person’s chart interact:

Generating relationships: One person’s element nourishes the other’s (supportive dynamic)
Controlling relationships: One person’s element restrains the other’s (challenging but potentially balancing)
Clashing elements: Direct opposition that may create friction
Same elements: Similar wavelengths but potential for competition

Branch Relationships

The Earthly Branches (zodiac animals) in both charts are examined for:

Six Harmonies (육합): Natural pairs that work well together
Six Clashes (육충): Opposing pairs that may conflict
Three Harmonies (삼합): Compatible groupings

Day Master Dynamics

How the two Day Masters relate:

Same element: Understanding but potential rivalry
Generating cycle: Natural support flow
Controlling cycle: Power dynamics

Understanding Your Score

What High Compatibility Suggests

A high compatibility score generally indicates:

Natural understanding between the two people
Complementary energies that balance each other
Fewer areas of inherent tension
Easier initial connection

What Low Compatibility Suggests

A lower score might indicate:

Different communication or emotional styles
More areas requiring conscious effort
Growth opportunities through challenge
Need for greater understanding of differences

What Scores DON’T Tell You

Compatibility scores cannot predict:

Whether a relationship will succeed
How hard each person will work
Life circumstances and external factors
Personal growth and change over time
Whether two people will fall in love

The Five Sub-Scores Explained

Communication

How naturally you understand each other’s expression styles. High scores suggest easy conversation; lower scores indicate you may need to learn each other’s “language.”

Shared Values

Alignment in fundamental priorities and life goals. This reflects Month Pillar dynamics, which relate to career, family planning, and life approach.

Emotional Style

How you experience and express emotions. Day Branch and Hour Pillar interactions reveal whether you’re emotionally synchronized or need to bridge different styles.

Conflict Handling

Your natural dynamics during disagreements. Some pairings naturally find resolution; others need established ground rules.

Growth Potential

How well you can help each other develop. Complementary elements often offer growth opportunities that same-element pairings might not.

The Reality of Compatibility

Successful Relationships with “Low” Compatibility

Many happy couples would score “low” in Saju compatibility. Why?

Awareness helps: Knowing potential friction points allows you to address them
Effort matters more: Commitment outweighs cosmic charts
Growth through challenge: Differences can strengthen relationships
Other factors: Love, timing, circumstances, shared experiences

Challenged Relationships with “High” Compatibility

Conversely, “compatible” couples sometimes struggle:

Compatibility isn’t chemistry: Harmonious elements don’t guarantee attraction
External factors: Life circumstances affect all relationships
Personal issues: Individual challenges transcend chart dynamics
Taking for granted: Easy connections sometimes lack effort

How to Use Compatibility Results

Constructive Approaches

✓ Understand each other better: Use insights to appreciate different perspectives
✓ Prepare for challenges: Knowing potential friction helps you address it early
✓ Celebrate strengths: Recognize where you naturally complement each other
✓ Improve communication: Let the analysis spark conversations
✓ Have fun: Treat it as an interesting lens, not a verdict

Approaches to Avoid

✗ Making or breaking decisions: Don’t let a score determine your relationship
✗ Using it as ammunition: “See, you’re supposed to be difficult!”
✗ Obsessing over numbers: A score is a tool, not a truth
✗ Ignoring personal responsibility: Charts don’t excuse bad behavior
✗ Seeking the “perfect” match: No such thing exists

Cultural Perspective

Traditional Korean Context

Historically, arranged marriages made compatibility checks practical—families needed some framework for matching strangers. Modern dating changes this context significantly.

Contemporary Usage

Today, most Koreans who check compatibility do so:

After already being in a relationship (out of curiosity)
For fun with friends
To honor tradition while not strictly following it
As a conversation starter with partners

Compatibility Is Not Destiny

The most important thing to understand:

No chart can predict human choice.

Relationships are built through:

Daily decisions to show up for each other
Communication and repair after conflict
Shared experiences and memories
Growth and adaptation over time
Commitment and intentional love

Two people with “perfect” compatibility who don’t put in effort will struggle. Two people with “challenging” charts who love and work at their relationship can thrive.

Try It Yourself

Curious about your own compatibility? Use our Compatibility Test to explore—just remember to hold the results lightly.