SECTION 01What Is Gunghap (궁합)?
Gunghap (宮合) literally means combining (合) two people's charts (宮) for analysis. The goal is not simply to determine "are they a good match" but to understand how the two people act on each other.
Gunghap is applied to romantic compatibility (connection of fate), marriage compatibility (long-term partnership), and professional partnerships. It analyzes Five Elements harmony, Heavenly Stem union and Earthly Branch union, and union/clash relationships comprehensively to assess the depth and characteristics of the connection.
3 Core Factors in Compatibility Analysis
Day Pillar (일주) Relationship: Whether the two people's Day Masters and Day Branches form union or clash — the most important compatibility indicator.
Five Elements Harmony: Whether the two charts' Five Elements support or conflict with each other.
Union/Clash Relationships: A comprehensive view of Heavenly Stem unions, Earthly Branch unions, triple unions, six unions, and clashes.
SECTION 023 Methods to Read Compatibility
There are three main approaches to reading Four Pillars compatibility: Day Pillar comparison, Five Elements analysis, and AI tools.
Compare the Two Day Pillars (일주)
The most essential compatibility check. Examine whether the Day Masters (Heavenly Stems) form a Heavenly Stem union or clash, and whether the Day Branches (Earthly Branches) form a branch union or clash. A Heavenly Stem union (e.g., Gap-Ki union, Eul-Gyeong union) signals natural mutual attraction; a clash (충) signals conflict and separation risk.
Analyze Five Elements Generating/Controlling Cycles
When the two charts' Five Elements support each other (generating cycle), compatibility is favorable; when they strongly control each other (controlling cycle), friction is frequent. Example: one person's strong Wood supporting the other's weak Fire → good compatibility.
Use MANSHIN AI Compatibility Analysis
Enter both birth dates and times into MANSHIN AI Compatibility to receive Five Elements harmony, depth of connection, and romance/marriage/communication scores all at once.
SECTION 03Heavenly Stem Unions — Bonds of Attraction
Heavenly Stem unions (천간합) occur when specific pairs among the 10 Heavenly Stems naturally attract and combine. When two people's Day Masters form a Heavenly Stem union, they are seen as naturally drawn to each other.
| Union Name | Pairing | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Gap-Ki Union (甲己合) | Gap Wood Day Master + Ki Earth Day Master | Generates Earth energy — stable, grounding bond |
| Eul-Gyeong Union (乙庚合) | Eul Wood Day Master + Gyeong Metal Day Master | Generates Metal energy — strong attraction |
| Byeong-Sin Union (丙辛合) | Byeong Fire Day Master + Sin Metal Day Master | Generates Water energy — deep connection |
| Jeong-Im Union (丁壬合) | Jeong Fire Day Master + Im Water Day Master | Generates Wood energy — romantic connection |
| Mu-Gye Union (戊癸合) | Mu Earth Day Master + Gye Water Day Master | Generates Fire energy — passionate encounter |
SECTION 04Earthly Branch Unions & Clashes — Core of Marriage Compatibility
The Day Branch (일지) is called the Spouse Palace (배우자궁) and is especially important in marriage compatibility. Understanding the union/clash relationship between two Day Branches gives insight into post-marriage harmony.
Triple Union (삼합) — Powerful Elemental Combination
In-O-Sul (Tiger-Horse-Dog), Sin-Ja-Jin (Monkey-Rat-Dragon), Hae-Myo-Mi (Pig-Rabbit-Goat), Sa-Yu-Chuk (Snake-Rooster-Ox) — when three branches combine they generate strong elemental energy. Matching triple unions are considered highly favorable.
Six Union (육합) — Stable Bond
Ja-Chuk (Rat-Ox), In-Hae (Tiger-Pig), Myo-Sul (Rabbit-Dog), Jin-Yu (Dragon-Rooster), Sa-Sin (Snake-Monkey), O-Mi (Horse-Goat) — when two branches unite they form a stable bond.
Clash (충) — Watch for Conflict & Separation
Ja-O clash, Chuk-Mi clash, In-Sin clash, Myo-Yu clash, Jin-Sul clash, Sa-Hae clash — a Day Branch clash can signal separation, conflict, or estrangement. However, if other strong unions are present, they may compensate.
SECTION 05Good Compatibility vs. Bad Compatibility
Compatibility is not judged by a single factor. Multiple indicators must be viewed together, and compatibility serves as a reference — not a life sentence.
Characteristics of Good Compatibility
Day Masters in Heavenly Stem union / Day Branches in branch union (triple or six union) / Five Elements in the generating cycle between both charts / Each person's Five Elements filling the other's gaps
Characteristics of Challenging Compatibility
Day Branches in clash / Both charts' strong elements in the controlling cycle against each other / Both people sharing the same excessive element, deepening imbalance
The Right Attitude Toward Compatibility
Even with challenging compatibility, mutual understanding and effort can build a wonderful relationship. Compatibility is a map showing possibilities and points of attention — not a verdict on fate.
SECTION 06Frequently Asked Questions
※ This content is educational material based on traditional Korean astrology. It is provided for entertainment purposes and does not guarantee actual outcomes.