Complete Guide To 5 Traditional Korean Games

The Origin of Korean Traditional Games

Koreans have a rich tradition of singing and dancing, a tradition vividly reflected in their games. From the ancient kingdoms of Buyeo, Goguryeo, Gaya, and Mahan, festivals were a time for joyful gatherings, filled with song, dance, and a spirit of unity. Take, for example, Buyeo’s Yeonggo, a lively New Year’s celebration marked by days of singing and dancing. Or in Gaya, the Mucheon festival in October brought the entire community together for uninterrupted festivities. In Mahan, the celebration continued long after the seeds had been sown and sacrifices offered, as people danced in gratitude for a hopeful harvest. These festivities were more than just entertainment; they played an integral role in preserving and celebrating Korea’s cultural heritage.

But who were the people at the heart of these traditions? To understand, we turn to the late Joseon period, a time when most of the population were farmers or commoners. In Korean folklore, particularly following the Japanese occupation, the term “everyday people” typically refers to those of lower socio-economic standing. These individuals, who worked the land and lived simple lives, were the true custodians of Korea’s rich cultural traditions. Their festivals, games, and customs reflected the shared wisdom, resilience, and creativity of the common people, who shaped the dynamic cultural landscape of Korea that we celebrate today.

Traditional Korean games, in particular, offer an intriguing glimpse into the daily lives and values of the past. These games weren’t just about fun—they were rooted in the practical needs of the community. Some games helped improve physical fitness and sharpen combat skills, while others focused on mental agility or symbolized hopes for a prosperous harvest. These activities fostered teamwork, strengthened community bonds, and brought people together in shared experiences of joy, skill, and cooperation. Through these traditions, we see how deeply the spirit of Korea’s past lives on, offering a colorful and enduring legacy for future generations to explore.

The Characteristics of Korean Traditional Games

Korea's vibrant tradition of games, rooted in centuries of cultural heritage, reflects a deep communal spirit and a variety of pastimes celebrated across households, villages, and the nation. These games, far more than simple leisure activities, embody a rich tapestry of social interaction and traditional values.

For boys, traditional games were marked by exuberance and competition. Terms like 'chigi' and 'chagi' illustrate the focus on physical prowess: 'chigi' involves tapping or hitting, while 'chagi' refers to kicking. Popular games included Biseokchigi (비석치기), Ddakji chigi (딱지치기), and Kkangtong chagi (깡통차기). Other favorites such as Ssireum (씨름), Pal ssireum (팔씨름), and Malttukbakgi (말뚝박기) emphasized strength and skill.

Girls' games, on the other hand, often revolved around gradual challenges and cooperative play. Gomujul nori (고무줄놀이) and Gongginori (공기놀이) showcased agility and teamwork. Games like Garakji chatgi (가락지 찾기) and Kkamakjapgi (까막잡기) highlighted imagination and cooperation over competition. Nonetheless, younger children frequently engaged in shared activities such as Kkegeumbalssaum (깨금발싸움), which blended competitive fun with social interaction.

Adult men found strategic engagement in games like Baduk and Janggi (Korean chess). Baduk, with its intricate and time-consuming nature, was particularly favored by the yangban (noble class), while Janggi, being simpler and quicker, appealed to the common folk. Although adult women also played games like Baduk during the Goryeo Dynasty, their leisure time was more constrained by Confucian values that emphasized modesty and propriety.

5 Traditional Korean Games & How To Play Them

There are various traditional Korean games, but here are 5 traditional Korean games that can easily be played with friends and family. You can either make a DIY version of the game materials or purchase them online in Korea with the help of KoreanBuddies.

1. Yut-Nori (윷놀이)

Yut-nori (pronounced “yoot-no-ri”) is a time-honored traditional game still enjoyed by people across both South and North Korea. In this game, players toss four wooden sticks, used like dice, and advance their game pieces, called “mal,” based on the results. Yut-nori is most commonly played from the first day of the lunar new year until the full moon. Its team-based, cooperative nature makes it a favorite for fostering teamwork and unity, much like modern board games. With its engaging strategy and balanced playtime, Yut-nori remains a popular choice during traditional celebrations.

The origins of Yut-nori can be traced back to the ancient kingdom of Buyeo, recognized as the "second kingdom of our people" after Gojoseon, which existed before the Three Kingdoms period. Historical evidence suggests that the game began in Buyeo around the 1st century BCE, giving it a rich history as one of Korea’s oldest traditional games.

How To Play Yutnori.

To play Yutnori, you need at least two players, four Yut sticks (wooden sticks), a Yut board, four mal (game pieces) for each player or team, and a mat for throwing the Yut sticks. The objective is to move all your mal around the board and return them to the home area before your opponents do.

To start the game, players can roll the Yut sticks to determine the order or use the traditional ‘rock, paper, scissors’ method. Players take turns throwing the Yut sticks, and the first team to return all their mal to the home area wins. If you roll Yut or Mo, you get an extra turn.

On each turn, you can either place a mal on the board or, if a mal is already on the board, merge it with another mal or move it independently. However, you cannot split stacked mal. Merging your mal is called ‘upki’ (업기; piggyback), and capturing an opponent’s mal is known as ‘jabgi’ (잡기; catch). If you land on a space occupied by an opponent’s mal, you capture it and send it back to the starting point. To enhance your chances of winning, focus on capturing stacked opponent’s mal!

The Basics of Yutnori: Do, Gae, Geol, Yut, and Mo.

You might be curious about the terms ‘Yut’ and ‘Mo’ in Yutnori. Here’s a breakdown of how the movement on the game board is determined by the four sticks, each known as ‘Do,’ ‘Gael,’ ‘Geol,’ ‘Yut,’ and ‘Mo’:

• 1. 'Do’ (도), represented by the animal 'pig,' moves the player 1 space. In this case, one stick shows its flat side (facing down), while the other three show their rounded sides (facing up), usually marked with an ‘X’.
• 2. ‘Gae’ (개), symbolizing the animal 'dog,' allows a move of 2 spaces. Two sticks show their flat sides, and the other two show their rounded sides. This result is the most common and frequently appears in the game.
• 3. ‘Geol’ (걸), representing the animal 'sheep,' permits a move of 3 spaces. Here, three sticks show their flat sides, and one stick shows its rounded side.
• 4. ‘Yut’ (윷), associated with the animal 'cow,' is often considered the "flower" of the game. When all four sticks land with their flat sides up, it allows a move of 4 spaces. Additionally, rolling ‘Yut’ grants an extra turn to throw the sticks again, making it a highly sought-after outcome.
• 5. ‘Mo’ (모), representing the animal 'horse,' moves the player 5 spaces. All four sticks land with their rounded sides up. ‘Mo’ is the rarest outcome and, like ‘Yut,’ grants an extra turn to throw the sticks again, making it an exceptionally favorable result.
• 6. ‘Backdo’ (백도) allows a move of 1 space back. While not originally part of the game, this term has become integrated. It occurs when one of the four sticks has a distinctive mark on its flat side, and it faces down while the other three sticks face up, resembling ‘Do.’ When ‘Backdo’ is rolled, it’s one of the best possible outcomes. It lets a player move a piece to the home area if it is already on the first space of the board. If no pieces are on the field, the player’s turn is skipped.
• 7. Nak’ (낙) happens when the sticks land outside the designated area, such as the Yut mat. In this case, the player’s turn is invalidated, and it passes to the next player.

2. Tuho (투호)

Tuho is a traditional Korean game that dates back to the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. In this game, players aim to throw arrows into a jar, typically one with handles, with the goal of getting as many arrows inside the jar as possible. The game involves two teams, and the team that successfully lands more arrows in the jar wins. Players throw from a distance of about 10 paces, earning a point for each arrow that lands inside the jar or in the handle gaps.

Tuho is thought to have been introduced from China before the Han Dynasty. Historical records, such as the "Spring and Autumn Annals," mention that the princes of the Jin and Qi states played the game during banquets. By the Tang Dynasty, Tuho had become a popular entertainment for guests and was enjoyed by royalty and the elite. While the exact time of Tuho’s introduction to Korea is not well-documented, it remains a significant traditional folk game and is even depicted on the 1,000-won banknote.

How To Play Tuho.

To play Tuho, you need a Tuho jar and arrows. Marking the arrows to differentiate between teams can simplify scoring. While you can craft your own Tuho jar and arrows at home, ready-made Tuho game sets are readily available on websites like Naver or Coupang and are commonly used for sports events and activities in Korea.

In Tuho, players throw arrows from a designated spot toward a Tuho jar positioned at a fixed location. Points are awarded based on whether the arrows land inside the jar or in its handle gaps. It’s important to keep your shoulders balanced and avoid tilting them during the throw.

Tuho is more than just a game; it was historically a respected practice of traditional etiquette. In social gatherings, it provided an opportunity for hosts and guests to demonstrate their skills and talents. Beyond festivals, Tuho was a common aspect of daily life. The game enhances judgment and concentration by requiring precise throws and fosters patience and perseverance, as players must throw arrows one by one with careful aim. King Seongjong emphasized that "Tuho is not merely for amusement or play, but a means of cultivating one's mind," thus promoting the practice of Tuho.

3. Ttakji Chigi (딱지치기)

Ttakjichigi (딱지치기) is a traditional Korean game where paper discs (ttakji) are placed on the ground. Players use another disc to either flip their opponent's disc or knock it out of a designated area to capture it. This classic children's game is well-known for its appearances on Korean variety shows, including "Running Man."

How To Play Ttakji-chigi.

To play Ttakjichigi, begin by folding a ttakji and placing it flat on the ground. Players take turns attempting to strike the opponent's ttakji with their own. If the ttakji on the ground flips over, the player who struck it wins that ttakji. If it doesn’t flip, the turn passes to the next player. The game continues until one ttakji is successfully flipped.

For effective striking, right-handed players should place their left foot beside the ttakji, while left-handed players should use their right foot. Positioning the foot close to the ttakji enhances the strike's power, making it easier to flip the ttakji.

Using thicker and larger paper discs can provide an advantage in this game. There is no specific endpoint or victory condition; the game ends when a player has captured the most ttakji from their opponent.

How To Fold a Ttakji.

4. Gongginori (공기놀이)

Gongginori is a cherished Korean traditional game that has been enjoyed for generations. The game uses five or more small stones, known as “gonggidol,” which are about the size of mini acorns and placed on the ground. The goal is to pick up and catch these stones according to specific rules. Its widespread popularity stems from the ease of finding suitable stones (or using small substitutes), straightforward gameplay, and the versatility of being played anywhere, anytime. With numerous variations and the option to play solo, with others, or in teams, Gongginori remains a beloved and adaptable indoor game.

How To Play Gongginori.

In the classic version of gongginori, the game begins with picking up one gonggidol from the ground, tossing it into the air, and then collecting the remaining marbles one by one while catching the tossed marble. As you progress, the game becomes more challenging: you start by picking up two, then three, and eventually four gonggidols before catching the tossed marble. The ultimate goal is to toss all five marbles into the air, catch them on the back of your hand, and then flip them into your palm to score points. The winner is either the player with the highest score or the first to reach a predetermined target score. For a visual guide, you can watch this video on how to play gongginori (skip to 1:07).

Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the game:

• 1. Scatter the gonggidols on the ground.
• 2. Toss one gonggidol into the air.
• 3. Pick up the remaining gonggidols one by one, catching the tossed gonggidol each time. If you touch another gonggidol on the ground or fail to catch the tossed one, your turn ends and the next player takes their turn.
• 4. Repeat steps 1-3, but this time pick up the gonggidols in pairs of two.
• 5. Repeat steps 1-3, but pick up three gonggidols before catching the final one.
• 6. Repeat, this time picking up all four gonggidols before catching the last one.
• 7. If successful so far, toss all five gonggidols into the air, flip your hand, and try to catch them all on the back of your hand.
• 8. Finally, toss all five gonggidols into the air and catch them all in your hand, making sure none are missed.

5. Ssireum (씨름)

Ssireum, a traditional Korean wrestling sport, involves two competitors using long fabric belts called "satba" to compete in a test of strength and technique, aiming to throw each other to the ground. The sport incorporates a variety of techniques involving the hands, legs, and waist, requiring extensive coordination and skill. The Korea Ssireum Association currently acknowledges 55 ssireum techniques, which include 10 hand techniques, 7 leg techniques, 8 foot techniques, 9 waist techniques, and 14 mixed techniques. Historically, the number of techniques was believed to exceed 100.

As a central element of Korean cultural festivals, ssireum draws participants and spectators to celebrate this traditional sport. While various styles of ssireum, such as left-handed, right-handed, and belt wrestling, were once practiced, only left-handed wrestling is currently in use.

Beyond being a sport, ssireum represents a significant cultural tradition, showcasing strength and skill. It is recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Asset by the Cultural Heritage Administration and is listed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Ssireum was popular among both commoners and royalty during the Goryeo Dynasty and gained even more prominence in the Joseon Dynasty, as seen in Kim Hong-do's genre paintings, Yu Suk's "Daekwaedo" (Great Joyful Painting), and Kim Jun-geun's late 19th-century folk paintings [note: the Daekwaedo used above is the version painted by Sin Yun-Bok]. Modernization has brought standardized rules and national sports events to ssireum, which now features various competitions, including professional tournaments and folk wrestling contests. The sport continues to be a highlight during traditional holidays such as Seollal and Chuseok, uniting families around the TV.

How To Play Ssireum.

In ssireum, a victory is awarded to the wrestler who forces their opponent to touch the ground with any part of their body from the knees up. Unlike sumo, where pushing an opponent out of the ring results in a win, in ssireum such an action only leads to a restart of the match.

The match begins with both wrestlers saluting each other and gripping their opponent's satba upon the referee’s signal. The procedure for gripping the satba is as follows. You can refer to the Korean Ssireum Association’s instructions to learn how to tie a satba.

• 1. Wrap the leg satba around the right leg.
• 2. Use the right hand to grip the opponent's waist satba.
• 3. Use the left hand to grip the satba wrapped around the opponent's right leg.
• 4. Engage in the match with both wrestlers' right shoulders touching.

Wrestlers have 2 minutes to establish a proper grip. If a suitable grip is not achieved within this time, they must separate by 1 meter from the referee and wait for the signal to start the match.

The standard match duration is 5 minutes. If no winner is determined within this time, there will be a 2-minute break followed by a 3-minute overtime period.

Certain actions are prohibited in ssireum and will result in a foul call:

• 1. Choking or twisting the opponent's neck
• 2. Twisting or gripping the opponent's arms
• 3. Using the head to strike
• 4. Hitting with the fists
• 5. Kicking with the feet
• 6. Repeating a foul after receiving a warning

As we conclude our exploration of traditional Korean games, we hope this guide has shed light on their cultural significance and rich history. From the strategic depth of ssireum to the lively play of yutnori, these games reflect Korea's heritage and communal spirit.

Whether you’re eager to try these games or simply appreciate their historical value, engaging with traditional Korean games offers a unique glimpse into the past and fosters connections in the present. These activities not only provide enjoyment but also preserve valuable customs for future generations. For more insight, visit The National Folk Museum of Korea to grab a full encyclopedia of Korean folk games.

KoreanBuddies provides personal shopping solutions and strives to provide a seamless online experience when buying products from Korea. All you need to do is list everything you want to buy and our experienced team will do the shopping, inquiring, packing, and shipping for you. You can sit back and relax after placing your order (check out our instant quote page — completely free to use and highly accurate).

Have any questions? Contact us at support@koreanbuddies.com and one of our friendly team members will get back to you soon.