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Korean Traditional Games

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  1. The rules and origin of yutnori

    Yutnori is a game in which players throw four wooden sticks that produce one of five outcomes β€” do, gae, geol, yut, or mo β€” and move pieces around a board accordingly to determine the winner; its exact origin is unknown, but it is believed to date back to before the Three Kingdoms period. Because people of any age or gender can easily learn the rules, it has become established as the representative folk game of Seollal.

  2. Jegichagi

    Jegichagi is a game in which players kick a jegi β€” made by wrapping a coin or piece of metal in paper or cloth β€” trying to keep it from falling, with the winner being whoever kicks it the most times; it was widely enjoyed among children because it allowed for active movement even in the winter cold.

  3. Tuho

    Tuho is a game in which players throw arrows into a jar (ho) placed a fixed distance away; originally introduced from China and enjoyed at court and among the noble class, it gradually spread to commoners and became established as a holiday game.

  4. Kite flying (yeonnalligi)

    Kite flying was enjoyed from Seollal through Jeongwol Daeboreum (the first full moon of the lunar year); with the meaning of sending bad luck flying far away on the kite, there was a custom of flying a kite inscribed with the character for "bad luck" (εŽ„) high into the sky and then cutting the string to let it fly away on Jeongwol Daeboreum.

  5. Spinning top game (paengichigi)

    Paengichigi is a game of hitting a top carved from wood with a whip to keep it spinning as long as possible; it was a representative folk game enjoyed on ice or on the ground during winter. Children competed to see whose top spun longer and better, passing this down as part of children's play culture.

  6. The origin and meaning of ganggangsullae

    Ganggangsullae is a game mainly played by women under the full moon at Chuseok, holding hands and dancing in a circle while singing, carrying a wish for abundance and community harmony. In 2009, it was designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, gaining international recognition for its value.

Korean traditional games: a culture the whole family enjoyed every holiday

Korean traditional games were part of a community culture enjoyed together by people of every age and gender at holidays and village events. Beyond being simple games, they often carried meanings wishing for abundance and well-being, and they continue to be passed down as a treasured cultural heritage today.

Another tradition that has continued alongside game culture

Alongside traditional games, take a look at Korean naming customs, a culture deeply tied to Korean identity, as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can play yutnori?

It's usually played by dividing into two teams, with each team able to have anywhere from one to several players, so one advantage is that it can be enjoyed without a fixed number of participants.

Is tuho still something people can play today?

Yes, tuho experiences are easy to find at folk villages, traditional culture experience events, and holiday programs.