KOREAN TRADISIONAL GAMES
Korea has a long history and dynamic culture. Therefore, it has many kinds of traditional games passed down to generations. The games represent the values, spirit, and communal life of Koreans. Most of them have been played in modern times, especially during traditional holidays like Chuseok-Korean Thanksgiving, and Seolla-Lunar New Year. Following are some of the most iconic Korean traditional games:
Yutnori (윷놀이)
Yutnori or is a very well-known, traditional Korean board game, which usually is played during Seollal. It is a family game that includes one board and four little pieces of wood, called 'yut'. It involves teams throwing these sticks into the air and moving tokens around the board based on a result. The goal is to move all the group's tokens around the board before the opposing team. Yut Nori is amusing, but with this game so much teamwork and strategy are built.
Tuho (투호)
Tuho or is a game of acuity-played for precision by throwing arrows into a narrow, tall container from a distance. Originally, it was a game played by the nobility, but during the Joseon Dynasty, it gained more popularity among all classes. Though simple in concept, Tuho does require steady hands and a good aim. Today, Tuho sets can be found in cultural festivals and tourist areas where people of all ages can test their skills.
Jegichagi (제기차기)
Jegichagi is a Korean version of hacky sack. The 'jegi', made of paper or cloth is kicked into the air repeatedly so that it does not drop to the ground. This game is usually played by children and especially popular in winter. Players compete either to see who can keep the jegi longest in the air or in groups playing with turns. Aside from the fun, Jegichagi works excellent for coordination and balance.
Gonggi (공기)
Similar to jacks, Gonggi is an old traditional game. Players use small stones or plastic pieces instead of a ball. The most common trick is to toss one piece in the air, pick another from the ground, and with the same hand catch the fallen one continuously. As the game progresses, catching has to be done multiple at a time. Gonggi is simple, but it takes a great amount of hand-eye coordination and quick responses.
Ssireum (씨름)
Ssireum is a form of traditional Korean wrestling that has its history in the practice over centuries. A couple of wrestlers make effort to throw each other to the ground by catching his opponent's satba, which is a cloth belt worn around the waist and thighs. This sport emphasizes technique rather than strength, making it accessible to a wide variety of participants. Ssireum matches are often held on festivals such as Dano, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. On this kind of traditional holiday in early summer, winners have traditionally been accorded honor and prizes, such as oxen or rice.
Neolttwigi (널뛰기)
Neolttwigi this is another seesaw-like game, only more energetic. Players stand at either end of a long board and jump one after another, sending the other player high up in the air. Neolttwigi was traditionally played by women, especially during Chuseok and Seollal festivities. It is exciting yet tiring because balance and timing are involved.
Paengi Chigi (팽이치기)
Paengi chigi is the traditional spinning top game using a stick with a string is called Paengi Chigi. The goal is to keep the top spinning or knock the opponent's top over. It was most enjoyed during winter, on frozen ponds, or hard icy ground where children could play this game. It requires dexterity and fast thinking.
Juldarigi (줄다리기)
Juldarigi is one of the major games, usually performed by large groups in communities on major festive days or in celebration of agricultural events such as harvest thanksgiving. Normally, two large teams pull opposite ends of an enormously big rope, often treated as an act of unity and strength. In the past, it was also treated as one of the rituals for a good harvest because the winning team was supposed to bring fertility and prosperity to their fields.