Exploring Korean Games from “Squid Game Season 2”

The hit Netflix series “Squid Game Season 2” has captivated audiences worldwide, not only with its thrilling plot but also by showcasing traditional Korean games. In Season 2, Episode 4, “Six Bridges,” we’re introduced to five classic games that have been played by Korean children for generations. Let’s dive into these games and explore their rules, history, and cultural significance.

Ddakji (딱지치기) from “Squid Game Season 2”

Ddakji, also known as ttakji, is a game that gained international recognition after its appearance in the first season of Squid Game. Players attempt to flip their opponent’s paper tile (ddakji) by throwing their own tile at it. The game requires skill, strategy, and a bit of luck.

How to play:

1. Create square paper tiles by folding paper or cardboard.
2. Players take turns throwing their tile at their opponent’s tile on the ground.
3. The goal is to flip the opponent’s tile. If successful, the player keeps the flipped tile.
4. The player with the most tiles at the end wins.

Ddakji has been played in Korea for decades and is often seen as a test of strength and accuracy among children.

Biseokchigi (비석치기) from “Squid Game Season 2”

Biseokchigi, or “stone stacking,” is a game that tests balance and precision. Players stack flat stones and try to knock down their opponent’s stack while keeping their own intact.

How to play:

1. Each player collects a set of flat stones.
2. Players take turns stacking their stones vertically.
3. Once stacked, players throw a designated “hitting stone” to try and knock down their opponent’s stack.
4. The first player to successfully knock down their opponent’s stack wins.

This game has its roots in Korea’s agricultural past, where children would play with stones found in the fields while their parents worked.

Gonggi (공기놀이) from “Squid Game Season 2”

Gonggi, similar to jacks, is a game of dexterity played with small stones or plastic pieces. It’s particularly popular among young girls but enjoyed by children of all genders.

How to play:

1. Start with five small stones or gonggi pieces.
2. Scatter four pieces on the ground and hold one in your hand.
3. Toss the stone in your hand upwards and quickly pick up one stone from the ground before catching the tossed stone.
4. Continue until all stones are picked up, increasing the difficulty by picking up more stones in each round.

Gonggi helps develop hand-eye coordination and has been played in Korea for centuries.

Paengi-chigi (팽이치기) from “Squid Game Season 2”

Paengi-chigi, or top spinning, is a beloved game that has variations across many cultures. In Korea, it’s often played during winter when the ground is frozen and smooth.

How to play:

1. Spin your top by wrapping a string around it and pulling quickly.
2. Try to keep your top spinning for as long as possible.
3. In competitive play, players can try to knock out other spinning tops.

Top spinning has a long history in Korea, with some archaeological evidence suggesting it has been played for over a thousand years.

Jegichagi (제기차기) from “Squid Game Season 2”

Jegichagi is a traditional Korean game similar to hacky sack. Players kick a small object called a jegi, trying to keep it in the air for as long as possible.

How to play:

1. Make a jegi by wrapping a small coin in paper or cloth.
2. Kick the jegi with the inside of your foot, trying to keep it airborne.
3. Count how many times you can kick before the jegi touches the ground.

Jegichagi is not only fun but also helps improve balance and coordination. It’s often played during Korean New Year celebrations.

These games, featured in Squid Game Season 2, offer a glimpse into Korean culture and childhood traditions. They remind us of the universal joy of play and the cultural richness that games can represent. While Squid Game presents these games in a high-stakes, adult context, their origins lie in the simple pleasures of childhood and community bonding.

For those interested in learning more about Korean traditional games, the National Folk Museum of Korea offers extensive information and sometimes hosts events where visitors can try these games firsthand. You can visit their website at https://www.nfm.go.kr/english/index.do for more details.

Whether you’re a fan of Squid Game or simply curious about Korean culture, exploring these traditional games can provide a fun and educational experience. Why not gather some friends and try your hand at ddakji or jegichagi? You might just discover a new favorite pastime!

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