Culture Focus
Korean Traditional Recreation - 2
Traditional groups and recreation
Traditional recreation can be divided into daedong ("great unity") recreation, small group recreation, and individual recreation depending on the size of the traditional group. Daedong recreation refers to non-routine recreation which takes place with the participation, support, and interest of a large proportion of a given community's members. In comparison, small group recreation can be daily recreation carried out by a small number of people connected by age, occupation, or friendship. Small group recreation includes betting games that emphasize the individual's abilities, such as tujeon or hwatu (flower card game). These games are more fun when played with a group of people, although the individual is more important than the collectivity of a group. Small group recreation can be divided into recreation for children and recreation for adults, the latter also being subdivisible into recreation for women and recreation for men.
Boys typically played games which were physical in nature, required a lot of space, and were based on competition. Some of these include gonu, land grab (ddangjaemeokgi), stick tossing (jachigi), Korean field hockey (jangchigi), and horse riding. On the other hand, games played by girls typically consist of levels which become successively harder to reach as the game progresses. These include gonggi (Korean jacks) and mangchagi (a game similar to hopscotch). As can be seen, there was separate recreation for boys and girls, but when they were older, they also played together. Children of yangban families typically played indoors because they were not allowed to participate in physical activities outdoors. Games played by the children of yangban included goeulmodum (a game in which you must know the names of goeul, or counties, to win), seunggyeongdo (a game in which you must understand the ranks of officials), and namseungdo (in which the players visit scenic areas of Korea).
- Gonu
Gonu is a game in which players move their pieces to either trap or capture their opponent's pieces on a game board drawn in the dirt or on a piece of wood or stone. This game was played throughout Korea, although it had different names in different areas. The words "umul gono" first appeared in a book called Mulbo in the nineteenth century. However, we now know that gonu has a much longer history thanks to the discovery of gonu related artifacts from the tenth century in a celadon kiln in Wonsan-ri, Bongsan-gun, Hwanghae-do. In addition, various artifacts from the fourteenth century were also found in Soswaewon Garden in Damyang, Jeollanam-do, including a cham gonu board etched into the floor.
There are many varieties of gonu, including umul gonu (well gonu), hobak gonu (pumpkin gonu), neokjul gonu (four-line gonu), and gonjil (a word from a regional dialect which refers to gonu) gonu. The shape of the game board, the number of pieces used, and the rules of the game differ slightly depending on the type. However, gonu can be categorized in two groups. In umul gonu and hobak gonu, you win by blocking the movement of your opponent's pieces, and in jul gonu and gonjil gonu, you win by capturing your opponent's pieces according to the agreed rules and conditions.
1. Recreation for children
Small group recreation for adults has not been passed down widely because in the past adults' first responsibility was their occupation or domestic chores. Thus, they did not have much time to devote to recreation. However, children could enjoy various recreations because they were less tied to work. Therefore, it was easier to secure playtime and gather groups to play.Boys typically played games which were physical in nature, required a lot of space, and were based on competition. Some of these include gonu, land grab (ddangjaemeokgi), stick tossing (jachigi), Korean field hockey (jangchigi), and horse riding. On the other hand, games played by girls typically consist of levels which become successively harder to reach as the game progresses. These include gonggi (Korean jacks) and mangchagi (a game similar to hopscotch). As can be seen, there was separate recreation for boys and girls, but when they were older, they also played together. Children of yangban families typically played indoors because they were not allowed to participate in physical activities outdoors. Games played by the children of yangban included goeulmodum (a game in which you must know the names of goeul, or counties, to win), seunggyeongdo (a game in which you must understand the ranks of officials), and namseungdo (in which the players visit scenic areas of Korea).
- Gonu
Gonu is a game in which players move their pieces to either trap or capture their opponent's pieces on a game board drawn in the dirt or on a piece of wood or stone. This game was played throughout Korea, although it had different names in different areas. The words "umul gono" first appeared in a book called Mulbo in the nineteenth century. However, we now know that gonu has a much longer history thanks to the discovery of gonu related artifacts from the tenth century in a celadon kiln in Wonsan-ri, Bongsan-gun, Hwanghae-do. In addition, various artifacts from the fourteenth century were also found in Soswaewon Garden in Damyang, Jeollanam-do, including a cham gonu board etched into the floor.
There are many varieties of gonu, including umul gonu (well gonu), hobak gonu (pumpkin gonu), neokjul gonu (four-line gonu), and gonjil (a word from a regional dialect which refers to gonu) gonu. The shape of the game board, the number of pieces used, and the rules of the game differ slightly depending on the type. However, gonu can be categorized in two groups. In umul gonu and hobak gonu, you win by blocking the movement of your opponent's pieces, and in jul gonu and gonjil gonu, you win by capturing your opponent's pieces according to the agreed rules and conditions.
Artifacts of gonjil gonu are the most abundant among all types of gonu. Gonjil gonu is somewhat different from other types of gonu in that the players take turns placing pieces on the board one at a time, and the rules of the game are more complex and require more skill. Therefore, it was sometimes called cham gonu (true gonu) or kkotgonu (flower gonu) because it was perceived as the best form of gonu. After drawing the game board, each player takes twelve pieces to begin the game. The player with the lower skill level typically goes first, and the players take turns placing one piece at a time on one of twenty-four intersecting points on the board. The players try to form a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal chain with three of their pieces. This chain of three is called a kkon. While attempting to make a kkon, the players must also simultaneously try to block their opponent from making chains.
Once a player has created a kkon by laying three pieces in a row, he shouts out "Kkon!" and removes one of his opponent's pieces from the board. The space from which the piece is removed is either marked with a star or occupied with another marker to prevent other players from placing their pieces there. Play continues until all twenty-four intersecting points are filled. Once there are no more spaces in which to place the pieces, the spaces with stars become free spaces. After that, the players can move their pieces from adjacent spaces into free spaces to create a kkon and continue to remove their opponent's pieces. Play continues as each player tries to remove the other player's pieces. You win when your opponent only has two pieces remaining on the board.
The rules and forms of gonu are related to janggi (Korean chess) or go. The game was enjoyed from childhood throughout adolescence and adulthood. There are many difficulty levels to choose from based on the skill of the players, and the different types of gonu vary in terms of the style of the board, the number of pieces, and the rules. This game was also enjoyed outside Korea in the nearby countries of China, Japan, Mongolia, and India, and there are similar games around the world.
Once a player has created a kkon by laying three pieces in a row, he shouts out "Kkon!" and removes one of his opponent's pieces from the board. The space from which the piece is removed is either marked with a star or occupied with another marker to prevent other players from placing their pieces there. Play continues until all twenty-four intersecting points are filled. Once there are no more spaces in which to place the pieces, the spaces with stars become free spaces. After that, the players can move their pieces from adjacent spaces into free spaces to create a kkon and continue to remove their opponent's pieces. Play continues as each player tries to remove the other player's pieces. You win when your opponent only has two pieces remaining on the board.
The rules and forms of gonu are related to janggi (Korean chess) or go. The game was enjoyed from childhood throughout adolescence and adulthood. There are many difficulty levels to choose from based on the skill of the players, and the different types of gonu vary in terms of the style of the board, the number of pieces, and the rules. This game was also enjoyed outside Korea in the nearby countries of China, Japan, Mongolia, and India, and there are similar games around the world.
- Jegichagi (Jegi kicking)
Jegichagi is a game in which the players use their feet to kick a jegi repeatedly into the air to prevent it from touching the ground. A jegi is made by wrapping a coin with a hole in the middle of a piece of silk cloth or hanji (Korean paper). The two ends of the silk or paper are threaded through the hole and torn into a number of tassels. This game is typically played by boys in wintertime around the Lunar New Year, and has become a game for children. In the past, however, it used to be played by young adults and even middle-aged people. Many people believe that jegichagi developed from the ancient Chinese sport of cuju, which was used as a way to perfect martial arts skills. The name cuju roughly means "to play a game by kicking a ball". The ball was typically made by stuffing a leather pouch with hair, scraps of cloth, and other soft materials.
There are many ways to play this game. It can be enjoyed alone or in a group of people. Methods of game play include "ddanggangaji" or "maenjegi" in which the player touches the ground with the kicking foot after each kick; "eogichagi" or "yangbalchagi" in which both feet are used alternately for kicking; and "heollaengi" or "baldeulgo chagi" where the foot kicking the jegi remains in the air without touching the ground between kicks. Other variations include "dwitbalchigi" where players use the outside of the foot to kick the jegi behind them; "muljigi" in which the player kicks the jegi into the air and catches it in the mouth and then kicks it again; "kijigi" where the player must kick the jegi higher than their height; "mureupchagi" in which players kick the jegi with the knees; and "eonjigi" where the player kicks the jegi and catches it on their head before letting it fall in order to kick it again.
Jegichagi can be played individually, or two to four players can form two opposing teams. There are various methods of play for when two or more people play. They can either each kick the jegi once or kick it a certain number of times before passing it on to another player. Sometimes, the players would choose just one method to play, but they also enjoyed "samsegaji", which involved multiple rounds of play using different methods before tallying up the final score.
- Biseokchigi (Biseok hitting)
Biseokchigi is a game in which the players erect a flat, palm-sized stone, called a biseok, and attempt to knock it down by throwing another stone at it from a distance or by performing predetermined motions. This game is played by two teams. Each team draws a line on the ground and stands behind it facing the other team. The distance between the teams varies from two to five meters, depending on the age and skill of the players. Before starting, the players decide which team will go first. The goal of the first level of the game is to knock down all of your opponents' biseok, which are erected on the opposite team's line.
If each team consists of five players, then they must knock over five biseok before proceeding to the next level. If either team fails to knock them over, the turn passes to the other team. For example, if three people succeed in knocking down one of the opponent's biseok and two players fail, the two that have failed are disqualified and must step back from the line, while the remaining three then try to hit their opponents' two standing biseok. If they succeed, those three players, along with the two disqualified players, can move on to level two. But if they fail again, the other team gets a chance.
After completing the first level, the team moves on to the next level. The rules for each level vary by region, but the most common method is as follows: take one step and throw your biseok–take two steps–take three steps–stand on one foot, tossing and kicking–carry your biseok on top of your foot–carry your biseok between your ankles–carry your biseok between your knees–carry your biseok between your buttocks–carry your biseok on your stomach–carry your biseok on your shoulders– carry your biseok on your head–close your eyes.
The number of levels that can be played in this game is almost endless. Other methods include sinmunpari (newsvendor) in which the players place the biseok under their arm and drop it on to their opponent's biseok; bihaenggi (airplane) in which the players carry their biseok on the back of the hand; and other variants where the players carry the biseok on their cheeks or backs. One notable characteristic of this game is that after the biseok has been thrown and kicked from the starting line at the beginning of the game, the players start by using the lower part of their body and gradually move upwards.
Furthermore, each level of biseokchigi has an interesting name: for instance, dodukbal ("thief's feet") describes how the players walk stealthily with a biseok balanced on the top of their foot; tokkittwim ("rabbit hop") is named after the way the players hop with the biseok between their ankles; ojumssagae ("bed wetter") describes how the players walk with tottering steps as if they had urinated in their pants; baesajang (belly boss) describes how the players put the biseok on their stomachs, making their stomach stick out like a rich, fat man; hunjang (medal) refers to the biseok being placed on a shoulder like a badge of rank; and, finally, tteokjangsu (rice cake seller) is named after the players carrying the biseok on their head like a rice cake seller with a basket on their head. These names also offer us a glimpse of children's wit.
Jegichagi is a game in which the players use their feet to kick a jegi repeatedly into the air to prevent it from touching the ground. A jegi is made by wrapping a coin with a hole in the middle of a piece of silk cloth or hanji (Korean paper). The two ends of the silk or paper are threaded through the hole and torn into a number of tassels. This game is typically played by boys in wintertime around the Lunar New Year, and has become a game for children. In the past, however, it used to be played by young adults and even middle-aged people. Many people believe that jegichagi developed from the ancient Chinese sport of cuju, which was used as a way to perfect martial arts skills. The name cuju roughly means "to play a game by kicking a ball". The ball was typically made by stuffing a leather pouch with hair, scraps of cloth, and other soft materials.
There are many ways to play this game. It can be enjoyed alone or in a group of people. Methods of game play include "ddanggangaji" or "maenjegi" in which the player touches the ground with the kicking foot after each kick; "eogichagi" or "yangbalchagi" in which both feet are used alternately for kicking; and "heollaengi" or "baldeulgo chagi" where the foot kicking the jegi remains in the air without touching the ground between kicks. Other variations include "dwitbalchigi" where players use the outside of the foot to kick the jegi behind them; "muljigi" in which the player kicks the jegi into the air and catches it in the mouth and then kicks it again; "kijigi" where the player must kick the jegi higher than their height; "mureupchagi" in which players kick the jegi with the knees; and "eonjigi" where the player kicks the jegi and catches it on their head before letting it fall in order to kick it again.
Jegichagi can be played individually, or two to four players can form two opposing teams. There are various methods of play for when two or more people play. They can either each kick the jegi once or kick it a certain number of times before passing it on to another player. Sometimes, the players would choose just one method to play, but they also enjoyed "samsegaji", which involved multiple rounds of play using different methods before tallying up the final score.
- Biseokchigi (Biseok hitting)
Biseokchigi is a game in which the players erect a flat, palm-sized stone, called a biseok, and attempt to knock it down by throwing another stone at it from a distance or by performing predetermined motions. This game is played by two teams. Each team draws a line on the ground and stands behind it facing the other team. The distance between the teams varies from two to five meters, depending on the age and skill of the players. Before starting, the players decide which team will go first. The goal of the first level of the game is to knock down all of your opponents' biseok, which are erected on the opposite team's line.
If each team consists of five players, then they must knock over five biseok before proceeding to the next level. If either team fails to knock them over, the turn passes to the other team. For example, if three people succeed in knocking down one of the opponent's biseok and two players fail, the two that have failed are disqualified and must step back from the line, while the remaining three then try to hit their opponents' two standing biseok. If they succeed, those three players, along with the two disqualified players, can move on to level two. But if they fail again, the other team gets a chance.
After completing the first level, the team moves on to the next level. The rules for each level vary by region, but the most common method is as follows: take one step and throw your biseok–take two steps–take three steps–stand on one foot, tossing and kicking–carry your biseok on top of your foot–carry your biseok between your ankles–carry your biseok between your knees–carry your biseok between your buttocks–carry your biseok on your stomach–carry your biseok on your shoulders– carry your biseok on your head–close your eyes.
The number of levels that can be played in this game is almost endless. Other methods include sinmunpari (newsvendor) in which the players place the biseok under their arm and drop it on to their opponent's biseok; bihaenggi (airplane) in which the players carry their biseok on the back of the hand; and other variants where the players carry the biseok on their cheeks or backs. One notable characteristic of this game is that after the biseok has been thrown and kicked from the starting line at the beginning of the game, the players start by using the lower part of their body and gradually move upwards.
Furthermore, each level of biseokchigi has an interesting name: for instance, dodukbal ("thief's feet") describes how the players walk stealthily with a biseok balanced on the top of their foot; tokkittwim ("rabbit hop") is named after the way the players hop with the biseok between their ankles; ojumssagae ("bed wetter") describes how the players walk with tottering steps as if they had urinated in their pants; baesajang (belly boss) describes how the players put the biseok on their stomachs, making their stomach stick out like a rich, fat man; hunjang (medal) refers to the biseok being placed on a shoulder like a badge of rank; and, finally, tteokjangsu (rice cake seller) is named after the players carrying the biseok on their head like a rice cake seller with a basket on their head. These names also offer us a glimpse of children's wit.
- Gonggi nori
Gonggi nori, neolttwigi, and kongjumeoni are games that were played by girls. Gonggi nori is a game in which the players throw, catch and pick up small objects called "gonggi" with their hands. Although the origins of the game are unknown, many clues tell us that it is very old. These include a painting depicting a game of gonggi by Yoon Deok-hee (1685–1766) and a record in a book called Ojuyeonmunjangjeonsango (Collected Works of Oju) written by I Gyugyeong during the reign of King Heonjong of Joseon. This book describes gonggi nori: "There is a game that children play with round stones called 'gonggi.' Another game in which the players throw stones in the air, catch them in the palm of their hand, and place them o the ground in such a way as to create a certain shape, like a solbal (brass hand-bell), is called solbalgonggi."
This game is similar to the Western games of "Jacks" and "Knucklebones." Since it is easy to find the required material and the rules are simple, similar games have been played for a long time in many countries around the world. A game of gonggi nori is typically played with five gonggi, or stones, but you can play with more than seven depending on the variation of the rules. Originally, players used smooth stones that were about the size of an adult thumbnail. Nowadays, however, the most commonly used items are the short, cylindrical pieces of plastic which are produced in large quantities in factories. In this case, the weight of the stones can be adjusted by putting in or taking out small iron pieces from inside the cylinders.
Gonggi nori can be played alone or with other people, either individually or in teams. After forming into teams, the players determine the order with a round of "rock–paper–scissors" (or a similar game) and decide on the number of points, or "age," needed to win. The game is played as follows:
Gonggi nori, neolttwigi, and kongjumeoni are games that were played by girls. Gonggi nori is a game in which the players throw, catch and pick up small objects called "gonggi" with their hands. Although the origins of the game are unknown, many clues tell us that it is very old. These include a painting depicting a game of gonggi by Yoon Deok-hee (1685–1766) and a record in a book called Ojuyeonmunjangjeonsango (Collected Works of Oju) written by I Gyugyeong during the reign of King Heonjong of Joseon. This book describes gonggi nori: "There is a game that children play with round stones called 'gonggi.' Another game in which the players throw stones in the air, catch them in the palm of their hand, and place them o the ground in such a way as to create a certain shape, like a solbal (brass hand-bell), is called solbalgonggi."
This game is similar to the Western games of "Jacks" and "Knucklebones." Since it is easy to find the required material and the rules are simple, similar games have been played for a long time in many countries around the world. A game of gonggi nori is typically played with five gonggi, or stones, but you can play with more than seven depending on the variation of the rules. Originally, players used smooth stones that were about the size of an adult thumbnail. Nowadays, however, the most commonly used items are the short, cylindrical pieces of plastic which are produced in large quantities in factories. In this case, the weight of the stones can be adjusted by putting in or taking out small iron pieces from inside the cylinders.
Gonggi nori can be played alone or with other people, either individually or in teams. After forming into teams, the players determine the order with a round of "rock–paper–scissors" (or a similar game) and decide on the number of points, or "age," needed to win. The game is played as follows:
Infokorea 2020
Infokorea is a magazine that introduces Korea to readers overseas, including teachers, textbook developers and other educators. The magazine offers the latest statistics on the Republic of Korea and articles that focus on Korean culture, society and history, which can be used as a reference source for textbook writers and editors and as materials for teachers to prepare for class. The theme of the 2020 issue was overview of Korean Traditional Recreation.
Infokorea is a magazine that introduces Korea to readers overseas, including teachers, textbook developers and other educators. The magazine offers the latest statistics on the Republic of Korea and articles that focus on Korean culture, society and history, which can be used as a reference source for textbook writers and editors and as materials for teachers to prepare for class. The theme of the 2020 issue was overview of Korean Traditional Recreation.
