Updated Jan 28, 2026 | Culture Series: Mastering Folk Traditions | By Director Brian

🎲 Traditional Korean Games: From Holiday Rituals to Business Rapport

💡 The Executive's Summary

Traditional Korean games like Yutnori (윷놀이) and Jegichagi (제기차기) are tools for Unity (Woori-ness). In a professional context, participating in these games shows you embrace the "Heart of Korea," offering a low-pressure way to practice social phrases naturally.

1. The "Big Three" Traditional Games

A. Yutnori (윷놀이) – Strategic Teamwork

Played with four wooden sticks. Learn to Gyeop-chi-da (stacking) your tokens to move faster. It’s a physical metaphor for business resource alignment—going together is faster than going alone.

B. Jegichagi (제기차기) – Focus and Rhythm

Kicking a feathered shuttlecock. It’s a test of stamina. Even a high-ranking CEO will laugh heartily during a competitive round of Jegichagi at a team-building workshop.

C. Tuho (투호) – Royal Precision

Originally a game for royalty. It requires Mindfulness. You can experience this at historical sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace during Seollal or Chuseok.

2. Business "In-ssa" Cheat Sheet: Game Phrases

Korean	Meaning
한 번 던져 보세요!	Give it a toss!
잡았다!	Got you!
아쉽다!	So close!
성공!	Success!

3. Where to Play: The Best Locations in 2026

If you are in Korea during the holiday season, visit these cultural hubs:

Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌): Immersive folk game experiences.
National Folk Museum of Korea (국립민속박물관): Free workshops inside Gyeongbokgung.
Namsangol Hanok Village (남산골한옥마을): Traditional fun in the heart of Seoul.

💡 Executive’s Survival Tip: The Power of "Chu-im-sae"

In Korea, Attitude matters more than the score. Cheering loudly (Chu-im-sae) and laughing off mistakes builds Social Capital. We value those who make the team vibe cohesive.

Deepen Your Journey

1. Real-World Survival Guide

The 2026 Ultimate Guide: How to Live in Korea →