🎲 Traditional Korean Games: Yutnori, Jegichagi, and More

Traditional Korean games aren't just for fun—they offer a glimpse into Korea's cultural roots and community spirit. Many of these games are still played during holidays like Seollal (Lunar New Year) or Chuseok (Harvest Festival), and they’re a fantastic way to engage with the Korean language and culture.

1. Why Learn Traditional Games?

Learning traditional games is a fun, low-pressure way to absorb Korean vocabulary and customs. You’ll often see these games played in schools, community centers, or traditional village reenactments. Even watching them on TV dramas or variety shows can deepen your language exposure.

2. Yutnori (윷놀이)

Yutnori is a classic four-stick board game played with family during holidays. You throw four wooden sticks (윷) and move your tokens around the board according to how the sticks land.

도 (Do): 1 step
개 (Gae): 2 steps
걸 (Geol): 3 steps
윷 (Yut): 4 steps + 1 more throw
모 (Mo): 5 steps + 1 more throw

3. Jegichagi (제기차기)

This game is similar to hacky sack but uses a traditional shuttlecock called 제기 (je-gi). Players try to keep it in the air using the inside of their foot.

Great for learning counting words and balance-related verbs!

4. Tuho (투호)

Tuho involves throwing arrows into narrow cylinders or jars from a distance. It was originally a game for royal courts and is now often played at cultural festivals.

It’s simple but competitive—perfect for practicing directional verbs like 던지다 (to throw) or 맞추다 (to hit a target).

5. Learning Tips & Cultural Notes

Watch YouTube clips of Korean children or elders playing these games
Print a Yutnori board and play with friends while using Korean numbers
Use Jegichagi as a classroom warm-up for younger learners!

6. More Resources

👉 Explore more about Korean traditional games via:

7. Practice with Me!

🧑‍🏫 Want to learn Korean through culture and games? Join my italki class and experience Korean in action!

8. Did You Know?

🎎 Did you know that traditional Korean games were originally used to teach strategy and discipline in the royal court? Games like Tuho were a way for nobles to train hand-eye coordination and patience. Many of these games have been passed down for over 1,000 years and are still played today at cultural events and schools.