Children’s Games featured in the Hit Netflix Show, Squid Game

In recent years, Korean pop culture has become a global phenomenon, with music, television, and games capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. A key part of this wave is the rise of Korean dramas, films, and music that blend thrilling narratives with deep cultural insights. In the recent hit, Squid Game 2, traditional childhood games became a popular feature of the show. Every month, I’ll highlight one of these games, along with rules and tips for gameplay!

 First one up is…

공기 (Gonggi)

 Featured in Squid Game 2, 공기 (pronounced gon-ggi) is childhood game invented in Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. This game requires coordination, precision, and timing. Challenge yourself and try to finish the whole game without any mistakes!

Gonggi is a traditional Korean game often compared to a form of marbles or jacks. It’s typically played by children and requires five small, round objects called gonggis. The gonggis are lightweight, typically made of plastic or acrylics today, although traditionally they were played with small stone pebbles. The game is similar to the Western game of jacks but does not require a ball. Instead, players toss and catch the stones using precise hand movements.

The game has several variations and can be played individually or in groups, but the general rules are as follows:  Starting the Game: Throw all the five pieces onto the ground. The players must then pick up a specific number of pieces one by one and place them in their hands.

• One (1): First, a player begins by picking up one piece at a time, throwing it into the air, and quickly grabbing another piece before catching the first piece again.
• Two (2): The player picks up two pieces at once and repeats the above action.
• Three (3): The player picks up three pieces at once and repeats the above action.
• The player proceeds through the game to complete a series of challenges. 

 Once you complete the fifth sequence, try tossing the gonggis into the air and landing all five on the back of your hand. Once they successfully land, toss them again and catch all five gonggis in your hand.

 Did you make it through the whole sequence without a mistake? Congratulations!

 Stay tuned for next month’s article, where Jegi will be featured!