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

By now, you have probably heard of or seen this game! Among Korea’s many traditional games, Ddakji (딱지) stands out for being easily accessible and fun! Made from folded paper tiles, Ddakji has been a playground favorite for generations. While simple, learning the game is surprisingly tricky to master. This activity challenges players to flip their opponent’s Ddakji tile by slamming their own tile down with just the right mix of force, aim, and strategy.

How Ddakjis are made:

 Traditionally, Ddakji are made by folding two or more square pieces of thick paper together until they form a sturdy, weighty tile. The heavier and more compact the Ddakji, the better it is at flipping others!

 Many kids personalize their Ddakji with drawings, colors, or special designs. While handmade Ddakji are the most popular, plastic or fabric versions can sometimes be found in stores.

What you need:

• A flat surface (like the floor or sidewalk)

• Two or more folded Ddakji tiles

How to play:

• One player places their Ddakji flat on the ground.
• The other player takes their own Ddakji and slams it down, trying to flip the opponent’s tile over.
  • If a player fails to flip the Ddakji, their turn ends and the opponent gets a chance. Players take turns until one successfully flips a Ddakji.
  • If the Ddakji flips, the attacking player wins and gets to keep both tiles! Many players consider these tiles as great collectables.
• Players can take turns or battle tournament-style until one player collects the most Ddakji.

Ddakji in Korean culture:

 Ddakji has been a beloved part of Korean childhood for decades and is often played during school breaks, on the playground, or at festivals.

 Recently, Ddakji gained worldwide attention after appearing in the popular Korean TV show Squid Game, sparking new interest in this classic game.

 But long before its TV fame, Ddakji was already a symbol of Korean kids’ creativity, competitiveness, and fun. Whether played casually with friends or in fierce neighborhood competitions, Ddakji is a great reminder that some of the best games are often the simplest.

Stay tuned for next month’s article which will feature 구슬치기 (marble game)!