Traditional Korean and Japanese Games
The Korean drama Squid Game became a global hit, shocking viewers with its brutal death games while also evoking nostalgia for traditional childhood games.
In fact, many of the games featured in the show are strikingly similar to traditional Japanese games. In this article, we’ve carefully selected 5 traditional Korean and Japanese games that closely resemble each other.
1. Mugunghwa Flower Has Bloomed (무궁화 꽃이 피었습니다) vs Daruma-san ga Koronda (だるまさんがころんだ)
The first stage in Squid Game featured the game “Mugunghwa Flower Has Bloomed”, which is strikingly similar to Japan’s “だるまさんがころんだ”.
- Both games share the same rule: you’re out if you move when the “it” person turns around.
- In Korea, the lyrics reference the national flower, the mugunghwa, while in Japan, players stop according to the phrase “だるまさんがころんだ”, highlighting a shared childhood culture in both countries.
2. Ddakji (딱지치기) vs Menko (めんこ)
Ddakji is a traditional Korean game where players flip their opponent’s paper cards by hitting them.
- This is almost identical to Japan’s Menko.
- In Squid Game, ddakji appears in the recruitment scene, leaving a strong impression on viewers.
- Both games are simple yet involve strategy and skill, and remain nostalgic favorites.
3. Marbles (구슬치기) vs Ohajiki / Beigoma (おはじき / べーごま)
Marble games involve flicking marbles to hit opponents’ marbles or move your own closer to a target.
- Japan has similar games such as Ohajiki and Beigoma.
- Ohajiki, popular among girls, uses colorful glass marbles to test dexterity.
- In Korea, marble games are enjoyed by both boys and girls, simple yet immersive and beloved.
4. Jump Rope (줄넘기 / チュルノムキ) vs Nawatobi (なわとび)
Jump rope is enjoyed similarly in both Korea and Japan.
- Played individually, in pairs, or as rhythm games, with various styles and challenges.
- Jump rope has been a cross-generational favorite, used in schools to enhance physical fitness as well.
5. Squid Game (오징어 게임 / オジンオゲーム) vs Kenkenpa + Territory Capture (ケンケンパ + 陣取り遊び)
The game “Squid Game” involves drawing a squid on the ground and dividing players into attackers and defenders to capture territory.
- Japan doesn’t have an exact match, but games like Kenkenpa and territory capture games share many elements.
- Hopping on one foot, attacking and defending positions, and strategic play made these games popular among children historically.
These comparisons show that traditional Korean and Japanese games share common principles of fun, strategy, and physical skill, creating a nostalgic link across cultures.
Finally: Shared Cultural Roots in Traditional Games
Looking closely, it’s clear that Korea and Japan share many surprisingly similar traditional games. While the names and settings may differ, the creative ways children enjoy these games reveal strong commonalities.
The popularity of Squid Game has sparked renewed interest in these traditional games. In any country, the games we played as children leave lasting memories and become part of our culture.
Even as adults, these nostalgic games can be revisited. Why not try them with friends or family? They are a precious cultural heritage that connects people across generations.
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