How to play "Gonggi" in Squid Game Season 2

 

 

 

 

 

Most of Korean will remember those days spent huddled with friends, lost in the world of small stones and endless fun. That's the magic of "Gonggi," a beloved Korean children's game become popular in the world after introducing in the Squid Game Season 2 these days.

 

how to play Gonggi in Squid Game Season 2

 

Today, we'll delve into everything Gonggi, from how to play to its fascinating origins. Let's embark on this nostalgic journey!

1. The Origins of Gonggi: Tracing Back a Treasured Past (Gonggi Origins, Gonggi History, Traditional Korean Games)

While the precise origins of Gonggi remain unclear, its long history is undeniable. In Korea, records of "Gonggi (拱碁)" appear in the "Ojuyeonmunjangjeonsango," written by Lee Gyukyung during the reign of King Heonjong of the Joseon Dynasty, suggesting a considerable history. Furthermore, depictions of children playing Gonggi in paintings by the 17th-century artist Yun Deok-hee indicate its prevalence since at least the Joseon era.

 

Interestingly, similar games exist in various countries worldwide. In ancient Greece, people played with small pieces made of animal bones, which were sometimes used for divination. These facts suggest that Gonggi didn't originate in a single location and spread, but rather arose naturally from the universal human instinct for play. The act of throwing and catching small objects has brought joy to people across time.

 

2. The Evolution of Gonggi Stones: From Pebbles to Plastic (Gonggi Stones, Types of Gonggi Stones, Gonggi Game Equipment)

In the past, people used readily available small stones or pebbles for Gonggi. They preferred stones with smooth, worn surfaces that were easy to grip. However, today, mass-produced plastic Gonggi pieces are widely used. Plastic pieces offer consistent size and weight, making the game more convenient. Some even have small metal inserts for adjustable weight, adding another dimension to the game. While this shift has increased convenience, the replacement of natural stones with artificial plastic is somewhat regrettable.

 

3. How to Play Gonggi: The Magic of Five Stones (How to Play Gonggi, Gonggi Rules, Gonggi Stages)

Gonggi is played with five Gonggi stones. The basic gameplay is as follows:

• One Stone Picking : Scatter the five stones on the floor. Throw one stone into the air and, while it's airborne, pick up one of the remaining four stones. Catch the falling stone in the same hand. Repeat until all four stones have been picked up individually. If successful, proceed to the next stage.
• Two Stone Picking : Throw one stone into the air and pick up two stones simultaneously. Catch the falling stone.
• Three Stone Picking : Throw one stone into the air and pick up three stones. Then, throw another stone and pick up the remaining single stone.
• Four Stone Picking : Hold all five stones in your hand. Throw one stone into the air, quickly place the remaining four stones on the floor, and catch the falling stone.
• Flipping/Catching : Place all five stones on the back of your hand and gently toss them upwards. Try to catch as many as possible on the back of your hand. Then, toss the stones on the back of your hand again and try to catch them in your palm. The number of stones caught determines your score for this round (sometimes called "eating age").

If you touch other stones while picking one up or fail to catch the thrown stone, your turn ends.

 

4. Variations and Fun of Gonggi (Gonggi Variations, Regional Gonggi, Gonggi Games)

Besides the basic rules, various regional variations exist. For instance, some versions include additional stages like "laying eggs," "hatching eggs," or "breaking eggs" to enrich the game. Players also adjust the difficulty by changing the throwing height or catching method. These variations make Gonggi more diverse and enjoyable. Creating new rules with friends can also be a fun experience.

 

5. Educational Benefits of Gonggi (Gonggi Effects, Brain Development, Concentration Improvement)

Although it appears simple, Gonggi offers various positive effects on children's development. It improves hand-eye coordination and enhances concentration and reflexes. Playing with friends, establishing rules, and competing also provide opportunities to develop social skills. For children accustomed to smartphones and computer games, Gonggi offers analog fun and valuable educational benefits.

 

Gonggi is more than just a game; it's a valuable part of Korean cultural heritage. Today, why not put down your smartphone and enjoy Gonggi with your children? You might even rediscover precious memories from your own childhood.