Detail

Traditional Korean Games are traditional recreational activities passed down through generations. To this day, Korea still preserves over 200 different traditional games. Among these are two games that can be enjoyed by anyone: paengi chigi (top spinning) and yut game (board game). Paengi chigi is a traditional Korean game played on icy surfaces or on the ground by striking the top with a stick or by winding a string around its body and releasing it. The name derives from the sound (“paeng”) the top produces from spinning. As part of group play, the aim is to see who can spin the top the longest without it falling over. Various variations include meolli chigi, where the top is sent as far as possible by striking it forcefully from a starting line, and ssaum nori, where spinning tops collide to knock over the opponent. Today, tops are available in various types, ranging from traditional wooden ones to modern mechanical ones. Yut game involves players throwing four wooden sticks, and the outcome is used to advance forward on the game board. This game is enjoyed by people of all ages, especially during Seollal (Lunar New Year), spanning the first to the fifteenth day of the new year. There are five possible configurations determined by the position of the sticks: do (1 space), gae (2 spaces), geol (3 spaces), yut (4 spaces), and mo (5 spaces). If all four sticks land flat-side up, the player gets an additional throw. Depending on the outcome, players strategize their moves by taking shortcuts or capturing an opponent`s game piece, creating an exciting, strategic game. This new stamp series features vibrant illustrations of children enjoying paengi chigi and yut game, while the reverse side features the configuration of do, gae, geol, yut and mo as well as the yut game board. We hope this serves as an opportunity to experience the charms of traditional Korean games that reflect the emotions, hopes, and customs of the Korean people and promote harmony among all game participants.