Squid Game 2's Traditional Korean Games (Including Mingle Game) and Predictions for Season 3

The release of the Netflix original Squid Game season 2 has sent shockwaves around the world! It has taken the number one spot in Netflix's global TV show category, holding the top position for three consecutive days and generating immense buzz. While opinions are divided, the new games featuring traditional Korean folk games in this season have successfully captured the hearts of global viewers. In particular, the "Round and Round" social media challenge, which began with a catchy song, has become a viral sensation, establishing itself as another cultural trend following the popularity of the dalgona candy challenge in season 1.

Today, let's explore the traditional Korean folk games featured in season 2 and those that could potentially appear in season 3!

1. Ttakji-chigi (Korean Tag)

Ttakji-chigi left a strong impression in season 1. While seemingly simple, flipping your opponent's ttakji requires precise control and skill.

How to play: Place folded paper ttakjis on the ground and throw your ttakji to flip your opponent's; flipping the opponent's ttakji wins the round.

Origin: Ttakji-chigi was a quintessential game among Korean children; all you needed was a piece of paper to enjoy it.

2. Bisok-chigi (Knuckle Bones)

Bisok-chigi is a traditional Korean game that offers great fun with minimal equipment.

How to play: A simple game where you knock down a vertically placed bisok (stone or stick) by throwing another bisok.

Origin: It originated from children's games using stones and requires focus and dexterity.

3. Konggi-nori (Five Stones)

Konggi-nori is a game easily enjoyed with simple tools and is popular not only in Korea but also globally in similar forms.

How to play: Throw and catch small konggidols (stones) while performing various steps.

Origin: Traditionally played with stones, now often using plastic konggidols.

4. Dunggeulge Dunggeulge (Round and Round)

Dunggeulge Dunggeulge is a traditional game where children hold hands to form a circle, singing as they play. This game has emerged as a global trend in this season as a new challenge.

How to play: Children form a circle, holding hands, singing and dancing; they stop at certain points or perform new actions.

Origin: Played with traditional Korean folk songs, this game played an important role in fostering a sense of community.

Lyrics and Meaning:

Dunggeulge Dunggeulge Dunggeulge Dunggeulge
Round and round, round and round,
Binggeul Binggeul dol-a-ga-myeo chum-eul chupsida
Let’s spin around and dance together.
Sonppyeokeul chimyeonseo noraereul bureumyeo
Clap your hands while singing a song,
Lal-lal-lal-la jeulgeopge chumchuja
La-la-la, let’s dance joyfully!

Ringa Ringa Ringa Ringa Ringa Ring
Ring-a-ring-a-ring, ring-a-ring-a-ring,
Ringa Ringa Ringa Ringa Ringa Ring
Ring-a-ring-a-ring, ring-a-ring-a-ring.
Sone soneul japgo modu da hamkke
Hold hands together, everyone,
Jeulgeopge ttwieo bopshida
Let’s jump joyfully!

Dunggeulge Dunggeulge Dunggeulge Dunggeulge
Round and round, round and round,
Binggeul Binggeul dol-a-ga-myeo chum-eul chupsida
Let’s spin around and dance together.
Sonppyeokeul chimyeonseo noraereul bureumyeo
Clap your hands while singing a song,
Lal-lal-lal-la jeulgeopge chumchuja
La-la-la, let’s dance joyfully!

Pronunciation Guide:

Dung-geul-gae Dung-geul-gae Dung-geul-gae Dung-geul-gae
Bing-geul Bing-geul dol-a-ga-myeo chum-eul chup-si-da
Son-ppyeok-eul chi-myeon-seo no-rae-reul bu-reu-myeo
Lal-lal-lal-la jeul-geo-ub-ge chum-chu-ja

Ring-ga Ring-ga Ring-ga Ring-ga Ring-ga Ring
Ring-ga Ring-ga Ring-ga Ring-ga Ring-ga Ring
Son-e Son-eul jap-go mo-du da ham-kke
Jeul-geo-ub-ge ttwieo bop-si-da

Dung-geul-gae Dung-geul-gae Dung-geul-gae Dung-geul-gae
Bing-geul Bing-geul dol-a-ga-myeo chum-eul chup-si-da
Son-ppyeok-eul chi-myeon-seo no-rae-reul bu-reu-myeo
Lal-lal-lal-la jeul-geo-ub-ge chum-chu-ja

5. Potential Traditional Korean Games for Season 3

Kite flying and rolling hoops could potentially appear in season 3.

Kite flying: More than just a game, it holds traditional significance, used for making wishes or warding off evil spirits; it seems perfect for a mission game.

Rolling hoops: A game requiring balance and speed using a stick to propel the hoop; it could possibly appear as a race.