Explore traditional Korean games – featured in the popular Netflix series Squid Game – with the London Korean School and try handmade Korean treats.
You’re invited to enjoy traditional Korean games often shared during major festive holidays such as Lunar New Year. Rooted in communal celebrations and everyday life across society, these games reflect values of cooperation, skill and collective joy that have been passed down generations.
Teachers from the London Korean School will guide each activity, with some students joining in too. Depending on the game, you can take part individually or as a team, or simply drop in and enjoy the activities at your own pace. At set times throughout the day, you’re invited to show your skills in friendly mini matches, with small prizes awarded to the winners.
Well-known favourites including yutnori, ttakjichigi, tuho, jegichagi, gonggi and paengi will be available to try, with some games using contemporary reinterpretations of traditional play sets provided by Korea Craft and Design Foundation. You’re welcome to wear your own hanbok (the traditional Korean dress). For more information on individual games, please see the programme overview below.
Complimentary treats will also be available, including handmade yakgwa from DRAGO, a traditional Korean honey-glazed biscuit, alongside other authentic Korean flavours.
This event is delivered in partnership with the London Korean School and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea and Korea Craft and Design Foundation.
Programme overview
Activities will run continuously between 11.00 and 14.00 at the British Museum on 7 February. All are non-ticketed, but places will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yutnori and ttakjichigi
Great Court
Yutnori is a traditional Korean board game commonly played during Lunar New Year, where teams take turns throwing wooden sticks and moving their pieces accordingly.
Ttakjichigi is a fast-paced game in which players use folded paper tiles to flip their opponent’s tile.
Both games will be presented as large-scale fabric versions, allowing visitors to take part more easily. Yutnori, in particular, is ideal for group play, inviting families and teams to gather, strategise and play.
Tuho and jegichagi
Great Court, south-west and south-east corner
Tuho is a traditional throwing game where players aim arrows into a narrow container from a set distance.
Jegichagi is a kicking game, where players keep a small shuttle in the air using their feet.
A soft tuho, and kick-style jegi will be available, making the games accessible for children under 7.
Gongi and paengi
Great Court, south-east corner
Gonggi is a familiar Korean hand game played with five small stones, where players follow set rules to pick up and catch the pieces in sequence.
Paengi is a traditional spinning top game.
Friendly competitions
Great Court
At 11.30, 12.30 and 13.30, friendly competitions will take place across all six games. Winners will receive small prizes, so please arrive at each game area in advance and sign up on the participant list.
DRAGO
The Clore Centre for Education
DRAGO will offer handmade yakgwa alongside Black Sesame Cookies and Red Bean Cookies, sharing the flavours of Korean tradition through contemporary treats for visitors to sample.
Yakgwa is one of Korea’s most iconic traditional sweets and is made from wheat flour and sesame oil, fried and soaked in honey or syrup. It’s historically prepared as a ceremonial food and served at important occasions such as rituals and weddings.
Complimentary food samples are available while stocks last. Ingredients and allergen information will be provided on site.
About the contributors
London Korean School, established in 1972, is an educational institution serving the Korean community in New Malden and the wider London and Surrey areas. The school provides Korean language, history and cultural education for second and third generation Korean residents as well as short-term expatriate families. Alongside a curriculum aligned with core subjects taught in Korea, it offers tailored programmes for bilingual and multicultural children, as well as a range of after-school activities. The school is a registered charity with both Companies House and the Charity Commission.
DRAGO is a handmade dessert brand rooted in the authentic flavours of Korea, created with passion and dedication. They bring the nostalgic flavours of Korea to Korean expatriates in the UK while introducing the charm of traditional Korean desserts to a global audience. They pride themselves on offering a high-end experience and quality, delivering the finest desserts to their customers.