Culture

Squid Game GONGGI the game of stones caught on the fly

August 9, 2026

Gonggi the Korean game, similar to our game of "marbles", is a traditional pastime that has its roots in Korean culture. It is played with small stones or pebbles, and the objective is to throw and catch these stones with one hand, performing a series of pre-established moves.

Photo credit Pinterest

This game not only requires skill and coordination, but is also a fun way to hone dexterity and concentration. It is often played by children during school breaks, but is also enjoyed by adults as a way to relax and socialise. Gonggi is a perfect example of how a simple pastime can bring joy and a sense of community.

Gonggi is a game that requires skill and precision, and consists of several phases. Here is a guide on how to play this traditional Korean pastime:

Credit Video Hailey _Your Korean Friend

Necessary Materials

  • Five stones: They are usually small pebbles or similar shaped objects that can be easily thrown and caught with one hand.

Rules of the Game

Phase 1: Throw and Capture

  1. Launch: Start by throwing all five stones onto the floor or playing surface.
  2. Capture the First Stone: Choose one of the stones, throw it into the air, and while it is in flight, pick up one of the other stones from the floor before catching the thrown stone.
  3. Repeat: Continue throwing the same stone and collecting the others one by one, until all five stones have been collected.

Phase 2: Throw and Capture Two Stones

  1. Double Launch: Throw all the stones again and follow the same process, but this time collect two stones at a time.

Phase 3: Throw and Capture Three Stones

  1. Triple Launch: Repeat the procedure, but now collect three stones in one motion.

Phase 4: Throw and Capture Four Stones

  1. Quadruple Throw: This time, throw a stone into the air and pick up all four remaining stones from the ground.

Phase 5: Pyramid Throw

  1. Pyramid: Throw a stone into the air and, while it is in flight, collect the other four stones and arrange them in a pyramid.

Game Tips

  • Practice dexterity: The key to becoming good at Gonggi is to constantly practice the skill with which you collect stones.
  • Concentration: Maintain focus on each phase of the game to improve accuracy and speed.
  • Have fun: Remember that Gonggi is a fun game and an opportunity to socialize!

Gonggi is a great way to improve hand-eye coordination and have fun at the same time. Have fun!

Photo credit from Kdrama "Squid Game"

Fighting!

Paola Pelissa