Korean Traditional Game : Deokseokmori

🍂 Korean Traditional Game Series 19

Deokseokmori
(덕석몰이 · Korean Blanket Rolling Game)

🕰️ 1. Introduction

Deokseokmori (덕석몰이) is a traditional Korean winter game that brings together teamwork, laughter, and playful mischief.
It was often enjoyed by children in rural villages during the cold season when snow covered the fields.

The word deokseok means “rice straw mat,” and mori means “rolling” — perfectly describing how the game is played.
Children would roll up one of their friends inside a straw mat or blanket and then playfully toss or roll them on the ground.

🪄 2. How to Play

• Players spread a straw mat (deokseok) or thick blanket on the ground.
• One child lies down on one end, and others carefully roll the mat until the player is fully wrapped like a cocoon.
• The rolled mat is then gently pushed, pulled, or rolled back and forth, making everyone laugh.
• Afterward, the roles switch, and another player takes a turn being rolled.
• Sometimes, teams compete to see who can roll and unroll the mat the fastest, or who can roll it most neatly.

👀 3. Example from Life

On cold winter afternoons, village children gathered near barns or open yards, their laughter echoing through the crisp air.
Wrapped in straw mats, they giggled uncontrollably as their friends rolled them like rice bales.

Though simple, Deokseokmori warmed both body and heart — a symbol of togetherness and joy in Korea’s rural winters.

 

🌏 4. Similar Traditions Around the World

• Japan: Some regions have futon-rolling games among children during festivals.
• Western countries: Pillow and blanket games during sleepovers share the same sense of warmth and laughter.
• Mongolia: Winter games using straw or rugs for playful rides and rolling competitions.

✨ Deokseokmori shows how creativity and companionship can turn even the coldest days into moments of warmth and shared happiness.

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💌 Closing Words

Deokseokmori is more than a winter pastime.
It embodies the heart of Korean village life — laughter, closeness, and the joy of simple play that brings warmth to body and soul alike.

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📌 Note
This is a creative cultural content from the Misojieum Story Blog (kor-telling.com).
Please do not copy without permission.
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