Korean Traditional Game : Gomujulnori

🍂 Korean Traditional Game Series 11

Gomujulnori

(고무줄놀이 · Korean Elastic Rope Game)

🕰️ 1. Introduction

Gomujulnori (고무줄놀이) is a traditional Korean playground game primarily enjoyed by young girls, especially during school breaks or in neighborhood yards.
The game combines rhythm, jumping, and song — a joyful exercise that nurtures coordination, friendship, and creativity.

Though it may seem simple, Gomujulnori reflects the spontaneous and communal spirit of Korean childhood.
With only an elastic rope and a group of friends, children created endless patterns and songs to accompany their movements.

🪄 2. How to Play

• Two players stand facing each other, looping a long elastic rope (or string) around their ankles to form a rectangle.
• A third player jumps in and out of the elastic in a specific sequence, following a rhythmic chant or song.
• After each round, the rope height is raised — from ankle to knee, to waist, and sometimes even to shoulder level — increasing the challenge.
• If the jumper fails to complete the sequence, the next player takes their turn.
• The songs and patterns vary by region, often including playful lyrics or counting rhymes that enhance the fun.

👀 3. Example from Life

During spring afternoons, laughter would fill the schoolyards as friends sang, jumped, and cheered each other on.
Gomujulnori was not only about winning but about moving together in rhythm — learning timing, patience, and cooperation through play.

Even decades later, many adults remember this game as a symbol of friendship and carefree childhood days under the bright Korean sun.

🌏 4. Similar Games Around the World

• China: Tiaopi-jin (跳皮筋), a nearly identical jumping elastic game played with songs.
• Vietnam: Nhảy dây chun, where children jump to rhythmic patterns using elastic ropes.
• Western countries: Jump rope or skipping games with rhymes share a similar spirit of rhythm and teamwork.

✨ Gomujulnori celebrates creativity and connection — transforming a simple elastic band into a thread that ties together friendship, laughter, and play.

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💌 Closing Words

Gomujulnori is more than a childhood pastime.
It represents the imagination and liveliness of Korean children, who turned everyday materials into sources of endless joy.
Through this humble game, the rhythm of friendship continues to echo across generations.

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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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