Korean Traditional Game : Kkorijapgi

🍂 Korean Traditional Game Series 23

Kkorijapgi

(꼬리잡기 · Korean Tail-Chasing Game)

🕰️ 1. Introduction

Kkorijapgi (꼬리잡기), meaning “catching the tail,” is a traditional Korean outdoor group game that combines strategy, teamwork, and agility.
It was one of the most popular games played by children during festivals, picnics, or after school — full of laughter, running, and shouts of excitement.

The name comes from the word kkori (tail) and japgi (to catch).
Players form a long human chain, and the challenge begins when the leader tries to protect the “tail” at the end from being caught by the opposing leader.

🪄 2. How to Play

• Players are divided into two teams. Each team forms a line, holding onto the waist or shoulders of the player in front.
• The front player becomes the “head,” and the last player in line is the “tail.”
• At the signal, the head of one team chases the tail of the other team, while trying to protect their own tail.
• The chain must stay connected — if anyone lets go, the team loses balance and coordination.
• The round ends when one team successfully tags the other’s tail, and roles are then switched for the next round.

👀 3. Example from Life

In schoolyards and open fields, children would line up, holding onto each other’s waists, giggling as they twisted and turned to avoid being caught.
The game often turned into a tangle of laughter and chaos, but that was the fun — everyone moving as one, shouting, “Catch the tail!”

Kkorijapgi taught kids the value of teamwork and communication, turning ordinary play into a lesson in unity and friendship.

🌏 4. Similar Games Around the World

• China: Dragon Tail Game (Zhu Long), where players chase the “dragon’s tail” in long chains.
• Western countries: Variations of tag or “snake chase” games in children’s playgrounds.
• Japan: Oni Gokko (tag) and Hebi no Keiro (snake’s path), with similar team pursuit rules.

✨ Kkorijapgi beautifully captures the spirit of Korean community play — where joy, movement, and cooperation weave together like a living ribbon of laughter.

---

💌 Closing Words

Kkorijapgi is more than a chasing game.
It reflects the essence of harmony and teamwork that has always been part of Korean culture.
Through this energetic play, children learned that every movement — whether leading or following — matters when hearts move together.

---

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