Omok (Five in a Row) - Introduction
Omok (Five in a Row) derived from Go, where two players alternate placing black and white stones, winning by placing five consecutively in any direction - horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. Simpler rules than Go make it accessible to everyone regardless of age or gender. Standard Omok boards are 15×15 lines, but most use Go boards (19×19). Popular during school breaks, military service, and workplaces in Korea; simple but requires strategy and reading moves. Black (first player) has advantage, so official games apply forbidden move rules prohibiting 3-3, 4-4, and overlines (6+). Helps develop concentration and logical thinking, popular for quick gameplay. Now popular as online games and smartphone apps. Beloved throughout East Asia including Japan (Renju) and China.
Basic Information
- Origin: 한국/동아시아
- Players: 2명
- Equipment: 바둑판, 바둑돌
How to Play & Features
Omok (Five in a Row) derived from Go, where two players alternate placing black and white stones, winning by placing five consecutively in any direction - horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. Simpler rules than Go make it accessible to everyone regardless of age or gender. Standard Omok boards are 15×15 lines, but most use Go boards (19×19). Popular during school breaks, military service, and workplaces in Korea; simple but requires strategy and reading moves. Black (first player) has advantage, so official games apply forbidden move rules prohibiting 3-3, 4-4, and overlines (6+). Helps develop concentration and logical thinking, popular for quick gameplay. Now popular as online games and smartphone apps. Beloved throughout East Asia including Japan (Renju) and China.
Cultural Value
This game is a representative Korean folk game. Transmitted through generations, it well shows Korean sentiment and community culture. Currently available for hands-on experience at folk villages, museums, and cultural centers in Seoul, it's a popular Korean culture experience program for foreign tourists as well. Enjoyed together from children to adults, it becomes an opportunity for intergenerational communication.