Red Light, Green Light - Introduction
Red Light, Green Light is one of the most popular traditional games among Korean children, becoming world-famous as the first game in the drama Squid Game. One person designated as "it" faces a wall and chants "Mugunghwa-kkochi-pieotseumnida" (The Hibiscus Flower Has Bloomed) while other participants run toward them. If anyone is caught moving when "it" turns around, they're eliminated. The game ends when someone touches "it," who then becomes the new "it." The key is freezing perfectly when "it" turns around, requiring concentration and self-control. The phrase "Mugunghwa-kkochi-pieotseumnida" derives from Korea's national flower, the Hibiscus, and has 10 syllables with rhythm. Similar games exist worldwide - "Red Light, Green Light" in English-speaking countries, "Daruma-san ga Koronda" in Japan. After the drama aired, videos of people playing this game worldwide went viral on social media.
Basic Information
- Origin: 한국
- Players: 5명 이상
- Equipment: 없음
How to Play & Features
Red Light, Green Light is one of the most popular traditional games among Korean children, becoming world-famous as the first game in the drama Squid Game. One person designated as "it" faces a wall and chants "Mugunghwa-kkochi-pieotseumnida" (The Hibiscus Flower Has Bloomed) while other participants run toward them. If anyone is caught moving when "it" turns around, they're eliminated. The game ends when someone touches "it," who then becomes the new "it." The key is freezing perfectly when "it" turns around, requiring concentration and self-control. The phrase "Mugunghwa-kkochi-pieotseumnida" derives from Korea's national flower, the Hibiscus, and has 10 syllables with rhythm. Similar games exist worldwide - "Red Light, Green Light" in English-speaking countries, "Daruma-san ga Koronda" in Japan. After the drama aired, videos of people playing this game worldwide went viral on social media.
Cultural Value
This game is a representative Korean folk game that became known worldwide through the Netflix drama 'Squid Game.' It revives childhood memories while showcasing the unique charm of Korean culture. Currently available for hands-on experience at folk villages, museums, and cultural centers in Seoul, it's a popular program for foreign tourists as well.