The traditional Korean children's game Gonggi, featured in Netflix’s 'Squid Game 2,' has become a global sensation, drawing attention from audiences worldwide.

The series introduced five traditional Korean folk games: Ddakji (tile flipping), Biseokchigi (stone tower knocking), Gonggi (jacks), Paengichigi (spinning tops), and Jegichagi (shuttlecock kicking). Among these, gonggi, a simple yet skillful game played with five small stones, has captivated international viewers.

On December 31, social media platforms like TikTok were flooded with videos of creators attempting to play gonggi. One particularly viral scene from 'Squid Game 2' features contestant Kang Dae Ho (played by Kang Ha Neul), a contestant who claims to be a former marine, showcasing his skills in the game. This moment alone has garnered over 10.31 million views on TikTok, sparking widespread interest.

Meanwhile, on YouTube, a four-year-old tutorial titled 'How to Play Gonggi' saw a surge in views, with hundreds of new comments from viewers saying they discovered the game after watching 'Squid Game 2.'

What has fascinated many viewers is the intricate rules of the game. Gonggi consists of five stages, each requiring precision and dexterity. The basic rule involves tossing one stone into the air, picking up others, and catching the first stone before it falls. Additional rules include scattering the stones without disturbing others and performing the “rice washing” motion before tossing, adding layers of challenge to the gameplay.

One YouTube commenter shared, "I was so confused watching how fast the game was played. It took me several rewatches of the gonggi scenes to fully grasp the rules."

The growing interest in gonggi has led to a sharp increase in sales of gonggi sets on platforms like Amazon. Over the past month, demand for the game has risen significantly.

On Reddit, the largest online community in the U.S., users posted comments such as, "I want to buy gonggi," "I found a set for $8 on Amazon," and "I bet gonggi sales will skyrocket."

The international buzz also prompted viewers to share similar games from their own cultures. In the Philippines, a game called 'Jackstone' closely resembles gonggi, while Kazakhstan has the 'Bes Tas' game, and Malaysia features 'Batu Seremban.' Despite different names, the gameplay is strikingly similar across these countries.

According to the Korea Gonggi Game Association, approximately 30 countries worldwide have traditional games that resemble gonggi.

With its appearance in 'Squid Game 2,' gonggi has not only reignited interest in a nostalgic piece of Korean culture but also highlighted the shared heritage of similar games around the world. Its simplicity, complexity, and cultural significance make it a universal bridge connecting audiences globally.

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