The Korean chess is a board game played by two persons or two pairs, each side moving 16 pieces in diverse ways to capture the opponent’s king. The traditional sport event is a keen intellectual entertainment.
Each of the chess pieces is marked with the letter meaning king, chariot, gun, horse, elephant and pawn. This tells that the game was born after the class differentiation of community and the appearance of the state as a ruling mechanism.
According to historical records, the Korean chess dates back to the mid-5th century. It was invented to help high-ranking military officers study tactics and enhance their commanding ability at the battlefields. The chess pieces are therefore in two colours―red and blue―to make one side clearly marked off from the other. They represent the vast expanse of land and dense forests.
The Korean chess was increasingly enjoyed by the people for its simple composition and playing mode and unique and profound way of moving pieces.
Its peculiar composition and playing mode and high degree of scientific accuracy have a positive bearing on intellectual development and formation of personality. It is easy to learn and can be played at any place if a board and the pieces are available.
National chess competitions on folk holidays and other occasions are very spectacular as they draw many players and enthusiastically cheering crowds.
In parks, recreation grounds and villages there are groups of people engrossed in playing chess, surrounded by passionate supporters who help the players with the moves, sometimes unmaliciously bickering over their suggestions.
The Korean chess is on the national intangible cultural heritage list.
Kim Song
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