Paldal-gu Traditional 'Seunggyeongdo' Game Lecture Held in Ingye-dong

The Ingye-dong Community Center in Paldal-gu (led by Director Choi Kwang-gyun) announced on the 24th that it held a traditional game lecture on the 23rd, inviting Im Young-soo, director of the Yeongi Local Museum. The lecture is organized by Sabeop-hoe Cha Sarang and sponsored by Suwon City, taking place every Tuesday.

In this lecture, participants learned the theory behind the "Seunggyeongdo" game, which is an aristocrat's version of Yutnori, from its origins to how to play it. Participants were also able to experience the game firsthand by playing matches against each other.

Seunggyeongdo is a game played on a paper game board where players compete to be the first to reach the highest official position and retire. Anyone regardless of age or gender can enjoy it. Interestingly, there is a historical record in the "Sejong Sillok" (Annals of King Sejong) indicating that Hongmungwan officials spent nights playing this game, much like how young people today stay up late engrossed in internet games. About 20 residents, skipping dinner despite the late hour, became absorbed in the charm of the traditional game, just as the Hongmungwan officials did.

Kim Jeong-in, chairman of Sabeop-hoe Cha Sarang, said, "Nowadays, social games using smartphones are prevalent, but despite being called social games, they are actually highly individual." He added, "I hope that through the Seunggyeongdo game, people will put down their smartphones and create time to share bonds with family and friends while sitting together."