KOREA FOUNDATION

IN CURATION

Nostalgic Childhood Games
Transform into Culture

When I think of my childhood, I would always play games with my friends in the neighborhood. The days would pass so fast while we immersed ourselves in playing with marbles, flipped over others’ ttakji, and survived in “red light, green light.” Just by knowing how to play, such games created a strong bond and unforgettable memories. Over time, these games became traditions, passed down from generation to generation, and they now form part of our country’s culture.

Chinlone, a Traditional Game with Myanmar’s Culture

In chinlone, Myanmar also has such a traditional game. It is similar to the Korean jokgu, where players must kick a ball without using their hands, and jegichagi, where the ball must stay in the air without ever dropping to the ground. Beyond a simple children’s game, it is a folk game that represents the country’s culture. Chinlone unites people of all generations and has a long history of being enjoyed by royalty and monks. Why is chinlone so popular?

The game takes its name from the handwoven rattan ball used in it. Several people form a circle and kick the ball with each other. The ball is hard and feels heavy when it touches your foot, but even the sound of that contact seems pleasing for people in Myanmar. Instead of just focusing on passing the ball without dropping it, they show off a variety of skills while exchanging the ball to traditional music. As if an invisible string was connected to it, their effortless skills of handling the ball makes the game almost seem like a circus stunt. With the music, the movements get more and more exciting, and it is impossible to take your eyes off the game. Victors are determined by how brilliant their techniques are and how long the ball did not drop, creating a thrill similar to watching the Korean tightrope-walking. Once the game starts, it unites both the contestants and spectators, and the game regularly forms part of Buddhist events and village festivals.

Unlike other sport events, chinlone is not a competitive game, and anyone, regardless of age or gender, can participate in it. People in Myanmar enjoy this game casually and for fun. This is probably the charm of chinlone, a children’s game that has established itself as an element that unites the people of Myanmar.

People in Myanmar share some characteristics with Koreans in that they are joyful people and love hanging out in groups. Chinlone games in festivals remind me of the old days in Korea when we used to gather outside to dance and play madangnori to music. Perhaps the relaxed and kind attitude of Myanmar people comes from knowing how to enjoy their culture. Although we have lived different histories and speak different languages, there is something about these games that makes you feel a sense of unity across borders.