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One player throws a paper tile at another and tries to turn it over. But did Netflix invent this Squid Game paper game? No. It is a real Korean childhood game called ddakji.
What Is Ddakji in Squid Game?
Ddakji (딱지) is a traditional Korean game played with thick, folded paper tiles. A player throws one ddakji at another on the ground and tries to flip it over.
The tile is 딱지; playing it is 딱지치기 — ddakji-chigi. 치기 means hitting or striking.
You may also find it written as ttakji. The official Revised Romanization spelling is ttakji, but ddakji became the internationally familiar spelling through Squid Game. Both refer to 딱지.
How Do You Play Ddakji?
The best-known version needs two players and one tile each.
Place one player’s ddakji flat on the floor.
The other player throws their ddakji down beside or onto it.
If the target turns over, the thrower wins; otherwise, change turns.
Netflix’s guide describes the same goal. In real life, there is no sinister invitation—just friendly competition and rules chosen by the players.
How Do You Make Ddakji?
Square ddakji can be made by weaving and folding two long strips of sturdy paper into a compact tile. Children often reused notebooks, calendars, flyers, or milk cartons. Tuck the flaps in firmly and press the square flat. Its thickness, weight, corners, and your throwing angle can all change the result.
Why Is Ddakji Familiar to Koreans?
For many Koreans, ddakji recalls playgrounds, alleys, school breaks, and homemade toys. Printed round versions with cartoon characters were also collected and played with. In Squid Game, that innocent childhood memory becomes an adult test involving money and pressure.
Is Ddakji Like Pogs?
Ddakji may remind English-speaking viewers of Pogs because both involve striking collectible pieces. The Korean game’s familiar objective is different: your thrown tile must flip the opponent’s folded tile. “Paper tile-flipping game” explains it, but ddakji is the accurate name.
Real Korean Example
딱지 한 판 할래? — Ddakji han pan hallae?
Want to play a round of ddakji?
Related Korean Words
딱지 — ddakji: folded paper tile
딱지치기 — ddakji-chigi: playing ddakji
뒤집다 — dwijipda: to flip
던지다 — deonjida: to throw
차례 — charye: turn
한 판 — han pan: one round
Quick Korean Tip
The next time ddakji appears in Korean content, listen for 뒤집다, “to flip.” If someone shouts 뒤집었어!, they are celebrating because the tile turned over.
FAQ
What is the paper game in Squid Game called?
It is called ddakji (딱지), a traditional Korean game using folded paper tiles.
Is ddakji a real Korean game?
Yes. It existed long before Squid Game and has been played in several forms by Korean children.
Is it spelled ddakji or ttakji?
Both spellings refer to 딱지. Ttakji follows Korea’s official romanization more closely, while ddakji is now common internationally.
How do you win at ddakji?
In the best-known version, you win a round by throwing your tile so that the opponent’s tile flips over.
Recommended Resources
Folding and playing ddakji makes the culture easier to remember. Let’s Play Ddakji (Traditional Korean Games, 1) is an illustrated children’s book with guidance for making a tile and learning the game. It suits families, teachers, and K-content fans wanting a hands-on introduction.
👉 Check “Let’s Play Ddakji” on Amazon
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Keep Learning Korean Through K-Contents
Ddakji is more than the blue-and-red game from Squid Game. It is Korean childhood culture—made from paper, powered by skill, and remembered through play. Now you know the word, the rule, and the cultural meaning behind it.
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