In the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, there are many folk games that reflect the wisdom, intelligence and rich emotions of the nation. One of them is janggi, or Korean chess, which has been enjoyed by the Korean people since ancient times.
As it mirrors the emotion, taste and sentiments of the Korean nation, janggi takes an important part in the cultural and emotional life of its people.
Chess pieces, called kung(king), cha(chariot), pho(cannon), mal(horse), sang(elephant), jol(solider) and sa(guard), show that the board game was created after social and class differentiation took place and the ruling machinery called a state was established.
The game is said to have been developed by army generals in the course of studying tactics and enhancing their command ability in ancient times. Hence the name janggi. Its pieces were octagonal in shape representing the vast stretches of land and thick forests. The colours of the chess pieces were red and blue to distinguish between the two sides as the forests looked blue from the ground and the ground looked red from the forests.
Historical records say that Korean chess dates back to the mid-5th century, but its origin is believed to be much earlier.
As it was simple in constitutional system and playing mode and unique and profound in the combination of moves, janggi was gradually spread widely among the people.
Over time it has evolved on the basis of scientific principles in conformity with the sentiments, taste and spirit of the Korean people.
The Korean board game with a long history still has positive influence on intellectual and personality development of the people.
Janggi, a good companion for the emotional life of the people, has been put on the national intangible cultural heritage list.
More From Pyongyang Times
The right to existence of the working masses is being trampled down in Western countries. In December last year, farmers from
January 10, 2026
The right to existence of the working masses is being trampled down in Western countries. In December last year, farmers from
Bloody, violent crimes occurred in succession in Western countries around New Year’s Day.A man in his 20s brandished a knife to ca
January 10, 2026
Bloody, violent crimes occurred in succession in Western countries around New Year’s Day.A man in his 20s brandished a knife to ca
Photo exhibitions "Ushering in an era of gigantic transformation for comprehensive development of Korean-style socialism" were
January 10, 2026
Photo exhibitions "Ushering in an era of gigantic transformation for comprehensive development of Korean-style socialism" were
Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, sent a message of greeting to Thongloun Sisoulith, general
January 10, 2026
Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, sent a message of greeting to Thongloun Sisoulith, general
Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's
January 10, 2026
Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's
New houses have appeared at the Sinphung and Yongjung farms in Sinpho City and at the Namhoe Farm in Hongwon County of South
January 10, 2026
New houses have appeared at the Sinphung and Yongjung farms in Sinpho City and at the Namhoe Farm in Hongwon County of South
Today, the multipolarization of the world has become the main trend of the international community. The influence of BRICS is
January 09, 2026
Today, the multipolarization of the world has become the main trend of the international community. The influence of BRICS is
A spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of China at a press conference on December 31 last year accused the Western countries of
January 09, 2026
A spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of China at a press conference on December 31 last year accused the Western countries of
The Russian Foreign Ministry in a statement on January 1 strongly denounced the terrorist act of Ukraine against peaceful inhabita
January 09, 2026
The Russian Foreign Ministry in a statement on January 1 strongly denounced the terrorist act of Ukraine against peaceful inhabita
Kim Jong Un, president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, sent a reply letter to Vladimir
January 09, 2026
Kim Jong Un, president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, sent a reply letter to Vladimir
Modern houses have been built at the Chilgol Vegetable Farm in Mangyongdae District, Pyongyang, and public and production
January 09, 2026
Modern houses have been built at the Chilgol Vegetable Farm in Mangyongdae District, Pyongyang, and public and production
Review of exhibitions held in 2025 In 2025, various exhibitions took place in large numbers in the fields of light industry and
January 09, 2026
Review of exhibitions held in 2025 In 2025, various exhibitions took place in large numbers in the fields of light industry and
More than 40 finishing building-materials production bases were built and over 60 similar bases updated last year, thanks to the
January 09, 2026
More than 40 finishing building-materials production bases were built and over 60 similar bases updated last year, thanks to the
Practising economy arises as an urgent matter as the economy develops. In order for economy to produce a great result in the
January 09, 2026
Practising economy arises as an urgent matter as the economy develops. In order for economy to produce a great result in the
Kangwon Province has built hydroelectric power plants so as to take a lot of benefits from them. The province has many steep
January 08, 2026
Kangwon Province has built hydroelectric power plants so as to take a lot of benefits from them. The province has many steep
Heads of state of different countries gave addresses on the occasion of the New Year 2026. The Pakistani President called for
January 08, 2026
Heads of state of different countries gave addresses on the occasion of the New Year 2026. The Pakistani President called for
Kim Jong Un, president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, received a message of greeting from
January 08, 2026
Kim Jong Un, president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, received a message of greeting from
The Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea sent a congratulatory message to the Twelfth Congress of the Lao People's
January 08, 2026
The Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea sent a congratulatory message to the Twelfth Congress of the Lao People's
The performance of schoolchildren for greeting the New Year 2026 on the theme of "My Country Is the Best" is being given every
January 08, 2026
The performance of schoolchildren for greeting the New Year 2026 on the theme of "My Country Is the Best" is being given every
News of moving into new houses which shows the rapid development of the countryside is reported in Jagang Province every day.
January 08, 2026
News of moving into new houses which shows the rapid development of the countryside is reported in Jagang Province every day.
More Articles
