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 Workers' Party of Korea, the vanguard of the Korean revolution, is ushering in a new era of building a powerful nation by
February 26, 2026
The Workers' Party of Korea, the vanguard of the Korean revolution, is ushering in a new era of building a powerful nation by
The first meeting of the Political Bureau of the Ninth Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea was held at the
February 26, 2026
The first meeting of the Political Bureau of the Ninth Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea was held at the
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un delivered a closing address at the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea. Dear comrade
February 26, 2026
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un delivered a closing address at the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea. Dear comrade
The Iranian permanent representative to the United Nations condemned the US for its threat of war of aggression in a letter sent t
February 26, 2026
The Iranian permanent representative to the United Nations condemned the US for its threat of war of aggression in a letter sent t
The Belarus defence ministry on February 19 clarified to the military attachés of the embassies of 20-odd countries in its
February 26, 2026
The Belarus defence ministry on February 19 clarified to the military attachés of the embassies of 20-odd countries in its
The 39th Science and Technology Festival of Kim Chaek University of Technology opened in the DPRK. The festival's theme is "Steady
February 26, 2026
The 39th Science and Technology Festival of Kim Chaek University of Technology opened in the DPRK. The festival's theme is "Steady
Ryonggang County in Nampho Municipality is ensuring the full-capacity operation of the newly-built regional-industry factories and
February 26, 2026
Ryonggang County in Nampho Municipality is ensuring the full-capacity operation of the newly-built regional-industry factories and
Staff members of the Russian embassy in Pyongyang laid a wreath at the Liberation Tower on February 23 to mark the Day of
February 25, 2026
Staff members of the Russian embassy in Pyongyang laid a wreath at the Liberation Tower on February 23 to mark the Day of
The Central Standing Committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, the General Association of Koreans in
February 25, 2026
The Central Standing Committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, the General Association of Koreans in
Charge d'Affaires ad Interim Vladimir Topeha and Defence Attaché Alexei Bartusov of the Russian embassy in Pyongyang gave a
February 25, 2026
Charge d'Affaires ad Interim Vladimir Topeha and Defence Attaché Alexei Bartusov of the Russian embassy in Pyongyang gave a
An online joint seminar of Brazilian political parties and organizations took place on February 15 to mark the 84th birth
February 24, 2026
An online joint seminar of Brazilian political parties and organizations took place on February 15 to mark the 84th birth
Hundreds of final-year students of senior middle schools in North Phyongan Province have volunteered for the forefront of national
February 24, 2026
Hundreds of final-year students of senior middle schools in North Phyongan Province have volunteered for the forefront of national
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un sent a birthday spread to Ri Sil Baek, who is living in neighbourhood unit No. 45 of Junhyok-ri,
February 24, 2026
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un sent a birthday spread to Ri Sil Baek, who is living in neighbourhood unit No. 45 of Junhyok-ri,
Cement production units in the DPRK are striving to increase production. The Sangwon Cement Complex has carried out its daily
February 24, 2026
Cement production units in the DPRK are striving to increase production. The Sangwon Cement Complex has carried out its daily
A decision of the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea "On Election of the General Secretary of the Workers' Party of
February 23, 2026
A decision of the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea "On Election of the General Secretary of the Workers' Party of
The fourth-day sitting of the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea was held on February 22. The Congress continued its
February 23, 2026
The fourth-day sitting of the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea was held on February 22. The Congress continued its
Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed on February 16 that the Kiev regime had long
February 23, 2026
Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed on February 16 that the Kiev regime had long
The 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union was held at the headquarters of
February 23, 2026
The 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union was held at the headquarters of
Graduating class students of senior middle schools in North Phyongan Province met with a war veteran at the provincial art
February 23, 2026
Graduating class students of senior middle schools in North Phyongan Province met with a war veteran at the provincial art
A decision of the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea "On the Revision of the Rules of the Workers' Party of Korea" was
February 23, 2026
A decision of the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea "On the Revision of the Rules of the Workers' Party of Korea" was
More Articles
