How To Make Ddakji: Your Easy Guide To The Traditional Korean Paper Game

Addie Johnson 03 Aug 2025

Have you ever found yourself watching a show, maybe something very popular like 'Squid Game,' and thought, "Wow, that looks like a lot of fun, I wish I could try that!" Well, if you're thinking about the exciting paper-flipping challenge, you're in luck. This guide is all about showing you how to make ddakji, a classic traditional Korean paper toy that's been around for ages. It’s a wonderful way to bring a bit of that unique cultural spirit right into your own home, you know, with just some paper.

Making ddakji is, in a way, a truly neat activity for just about anyone. It’s something kids can really get into, and it actually teaches them a little bit about origami, which is the art of paper folding. If you’re someone who likes to experience different traditional games from other countries, or perhaps you’re simply looking for a new, easy-to-make, and very cheap game that offers super fun times with family or friends, then this is definitely for you. You might find yourself entertained for hours, perhaps even laughing at yourself and others as you play!

Ddakji, which is pronounced "ddak-ji" and looks like 딱지 in Korean, is a traditional paper toy. People use it in a popular flipping game. It's a simple idea, really, but it got a whole lot of worldwide attention because of 'Squid Game.' This guide will teach you how to make your own ddakji using just some paper. It's a fascinating paper game, and this tutorial will help you get started, from the materials you'll need to the actual folding steps. Today, on October 26, 2023, we're going to dive into this fun craft.

What is Ddakji?
Why Make Your Own Ddakji?
Materials You'll Need
How to Make Ddakji: Step-by-Step Guide
- Method 1: The Classic Square Ddakji
- Method 2: A Slightly Different Approach (Using Two Different Colors)
Tips for a Better Ddakji
How to Play Ddakji
Frequently Asked Questions About Ddakji
Ready to Play?

What is Ddakji?

Ddakji, often just called "딱지" in Korean, is a traditional paper toy that people use in a rather popular flipping game. It's basically a folded paper card, typically square or sometimes round, that's made from thick paper. This game has been a part of Korean culture for a very long time, and it’s something many people grew up playing, so it has a lot of history behind it, you know.

The game got a huge boost in popularity around the world when it showed up in the show 'Squid Game.' In that show, it was a mini-game featured in both season 1 and season 2. This really brought ddakji to a global audience, making lots of people curious about this simple yet exciting traditional Korean pastime. It's a really neat example of how old traditions can find new life.

At its heart, ddakji is a game of skill and a little bit of luck. Players try to flip their opponent's ddakji over by slamming their own ddakji down onto it. The way the paper is folded, its thickness, and its weight all play a part in how well it flies and flips. So, making a good ddakji is the first step to becoming a good player, which is sort of the whole point.

Why Make Your Own Ddakji?

There are quite a few good reasons to make your very own ddakji. For starters, it’s a great activity for kids. It helps them with their fine motor skills and also teaches them a little bit about origami, which is a wonderful art form. It’s a hands-on project that results in a fun toy, and that’s pretty cool, you know.

Also, if you're looking for an easy-to-make, cheap, and super fun game to play with kids or adults, ddakji fits the bill perfectly. All you really need is some paper, and you can create your own ddakji cards. This means you can have hours of entertainment without spending much money at all, which is a big plus, isn't it?

For those who love 'Squid Game,' making ddakji is a way to bring a piece of that show's spirit into your home. It’s a chance to experience a different traditional game from another country, which is pretty interesting. Plus, the satisfaction of making something with your own hands and then playing with it is a feeling that’s hard to beat, so it’s very rewarding.

Materials You'll Need

Making ddakji is wonderfully simple because it requires very few items. You probably have most of these things lying around your house already. This keeps it cheap and accessible for everyone, which is, you know, a really nice thing.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Paper: This is the main thing, obviously. Traditional ddakji are made by folding thick paper. Cardstock works very well, or even construction paper. The paper's thickness, its weight, and even the type of paper can affect how well your ddakji flies and flips when you play. So, picking good paper is a bit important.
Scissors (Optional): You might need these if your paper isn't already square or if you want to trim edges.
Ruler (Optional): A ruler can help you get very straight folds and accurate measurements, which can make your ddakji stronger and more effective in the game.

That's pretty much it! With just a few pieces of paper, you can create your own ddakji cards and get ready to enjoy a fun, traditional game. It’s amazing what you can do with so little, isn't it?

How to Make Ddakji: Step-by-Step Guide

This tutorial will guide you through making this fascinating paper game. We'll start with the classic square ddakji, which is probably the most common type you'll see. Remember, the goal is to make a sturdy, flat piece that can withstand a good slam. So, let’s get to it!

Method 1: The Classic Square Ddakji

For this method, you'll need two pieces of square paper. Using two different colors can make your ddakji look really cool, and it also helps you see the steps more clearly. So, if you have them, grab two different colored squares, perhaps a blue and a red, like in the show, you know.

Step 1: Preparing Your Paper

First, take one of your square pieces of paper. Lay it flat on a table or any clean, firm surface. Make sure it's smooth and there are no wrinkles. This first step is pretty simple, but it sets up everything else, so it's a bit important to get it right.

Step 2: First Folds

Now, fold your paper in half, bringing one edge to meet the opposite edge. Crease it very well. Then, unfold it. You should have a clear line down the middle. Next, fold both of the outer edges in towards that middle crease you just made. This will make your paper into a long, thin rectangle. Do this with both pieces of paper, so you have two identical long, thin rectangles. This is a common first step in many origami projects, so it might feel a little familiar.

Step 3: Creating the Base Shape

Take one of your long, thin paper strips. Fold the bottom right corner up and to the left, forming a triangle. Make sure the edges line up nicely. Then, take the top left corner and fold it down and to the right, also forming a triangle. You should now have a sort of "Z" or zigzag shape with two triangles pointing in opposite directions. Repeat this same folding pattern with your second strip of paper. So, now you have two of these zigzag shapes, which is pretty neat.

Step 4: Locking It In

This is where the two pieces come together. Take one of your folded paper shapes and place it on a flat surface. Then, take the second folded paper shape and lay it on top of the first one, making a cross or plus sign shape. One piece should be vertical, and the other should be horizontal, sort of like a puzzle piece. This is where the magic happens, you know, as they start to connect.

Now, you'll start tucking the flaps. Take the top flap of the horizontal piece and fold it down over the vertical piece. Then, take the bottom flap of the horizontal piece and fold it up over the vertical piece. You're basically wrapping the horizontal piece around the vertical one. Make sure your creases are very sharp. This step can be a little tricky at first, but it gets easier with practice, so just keep at it.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

You should now have two flaps left, one on each side of your partially formed ddakji. These are the flaps from the vertical piece. Take the left flap and fold it over, tucking it into the pocket created by the folds on the right side. It might take a little wiggling to get it in there. Then, do the same with the right flap, folding it over and tucking it into the pocket on the left side. This step really locks everything together, making your ddakji strong and ready for action. Once both flaps are tucked in, press down firmly on your ddakji to flatten it completely. You should have a sturdy, flat square. And there you have it, your very own ddakji!

Method 2: A Slightly Different Approach (Using Two Different Colors)

This method also uses two square pieces of paper, and it creates a ddakji that's often very strong and well-balanced. It's a bit similar to the first method, but the initial folds are a little different, so it's good to know both ways. You might find one easier than the other, you know.

Start with your two square pieces of paper. Take one piece and fold it in half horizontally, then unfold. Now, fold it in half vertically, and unfold. You should have creases that form a cross in the middle of your paper. This is a common starting point for many origami shapes, which is pretty neat.

Next, fold all four corners towards the center point where your creases meet. This will create a smaller square. Now, take this smaller square and fold it in half along one of the original horizontal or vertical creases. Do this with both pieces of paper. So, you'll have two smaller, folded rectangles, sort of like little booklets.

Now, take one of these folded rectangles. Fold the bottom edge up to meet the top edge, then unfold. You'll have a new crease in the middle. Take the bottom left corner and fold it up to that new middle crease, making a triangle. Do the same with the top right corner, folding it down to the middle crease. You should have a shape that looks a bit like an arrow. Repeat this with the second piece of paper.

Finally, just like in Method 1, you'll interlock these two arrow-like shapes. Place one horizontally and the other vertically on top, forming a cross. Then, carefully fold the outer flaps of the horizontal piece over the vertical one, tucking them into the pockets. Then, fold the remaining flaps of the vertical piece into the pockets created by the horizontal piece. Press firmly to flatten. This method can sometimes create a tighter, more compact ddakji, which is very good for playing, you know.

Tips for a Better Ddakji

Making a ddakji is one thing, but making a *good* ddakji that performs well in the game takes a little bit of practice and attention to detail. Here are some pointers to help you create a top-notch paper toy. These little things can make a big difference, you know.

Choose the Right Paper: As mentioned, the paper's thickness, its weight, and even its texture all affect how well your ddakji will work. Cardstock or thick construction paper is usually best. Thin printer paper might be too flimsy and won't hold its shape well when it gets hit. A slightly heavier paper will give your ddakji more "oomph" when you try to flip an opponent's piece, which is kind of important.
Sharp Creases are Key: Every fold you make should be very crisp and clean. Use your fingernail or the edge of a ruler to really press down on each crease. Sharp creases help the ddakji hold its shape and make it more durable. Sloppy folds can lead to a weak ddakji that falls apart easily, so be precise.
Accuracy Matters: Try to make sure your folds are as accurate as possible. Lining up edges and corners perfectly will result in a more symmetrical and balanced ddakji. A well-balanced ddakji is more likely to fly straight and hit its target effectively during the game. It's like building anything, really; precision helps.
Practice Makes Perfect: Don't get discouraged if your first few ddakji don't look perfect. Paper folding, like any craft, takes practice. The more you make, the better you'll get at it. You'll develop a feel for the paper and the folds, which is pretty cool.
Consider Size: While traditional ddakji are often made from standard square paper, you can experiment with different sizes. A slightly larger ddakji might be easier to fold for beginners, while a smaller one could be more challenging but perhaps more aerodynamic. It's all about what feels right for you.

By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be able to create ddakji that are not only fun to make but also great for playing the game. It's a bit like mastering any skill, really; the small details add up to a big improvement.

How to Play Ddakji

Once you've made your ddakji, it's time to play! The game is quite simple, but it can be surprisingly competitive and very entertaining. You'll be entertained for hours, laughing at yourself and others, I mean, it's just a lot of fun. Remember to always play safely and have a good time.

Here’s how you play:

Players and Ddakji: You need at least two players, and each player needs their own ddakji. You can make them in different colors so you can tell them apart, which is helpful.
The Setup: One player places their ddakji flat on the ground. This ddakji is the target.
The Flip: The other player takes their ddakji and tries to flip the target ddakji over by slamming their own ddakji down onto it. The goal is to make the target ddakji completely turn over.
Taking Turns: Players take turns attempting to flip the opponent's ddakji. If a player successfully flips the opponent's ddakji, they get to keep that ddakji.
Winning: The game continues until one player has collected all the ddakji, or until players decide to stop. Sometimes, people just play for fun, not necessarily to "win" all the pieces, which is totally fine too.

The key to playing well is in the slam. You need to hit the opponent's ddakji with enough force and at the right angle to make it flip. Sometimes a glancing blow works, other times a direct hit. It's all about practice and figuring out the best technique. It's a really engaging game, and you'll find yourself trying different ways to hit, which is pretty cool.

You can learn more about ddakji on our site, including some of its fascinating history. Also, if you're curious about the deeper background of the game, you might want to check out this page about ddakji game history for more context. It’s a game that’s easy to pick up, but it has a lot of little nuances that make it fun to keep playing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ddakji

People often have questions when they first start learning about ddakji, especially since it gained so much attention. Here are some common things people ask, which might help you understand it even better. These are pretty common queries, you know.

How do you make a ddakji?

You make a ddakji by folding two pieces of thick, square paper. You fold each piece into a specific shape, usually a sort of zigzag or arrow, and then you interlock these two folded pieces by tucking their flaps into each other. This creates a sturdy, flat, square paper toy. The steps involve a series of precise folds and tucks to make it strong enough for the game. It's a bit like origami, but with a specific end goal of a playable toy.

What kind of paper is best for ddakji?

The best kind of paper for ddakji is thick paper, like cardstock or sturdy construction paper. The paper's thickness, its weight, and the way it's folded all affect how well the ddakji performs in the game. Thicker paper makes the ddakji more durable and gives it more weight, which can help it flip an opponent's piece more easily. Using regular printer paper usually won't work as well because it's too thin and flimsy, so it's a bit important to pick the right material.

What is the game of ddakji?

The game of ddakji is a traditional Korean paper-flipping game. Two or more players take turns trying to flip over an opponent's ddakji, which is placed flat on the ground. Players use their own ddakji to slam down onto the target ddakji, aiming to make it completely turn over. If you flip it, you usually get to keep that piece. It's a game that combines skill in throwing the ddakji with a bit of luck, and it's known for being quite fun and engaging. It gained worldwide popularity through the show 'Squid Game,' where it was a memorable mini-game, you know.

Ready to Play?

So, there you have it! You now know how to make ddakji, that traditional Korean paper toy that's become a worldwide sensation. It’s a simple craft, really, but it leads to hours of fun and a chance to experience a little piece of Korean culture. Whether you're making it for yourself, with kids, or to challenge your friends, the process is pretty rewarding.

Remember, the paper's thickness, its weight, and your folding technique all affect how well your ddakji will work. So, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of paper or to practice your folding skills. The more you make, the better your ddakji will be, and the more fun you'll have playing. Now, go ahead, make your own ddakji, and get ready to enjoy this super fun game!

How to make ddakji an easy cheap and fun korean game – Artofit

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