Learning Korean Baduk and Janggi

Exploring traditional Korean board games like Baduk (Go) and Janggi (Korean Chess) offers a fascinating window into Korean culture and strategic thinking. This guide provides essential Korean vocabulary and phrases to help you learn how to play, discuss strategies, and find places to enjoy these classic games in Korea.

Core Expressions

• Expression: 바둑 배우기
  Pronunciation: ba-duk bae-u-gi
  Meaning: Learning Baduk (Go)
• Expression: 장기 배우기
  Pronunciation: jang-gi bae-u-gi
  Meaning: Learning Janggi (Korean Chess)

Basic Vocabulary

• Expression: 바둑
  Pronunciation: ba-duk
  Meaning: Baduk (the game of Go)
• Expression: 장기
  Pronunciation: jang-gi
  Meaning: Janggi (Korean Chess)
• Expression: 바둑판
  Pronunciation: ba-duk-pan
  Meaning: Baduk board
• Expression: 장기판
  Pronunciation: jang-gi-pan
  Meaning: Janggi board
• Expression: 바둑돌
  Pronunciation: ba-duk-dol
  Meaning: Baduk stones (black and white pieces)
• Expression: 장기알
  Pronunciation: jang-gi-al
  Meaning: Janggi pieces
• Expression: 규칙
  Pronunciation: gyu-chik
  Meaning: Rules
• Expression: 두다
  Pronunciation: du-da
  Meaning: To play (a board game); to place (a stone/piece)
• Expression: 수
  Pronunciation: su
  Meaning: A move (in a game)
• Expression: 기원
  Pronunciation: gi-won
  Meaning: Baduk club/parlor
• Expression: 대국
  Pronunciation: dae-guk
  Meaning: A game/match (usually for Baduk)
• Expression: 초보자
  Pronunciation: cho-bo-ja
  Meaning: Beginner

Phrases for Learning

• Expression: 바둑(장기)을 배우고 싶어요.
  Pronunciation: ba-dug-eul (jang-gi-reul) bae-u-go sip-eo-yo.
  Meaning: I want to learn Baduk (Janggi).
• Expression: 어떻게 두는 거예요?
  Pronunciation: eo-tteo-ke du-neun geo-ye-yo?
  Meaning: How do you play this?
• Expression: 규칙을 설명해 주세요.
  Pronunciation: gyu-chig-eul seol-myeong-hae ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please explain the rules.
• Expression: 어디서 배울 수 있어요?
  Pronunciation: eo-di-seo bae-ul su iss-eo-yo?
  Meaning: Where can I learn?
• Expression: 가르쳐 주실 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: ga-reu-chyeo ju-sil su in-na-yo?
  Meaning: Can you teach me?
• Expression: 저는 완전 초보예요.
  Pronunciation: jeo-neun wan-jeon cho-bo-ye-yo.
  Meaning: I’m a complete beginner.
• Expression: 이 수는 무슨 뜻이에요?
  Pronunciation: i su-neun mu-seun tteus-i-e-yo?
  Meaning: What does this move mean?
• Expression: 기본부터 배우고 싶어요.
  Pronunciation: gi-bon-bu-teo bae-u-go sip-eo-yo.
  Meaning: I want to learn from the basics.
• Expression: 좋은 교재를 추천해 주세요.
  Pronunciation: jo-eun gyo-jae-reul chu-cheon-hae ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please recommend a good textbook/learning material.
• Expression: 연습이 많이 필요해요.
  Pronunciation: yeon-seub-i man-i pil-yo-hae-yo.
  Meaning: I need a lot of practice.

Phrases for Playing

• Expression: 한 판 두실래요?
  Pronunciation: han pan du-sil-lae-yo?
  Meaning: Would you like to play a game?
• Expression: 제가 먼저 둘게요.
  Pronunciation: je-ga meon-jeo dul-ge-yo.
  Meaning: I’ll go first.
• Expression: 당신 차례예요.
  Pronunciation: dang-sin cha-rye-ye-yo.
  Meaning: It’s your turn.
• Expression: 여기에 둘게요.
  Pronunciation: yeo-gi-e dul-ge-yo.
  Meaning: I’ll place it here.
• Expression: 좋은 수예요!
  Pronunciation: jo-eun su-ye-yo!
  Meaning: That’s a good move!
• Expression: 잠시만요, 생각 좀 할게요.
  Pronunciation: jam-si-man-yo, saeng-gak jom hal-ge-yo.
  Meaning: Just a moment, let me think.
• Expression: (장기) 장군!
  Pronunciation: (jang-gi) jang-gun!
  Meaning: (Janggi) Check!
• Expression: (장기) 외통수!
  Pronunciation: (jang-gi) oe-tong-su!
  Meaning: (Janggi) Checkmate!
• Expression: 제가 졌어요. / 제가 이겼어요.
  Pronunciation: je-ga jyeoss-eo-yo. / je-ga i-gyeoss-eo-yo.
  Meaning: I lost. / I won.
• Expression: 잘 두시네요!
  Pronunciation: jal du-si-ne-yo!
  Meaning: You play well!
• Expression: 복기해 볼까요?
  Pronunciation: bok-gi-hae bol-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Shall we review the game?
• Expression: 한 수 가르쳐 주세요.
  Pronunciation: han su ga-reu-chyeo ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please teach me a move (asking for advice).

Asking Questions About the Game

• Expression: 이 돌은 잡힌 건가요? (바둑)
  Pronunciation: i dol-eun jap-hin geon-ga-yo? (ba-duk)
  Meaning: Is this stone captured? (Baduk)
• Expression: 여기 둬도 돼요?
  Pronunciation: yeo-gi dwo-do dwae-yo?
  Meaning: Can I place it here? / Is this move allowed?
• Expression: 이 상황에서는 어떻게 두는 게 좋아요?
  Pronunciation: i sang-hwang-e-seo-neun eo-tteo-ke du-neun ge jo-a-yo?
  Meaning: In this situation, what’s a good move?
• Expression: 이 모양은 뭐라고 불러요? (바둑)
  Pronunciation: i mo-yang-eun mwo-ra-go bul-leo-yo? (ba-duk)
  Meaning: What is this shape called? (Baduk)
• Expression: 궁(왕)이 위험한가요? (장기)
  Pronunciation: gung-i (wang-i) wi-heom-han-ga-yo? (jang-gi)
  Meaning: Is the palace (king) in danger? (Janggi)
• Expression: 점수 계산은 어떻게 해요? (바둑)
  Pronunciation: jeom-su gye-san-eun eo-tteo-ke hae-yo? (ba-duk)
  Meaning: How do you calculate the score? (Baduk)
• Expression: 프로 기사 경기를 보고 싶어요.
  Pronunciation: peu-ro gi-sa gyeong-gi-reul bo-go sip-eo-yo.
  Meaning: I want to watch a professional player’s match.
• Expression: 바둑(장기) 동호회가 있나요?
  Pronunciation: ba-duk (jang-gi) dong-ho-hoe-ga in-na-yo?
  Meaning: Is there a Baduk (Janggi) club?
• Expression: 실력을 늘리려면 어떻게 해야 돼요?
  Pronunciation: sil-lyeog-eul neul-li-ryeo-myeon eo-tteo-ke hae-ya dwae-yo?
  Meaning: What should I do to improve my skills?
• Expression: 이 근처에 기원이 어디 있어요?
  Pronunciation: i geun-cheo-e gi-won-i eo-di iss-eo-yo?
  Meaning: Where is a Baduk club around here?

Cultural Tips

Baduk and Janggi are more than just games in Korea; they are deeply ingrained in the culture. Baduk, known internationally as Go, is highly regarded as an intellectual pursuit that sharpens strategic thinking and concentration. It’s often seen as a metaphor for life or business strategy.

Janggi, similar to Western chess but with distinct rules and pieces, is commonly played by older generations in parks and community centers, serving as an important social activity. You’ll often see intense but friendly matches drawing small crowds.

Both games are enjoyed by people of all ages, though Baduk has a stronger following among younger generations as well, partly due to famous professional players and its presence in media. Learning either game can be a great way to connect with locals.

Dedicated places called ‘Giwon’ (기원) exist primarily for playing Baduk, often filled with serious players. While Janggi is more commonly played outdoors or at home, you might find Janggi boards at some community centers or senior centers.

Observing game etiquette is important. This includes being quiet during play, handling pieces respectfully, acknowledging good moves by your opponent, and being gracious whether you win or lose.

Real Conversation Example

Situation: A foreigner (A) approaches an instructor (B) at a local community center (주민센터 – ju-min-sen-teo) to inquire about learning Baduk.

• Expression: A: 저기요, 혹시 여기서 바둑을 배울 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: jeo-gi-yo, hok-si yeo-gi-seo ba-dug-eul bae-ul su in-na-yo?
  Meaning: A: Excuse me, can I possibly learn Baduk here?
• Expression: B: 네, 저희 바둑 강좌가 있습니다. 혹시 바둑 둬 보신 적 있으세요?
  Pronunciation: ne, jeo-hui ba-duk gang-jwa-ga iss-seum-ni-da. hok-si ba-duk dwo bo-sin jeok iss-eu-se-yo?
  Meaning: B: Yes, we have a Baduk course. Have you ever played Baduk before?
• Expression: A: 아니요, 전혀요. 완전 초보인데 괜찮을까요?
  Pronunciation: a-ni-yo, jeon-hyeo-yo. wan-jeon cho-bo-in-de gwaen-chan-eul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: A: No, never. I’m a complete beginner, would that be okay?
• Expression: B: 그럼요, 초보자 반이 따로 있습니다. 규칙부터 차근차근 가르쳐 드려요.
  Pronunciation: geu-reom-yo, cho-bo-ja ban-i tta-ro iss-seum-ni-da. gyu-chik-bu-teo cha-geun-cha-geun ga-reu-chyeo deu-ryeo-yo.
  Meaning: B: Of course, there’s a separate class for beginners. We teach step-by-step starting from the rules.
• Expression: A: 정말요? 다행이네요! 수업은 언제 있나요?
  Pronunciation: jeong-mal-lyo? da-haeng-i-ne-yo! su-eob-eun eon-je in-na-yo?
  Meaning: A: Really? That’s a relief! When are the classes?
• Expression: B: 매주 화요일 저녁 7시입니다. 관심 있으시면 안내 데스크에서 신청하시면 됩니다.
  Pronunciation: mae-ju hwa-yo-il jeo-nyeok il-gop-si-im-ni-da. gwan-sim iss-eu-si-myeon an-nae de-seu-keu-e-seo sin-cheong-ha-si-myeon doem-ni-da.
  Meaning: B: It’s every Tuesday evening at 7 PM. If you’re interested, you can register at the information desk.
• Expression: A: 네, 감사합니다!
  Pronunciation: ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
  Meaning: A: Okay, thank you!

Practice Tips

Learning Baduk or Janggi takes time and practice~! Don’t be discouraged if it seems difficult at first. Start by mastering the basic rules and vocabulary provided here. Watching games, whether online or in person, can be very helpful for understanding strategy and flow.

Consider finding a local club (동호회 – dong-ho-hoe) or Giwon (기원) to practice with others. Many online platforms and apps also allow you to play against AI or human opponents of various skill levels. Most importantly, enjoy the process of learning these profound and engaging Korean games!