Biseokchigi: Korean Stone Knockdown Levels

A traditional Korean game in which players knock over a standing stone by throwing a flat stone, then move up levels in which the stone is carried on different parts of the body. It builds accuracy, balance and body control.

How to play

1. Share the origin: biseokchigi was played in Korean villages with flat stones, and each level had a name for the body part used. Make groups of 4 and mark a start line for each group with a row of 4 standing cones 16 feet away.
2. Each student has a beanbag as their flat stone and one cone as their target stone. The game is played in levels, and the group tracks everyone's level in chalk.
3. Level 1: throw the beanbag underhand from the line and knock down the cone. Level 2: toss it, hop on one foot to where it lands, and from there drop it onto the cone with the foot.
4. Level 3: walk while carrying the beanbag on top of the foot and drop it on the cone. Level 4: hop with it between the knees. Level 5: on the shoulder. Level 6: on the head, leaning to drop it onto the cone.
5. Taking turns, each student tries their level; if they knock over their cone, they move up on their next turn; if they miss or drop the beanbag, they repeat.
6. Play for about 16 minutes and mix groups halfway through. At the end, each student shares which level was the hardest.

Rules

• No one crosses the line while someone else is throwing.
• Safety: throw underhand and only toward the cones.
• After each try, the student resets their cone and returns to the line with the beanbag.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with limited mobility: do the levels from the wheelchair, carrying the beanbag on the knee, shoulder or head while a partner pushes if needed.
• Visual impairment: replace the cone with a bottle holding a bell, and a partner claps from the target.
• Skill level: students who move up quickly can repeat the levels with the non-dominant leg or hand.

Learning goals

• Throw accurately at a small target.
• Carry an object on different body parts while staying balanced.
• Learn a traditional Korean game and its level-by-level progression.

Equipment for a class of 25

• beanbags: 25
• cones: 28
• chalk: 7

Teacher tip

Give each group a card showing the six levels so they remember them and progress on their own.

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