How To Make Ddakji: Your Easy Guide To The Iconic Squid Game Flipping Game

Mrs. Dana Mertz 21 Aug 2025

Do you remember that intense, unforgettable scene from Squid Game where the characters played a simple yet thrilling game of ddakji? That paper-flipping challenge, which seemed so straightforward, truly captured everyone's attention, didn't it? Well, you can bring that same excitement right into your own home, you know, and it's a lot simpler than you might think.

Making your own ddakji is a super fun activity, perfect for anyone who enjoyed the show or just likes a good old-fashioned paper craft. It's a fantastic way to get creative, use your hands, and maybe even challenge your friends and family to a friendly match. Plus, it uses materials you probably have lying around, so it's very budget-friendly, too.

This guide will show you how to make ddakji, the traditional Korean paper toy that became a global sensation. We'll walk you through each step, making sure you can create your very own sturdy, ready-to-flip ddakji. So, get ready to fold some paper and, perhaps, start your own mini-game at home, just like in the show.

What is Ddakji?
Why Make Your Own Ddakji?
Materials You'll Need
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Ddakji
Playing the Ddakji Game
Troubleshooting Common Ddakji Making Issues
Ddakji: A Cultural Touch
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Ddakji
Ready to Flip?

What is Ddakji?

Ddakji, which is 딱지 in Korean, is a traditional paper toy used in a popular flipping game. It's basically two pieces of paper folded and interlocked to create a thick, square shape, and you know, it's quite sturdy when done right. This simple toy has been around for a very long time in Korea, providing hours of fun for generations of kids, and adults too, as a matter of fact.

Most recently, ddakji gained huge international fame because of its appearance in the hit Netflix show, Squid Game. That scene, where characters challenged each other to a game of ddakji to win money, really showed how captivating this seemingly simple game can be. It's a game of skill, a bit of luck, and, well, a good deal of force, too.

The goal of the game is to flip your opponent's ddakji by throwing your own ddakji onto it. If you manage to make their ddakji turn over, you win that round. It sounds easy, but it takes a bit of practice to get that perfect throw, you know. It’s a great way to pass the time and, actually, it’s quite addictive once you start playing.

Why Make Your Own Ddakji?

There are a bunch of good reasons to make your own ddakji, and they're pretty compelling, really. First off, it’s an incredibly easy craft project, which means almost anyone can do it. You don't need any special skills or fancy tools, just some paper and your hands, so it's very accessible.

Secondly, it's super cheap to make. You can use origami paper, or just cut up some regular A4 paper into squares, as I was saying. This makes it a fantastic activity for families or groups looking for fun without spending a lot of money. You can make a whole bunch of them without breaking the bank, literally.

Beyond that, making ddakji is a wonderful way to connect with a bit of Korean culture, especially if you loved Squid Game. It’s a hands-on experience that brings a piece of that world to life. Plus, it’s a screen-free activity, which is always a good thing, you know, for getting away from devices and just creating something tangible.

Finally, playing the game itself is a blast. You'll be entertained for hours, laughing at yourself and others as you try to master that perfect flip. It's a game that brings people together, offering a simple yet engaging challenge that anyone can enjoy, and that's pretty cool, I mean.

Materials You'll Need

Gathering your supplies for how to make ddakji is pretty straightforward, actually. You probably have most of what you need already. The main thing is paper, of course, and a couple of other bits to make things easier, you know.

Paper: You will need two pieces of paper for each ddakji. Origami paper works wonderfully because it's already square and often comes in fun colors. If you don't have origami paper, that's perfectly fine. You can use regular A4 paper or any other thin cardstock. Just make sure to cut it into squares.
Ruler (optional): If you're cutting your own paper, a ruler helps you get straight lines and accurate square sizes. This can make your ddakji look neater, so it's kind of helpful.
Scissors (optional): Again, if you're cutting your own paper from larger sheets, scissors are a must. For the best results, aim for squares that measure about 6 inches by 6 inches (around 15 cm by 15 cm). This size tends to be pretty good for handling and playing, you know.

That's really all there is to it! With these simple items, you're all set to begin crafting your very own ddakji. It’s surprisingly little for such a fun project, you know, which is part of its appeal.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Ddakji

Now for the fun part: actually making your ddakji! This process involves a few folds and tucks, but don't worry, it's pretty easy to follow along. Just take your time with each step, and you'll have a great ddakji in no time, honestly.

Preparing Your Paper

First things first, get your two pieces of paper ready. If you're using origami paper, it's probably already a perfect square, so you're good to go. If you're using A4 paper or another rectangular sheet, you'll need to cut it into squares, as I was saying. Aim for squares that are about 6 inches (15 cm) on each side, which is a good size for handling.

Make sure your cuts are as straight as possible. This helps your ddakji fold more neatly and, well, look better in the end. A ruler can be really helpful here, just to keep things precise. You want two identical squares for one ddakji, basically.

First Fold: Creating the Initial Rectangles

Take one of your square pieces of paper. Fold it in half lengthwise, bringing one edge to meet the opposite edge. Crease it firmly. Then, open it up again. You'll see a line down the middle, you know, that's your guide.

Next, fold both long edges towards that center crease you just made. So, you'll have a long, thin rectangle. Do this for both pieces of paper. You should end up with two identical rectangular strips, each about one-quarter the width of your original square, more or less.

Second Fold: Making the "L" Shapes

Now, take one of your long rectangular strips. Fold one end down to form a right angle, like the top part of an "L." The fold should be at the halfway point of the strip, so it makes a square shape at one end. Crease it well, too.

Then, fold the other end of the same strip upwards, also forming a right angle, but in the opposite direction. It should look like a zigzag, or a kind of "S" shape if you look at it from the side. You're basically creating two squares at either end of the strip, connected by the middle, you know. Repeat this exact step with your second rectangular strip, making sure it looks just like the first one, actually.

Interlocking the Pieces

This is where your ddakji starts to take shape. Take one of your "L" shaped pieces and place it flat on a surface. Now, take the second "L" shaped piece and lay it on top of the first, making sure they form a square in the middle, almost like a cross or a plus sign. The ends of the second piece should overlap the ends of the first piece, if that makes sense.

You'll see four flaps sticking out. The goal is to tuck these flaps into each other to lock the pieces together. Start with one of the top flaps. Fold it over the middle square and tuck its corner under the opposite flap of the bottom piece. This is where it gets a little bit tricky, you know, but you'll get the hang of it.

Securing the Folds

Continue tucking the flaps, going around in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Each flap should fold over the previous one and then tuck under the next one. The last flap will need to be tucked under the very first flap you folded, which can be a bit tight, so just be patient with it.

Once all four flaps are tucked in, press down firmly on the entire ddakji. You want those creases to be really sharp and the structure to feel solid. Give it a good squeeze to make sure everything is locked into place. You should now have a sturdy, square ddakji, ready for action, just like that.

Tips for a Sturdy Ddakji

Crease everything well: The sharper your folds, the more stable your ddakji will be. Use your fingernail or a ruler to really press down on those creases, you know.
Use slightly thicker paper: While A4 works, a slightly heavier paper or thin cardstock will make a ddakji that lasts longer and hits harder, which is quite useful for playing.
Be precise with cuts and folds: The more accurate your initial squares and subsequent folds are, the better the pieces will interlock. Little inaccuracies can make it a bit loose, actually.
Double-layering: For an extra-strong ddakji, you could even try using four pieces of paper instead of two, folding two pieces into one "L" shape, and then interlocking those. It makes it really tough, more or less.

Playing the Ddakji Game

Once you've made your ddakji, it's time to play! The game is pretty simple to learn, but it takes skill and practice to master. It’s a bit like rock-paper-scissors, but with more action, you know.

Basic Rules

To play, you need at least two players, each with their own ddakji. One player places their ddakji flat on the ground. The other player then takes their ddakji and tries to throw it down onto the opponent's ddakji with enough force and accuracy to flip it over. If you flip it, you win that round and, well, you get to keep their ddakji, which is kind of the point.

If you don't flip it, it's the other player's turn. You can play to a certain number of wins, or just until someone runs out of ddakji. It's really up to you and your friends how you want to keep score, so it's quite flexible.

Winning Strategies

Aim for the edge: Hitting the edge of your opponent's ddakji can create more leverage, making it easier to flip. A direct hit to the center might just bounce off, you know.
Throw with a flat trajectory: A flatter throw often generates more impact than a high, arcing one. Experiment with different angles and heights, you know, to find what works best.
Use a heavier ddakji: If you made your ddakji with thicker paper or double-layered it, it will have more weight and, thus, more power when thrown. This can be a slight advantage, actually.
Practice your grip: How you hold and release your ddakji makes a big difference. Try different grips to see which gives you the most control and force.

Game Variations

You can spice up the game with a few changes. Try playing on different surfaces; concrete will give a different bounce than grass, for example. You could also set up targets to hit, or even play a game where you have to knock your opponent's ddakji out of a designated circle. The possibilities are pretty open, so feel free to get creative with it.

Troubleshooting Common Ddakji Making Issues

Even though making ddakji is pretty simple, you might run into a few small hiccups along the way. Don't worry, these are easy to fix, and it's all part of the learning process, you know.

My ddakji is loose: If your ddakji feels flimsy, it probably means your folds weren't sharp enough, or the flaps weren't tucked in tightly. Go back and press down firmly on all the creases, especially where the flaps interlock. Sometimes, using slightly thicker paper can also help make it more solid, actually.
The flaps won't tuck in: This usually happens if your initial paper squares weren't perfectly even, or if your "L" folds aren't quite right. Try to be as precise as possible with your measurements and folds. You can also gently coax the paper with a ruler or your fingernail to help it slide into place, you know.
It keeps falling apart when I play: This is a sign that your ddakji isn't sturdy enough. Make sure you're using paper that's not too thin. Re-crease all the folds, and maybe even add a tiny bit of glue to the tucked-in flaps if you want it to be really permanent, but that's kind of cheating for the traditional game.

Just remember, practice makes perfect. The more ddakji you make, the better you'll get at it, so keep trying, honestly.

Ddakji: A Cultural Touch

Ddakji is more than just a paper toy; it's a piece of traditional Korean culture that has been enjoyed for many, many years. It's a game that brings people together, often played in schoolyards and at family gatherings. The simplicity of the game, combined with the skill it requires, makes it a timeless pastime, you know.

Its recent popularity from Squid Game has introduced this lovely tradition to a whole new global audience. It’s a wonderful example of how something so small and seemingly insignificant can carry so much cultural weight and bring so much joy. Learning how to make ddakji is, in a way, like connecting with a piece of that history, which is pretty cool, I mean. Learn more about ddakji history on our site.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Ddakji

What paper do you use for ddakji?

You can use a few different types of paper for ddakji, you know. Origami paper is a top choice because it's already square and has a good weight. However, regular A4 printer paper works just fine, too, if you cut it into squares first. Some people even use thin cardstock for a sturdier ddakji, which is a good idea if you want it to last longer, actually.

How do you play ddakji?

Playing ddakji is quite simple, basically. Two players take turns trying to flip each other's ddakji. One player puts their ddakji flat on the ground. The other player throws their own ddakji onto it, aiming to make it flip over. If it flips, the thrower wins that round. If not, it's the next person's turn. It's a game of skill and a bit of luck, so it's pretty exciting.

Is ddakji hard to make?

No, ddakji is not hard to make at all, honestly! It involves a few basic folds, but it's very beginner-friendly. The steps are pretty straightforward, and with a little patience, anyone can create a good ddakji. It's a rewarding craft that doesn't require any special talent, just a willingness to fold paper, you know. Check out our other fun craft ideas.

Ready to Flip?

So, there you have it! Learning how to make ddakji is a simple, enjoyable project that brings a piece of traditional Korean fun right to your fingertips. Whether you're a fan of Squid Game or just looking for a new, creative activity, making and playing with ddakji offers a unique blend of craft and game. It's a fantastic way to spend some time, you know, maybe with friends or family.

Now that you know how to make ddakji, why not gather some paper and give it a try? You could even decorate your ddakji with different colors or patterns to make it truly your own, which is pretty cool. Get ready to fold, flip, and have a blast with this classic paper game. Who knows, you might just become the ddakji master of your household, more or less!

For more interesting paper crafts and cultural insights, you can always look up resources like The Spruce Crafts, for example, to keep your creative juices flowing. Happy folding, and good luck with your ddakji battles!

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