Korea

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It had also been suggested that Korean playing-cards derive from the ceremonial use of the arrow in divination, which afterward became an amusement using sticks, owing to an arrow feather motif on the backs of some cards. But the theory hasn't been substantiated.

The Korean word for playing cards means “fighting strips” and cards traditionally used in Japan and Korea are small in size compared to Western ones. Korean cards on the whole are narrow (about half an inch) and much longer than Chinese (up to six or seven inches) and made of oiled paper or leather, based on a similar system to Chinese cards. Often the cards have stylised or stereotyped motifs making it difficult to trace their original forms. Kapo cards have 60 or 80 cards: six or eight sets of nine cards each plus a General in each suit. The suit symbols are: man, fish, crow, pheasant, antelope, rabbit, horse and star. The game played is similar to Japanese Kabu.

The game of “Hanafunda” was introduced into Korea by the Japanese during the time of Japanese annexation of Korea (1905-1945) and modified somewhat by the Koreans into “Hwatu” or “Hwa-tu”. The game uses “Hwatu” (flower cards) to score as many points as possible in order to win. Both the deck and the game have now become part of Korean tradition, with new branded or themed variants being devised such as Seoul Tower Hwatu, Dragon Hwatu, Waddamda, Royal Gold Hwatu, Diamond Brand, Rainbow Brand, Wonder Girls Hwatu, etc., with new colours, superimposed images and English inscriptions, all taking the place of the original Japanese-style Hanafuda cards.

Above: Seoul Tower Hwatu published by Miracle Fish ©2008   see more →

Korea is quite a conservative country and has only had its own government since 1948, so everything is relatively new and developing (although they are developing very quickly, like Singapore). South Korea's leading playing card manufacturer is Hanyang Special Printing Co Ltd, Seoul, producing standard, promotional, educational, K-Pop and novelty packs. Indeed, foreign influence is now on the ascendant in Korea, and Korean Pop Group and merchandising playing cards have arrived...  See also: T-Ara • B1A4 • Girls' Generation →

Korean Popular Music Playing Cards   한국어 인기 음악 카드

A K-Pop (Korean Pop, 가요, kayo) idol is an influential Korean celebrity, usually a K-Pop singer, who has a large fan base and is so well-liked by some fans to the point of addiction, obsession and compulsive behaviour. K-Pop idols are now becoming very popular outside Asia and some have even received worldwide media attention. In addition to music, K-pop has grown into a popular subculture among teenagers and young adults around the world driving reality TV shows, fashion and merchandise...

Above: Seung-Yeon playing cards, 52 plastic coated cards + 2 Jokers in box, made in South Korea. Each card has a different 'cute' photo of the singer. The box carries the caption:"I like the stars that shine way up in the sky our will live forever..." whilst the backs of the cards read: "So thank you for being the person who taught me to love and to be loved".

Above: Girls’ Generation playing cards designed by Rina Communication, Korea, 2011   see more →

“Best Wishes” Mini-Poker Children’s Playing Cards

Above: cards and box from "Best Wishes Poker" miniature children's playing cards, anonymous manufacturer, Korea. 52 cards + 2 Jokers + extra card in box. Korean proverbs are printed on some cards. The Joker has the legend: "Let my wild part remain, untamed and running free" whilst on the backs we can read: "Friendship is like money, easier make than kept". The extra card reads: "Live with your own game, from words to deeds is a great space". The images of dolls are repeated in each suit, and some of the hearts suit symbols are up-side-down.

References:

Christensen, Thomas: “Gutenberg and the Koreans: Did East Asian Printing Traditions Influence the European Renaissance?” in "River of Ink: literature, history and art", Counterpoint, Berkeley, Ca, 2014.

Hargrave, Catherine Perry: A History of Playing Cards and a Bibliography of Cards and Gaming, Dover Publications, New York, 1966

Hoffmann, Detlef: The Playing Card, an illustrated history, Edition Leipzig, 1973

Mann, Sylvia: All Cards on the Table, Jonas Verlag/Deutsches Spielkarten-Museum, Leinfelden-Echterdingen, 1990