What is Jokgu?
Jokgu (족구) is a dynamic Korean sport that blends elements of soccer and volleyball. The word “jokgu” itself is a combination of “jok” (족, meaning foot) and “gu” (구, meaning ball). It is a team sport with four players: two defenders, one setter, and one striker.
It is a traditional sport that has a recorded history of over 1,300 years in Korea. It has been passed down and played in high courts, schoolyards, and workplaces alike. Regardless of age and gender, it has been a sport played and enjoyed by all people. In the 1960s, South Korean military personnel played Jokgu as a recreational activity that built camaraderie, coordination, and athleticism. After its showcase at the 1st Annual Leisure Games in Chuncheon in 2010, a resurgence of Jokgu competitions and tournaments occurred throughout South Korea, with several groups later developing in America.
Now with millions of players worldwide, Jokgu associations are striving to have Jokgu in the Olympics in the near future.
Why Jokgu?
Jokgu is not just a sport, but behind it holds great cultural significance. Considered one of the few sports originating from the Korean peninsula and persisting with the influx of international sports and games, Jokgu represents the spirit and identity of the Korean people.
As a sport, it requires tactical offensive skills, strategic teamwork, and quick thinking and decision-making. For every defensive block, there is a calculated setter and striker ready to respond in a high-speed competition of kicks and volleys.
By introducing young people in the U.S. to Jokgu, we’re creating an opportunity to learn about Korean culture in an active and engaging way. It’s more than just a game; it’s a vehicle for cultural exchange, mutual respect, and unity.
How Do You Play?
The objective is to send the ball over a net and into the opposing side’s court using only your legs below the knee and your head — hands are not allowed — to score points. Each set win is typically first to 15 or 21 points with a minimum 2-point advantage. Each team is allowed up to 3 touches per possession before sending the ball over the net. A single player cannot touch the ball twice consecutively (except during blocking).
Standard Jokgu courts measure 15 meters long, 6.5 meters wide, and 1.1 meters high. It uses its own light, an inflated ball slightly smaller than a soccer ball.
To serve, you kick the ball behind the baseline to start the rally, and it must clear the net to land inside the opponent’s court. Hitting the net or landing out of bounds results in the opposing team’s point.
With rules that resemble volleyball and tennis but with soccer-style footwork, Jokgu is a fast-paced and skillful sport that is both exciting to watch and play.
The Power of Sports
In fact, Jokgu can serve as a bridge between the two Koreas. As a sport uniquely Korean in its origins and enjoyed by people in both the North and South, it reflects the deep cultural ties that still exist across the divide. By elevating and celebrating Jokgu on an international stage, we remind ourselves and the world that the Korean people share a common heritage—one that transcends political boundaries. Sports and cultural diplomacy has the power to foster dialogue, build empathy, and lay the groundwork for a peaceful reunification.