Chajeon Nori
Encyclopedia
Chajeon Nori, occasionally translated as Juggernaut Battle, is a traditional Korean game usually played by men, originating in the Andong
region. It may have originated as a commemoration of Wang Geon's victory over Gyeon Hwon
at the Battle of Gochang in 935, near the end of the Later Three Kingdoms period. It resembles a jousting match, with the two commanders are atop large log frames maneuvered by their teams. These trapezoidal log frames are known as dongchae, and are composed of two 10-meter-long logs tied together with straw rope. The dongchae lie horizontally at the beginning of play, but then are hoisted up by their team. Some members of the team carry the dongchae, while others fight with the opposing team to help their side advance.
The commanders are chosen from among the team at the beginning of play. The teams are traditionally named "east" and "west." A team wins by forcing the other team's dongchae to the ground. After their victory, the members of the winning team traditionally toss their straw sandals upward.
Andong
Andong is a city in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea. It is the largest city in the northern part of the province with a population of 167,821 in October 2010. The Nakdong River flows through the city...
region. It may have originated as a commemoration of Wang Geon's victory over Gyeon Hwon
Gyeon Hwon
Gyeon Hwon was the king and founder of Hubaekje, one of the Later Three Kingdoms of Korea. Some records render his name as "Jin Hwon" . He was also the progenitor of the Hwanggan Gyeon clan...
at the Battle of Gochang in 935, near the end of the Later Three Kingdoms period. It resembles a jousting match, with the two commanders are atop large log frames maneuvered by their teams. These trapezoidal log frames are known as dongchae, and are composed of two 10-meter-long logs tied together with straw rope. The dongchae lie horizontally at the beginning of play, but then are hoisted up by their team. Some members of the team carry the dongchae, while others fight with the opposing team to help their side advance.
The commanders are chosen from among the team at the beginning of play. The teams are traditionally named "east" and "west." A team wins by forcing the other team's dongchae to the ground. After their victory, the members of the winning team traditionally toss their straw sandals upward.