In the period of the three kingdoms (Koguryo, Paekje and Silla), Korean people built many irrigation canals. During breaks in embankment, they used to play tug of war.

The winner team owned the rope and used it for embankment, believing that it would enable them to do farming well, free from worry about water, and harvest a bumper crop.

The rope was usually made of rice straw.

During the game all villagers cheered their team and the winners celebrated their victory, singing and dancing all night.

The traditional folk game is still popular in the country as it is good for physical training and unity of collective.