Typical of those ball games is Kyokgu. This game, similar to present-day tennis and ground hockey, is known to have been played from the period of Koguryo kingdom. (277 B.C.-668 A.D.)

According to historical data, Kyokgu was conspicuous in national ceremonies in Koryo kingdom (918-1392). It shows that the Korean ancestors enjoyed Kyokgu very much in the period of Three Kingdoms (Koguryo, Paekje and Silla).

When Yejong, 16th king (1106-1122) of Koryo, came to Sogyong (Pyongyang), a Kyokgu game was played in honor of him.

It is also recorded in Sejong Silok (chronicles of King Sejong) that playing with balls was encouraged in those times.

Kyokgu broke into games called Thagu and Phogu.

Thagu was similar to golf and Phogu to basketball.