[Photos] Tug-of-War Games Unite Vietnamese and Korean Communities

Eight collectives practicing Tug-of-war Rituals and Games from Vietnam and Republic of Korea (RoK) came together in Hanoi to share, perform, and introduce their community’s heritage.


Republic of Korea


The event took place on November 18 at Tran Vu temple, Long Bien district, Hanoi, as part of the 2023 Hanoi Creative Design Festival.

The event is organized by the municipal Department of Culture and Sports in collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Association of Vietnam and Long Bien district from November 17-28.

The performance of Vietnam – RoK Tug of War Rituals and Games drew participation from nearly 500 artisans and practitioners from Vietnam’s Lao Cai, Vinh Phuc, Bac Ninh, Hanoi and RoK’s Dangjin city.

Although each community and country has a different name and practice of tug-of-war rituals and games, they all aim to pray for good health for the people, good weather, and lush crops.

The common point of Vietnamese tug-of-war rituals and games with other countries around the world is a common thread. The rope is a symbol of community cohesion, a connection between people and nature, an extension of arms, a relay from one community to another.

The rope is a symbol of community cohesion, a connection between people and nature, an extension of arms, a relay from one community to another.