Swinging, one of the folk games enjoyed by the Korean women from olden times, has been conducted on folk holidays in spring and autumn.
Swinging had different names in different areas: kuli, kulgi, hulgi, kunggu, kundi and chuchon. In those days, swing ropes were fixed to the branches of shade trees and there was a footboard between the ropes for easy standing. Safety wristbands made of soft cloth were tied to the ropes so that people on the swing could propel themselves vigorously without anxiety in order to reach the bell.
Swinging was classified into single swinging (one person on the swing) and pair swinging (two people face to face on the swing). Single swinging was often preferred for a match.
Win and defeat was decided in several ways. At first, as the ropes were fixed to the thick boughs, kicking or catching in one’s mouth the twigs or sprigs set as a target in the front, or measuring the maximum height of the bell attached to the holder by elevating it were common. After that, a measuring tape with scales attached to the bottom of the footboard was used to decide winners by reading the marks at the swing holder.