Author
H.D. PARK
Table of Contents
What Is the Korean Ladder Game?
If you’ve ever lived in or visited Korea, chances are you’ve heard of the Korean Ladder Game, known in Korean as 사다리 타기 (Sadari Tagi) — and sometimes referred to as Ghost Leg in English. It’s a simple visual game of chance, often used to make fair and random decisions among a group of people.
Whether you’re figuring out who pays for lunch, who gets which prize, or who takes on a funny dare — this game turns even the most minor decisions into something fun and exciting. You’ll often find it scribbled on napkins at restaurants, sketched out in classrooms, or integrated into online tools and apps.
But despite how casual it seems, the Korean Ladder Game holds a nostalgic charm for many Koreans. It’s simple and strangely suspenseful — especially when the stakes are “Who’s paying?”
Step-by-Step: How to Play
1. Draw Vertical Lines
Start by drawing one vertical line for each participant. For example, if there are 4 players, you draw 4 parallel vertical lines on your paper or board.
These vertical lines don’t need to be perfect — just evenly spaced out.
2. Number the Lines
At the top of each vertical line, number them from left to right. These numbers are how players choose their starting point.
3. Write Outcomes at the Bottom
At the bottom of each line, write the results or consequences. These can be anything:
- “Buy coffee”
- “Do 10 push-ups”
- “Win a snack”
- “Get the best seat”
Tip: The position of the outcomes doesn’t matter. The game will randomize the results through the next step.
4. Add Horizontal Lines (The “Rungs”)
This is where the ladder comes to life. Draw random horizontal lines connecting adjacent vertical lines. These are the “rungs” of your ladder.
Rules:
- Each horizontal line can only connect two vertical lines.
- Take turns drawing rungs if playing as a group — this adds to the fairness and fun.
The randomness of these lines will completely shuffle the paths.
5. Cover the Ladder & Pick a Number
Once the rungs are in place, you can cover the ladder (if playing physically), so no one knows how the paths run.
Each participant then chooses a number at the top — without seeing the ladder — which determines their starting point.
Suspense builds…
6. Reveal the Results
Now, it’s time for the big reveal!
Starting from the chosen number, follow the vertical line downward. If you hit a horizontal line, follow it sideways, then continue down. Repeat until you reach the bottom.
The result at the bottom is what the player receives.
The unpredictability is what makes this game so fun — even if you try to plan, the rungs always twist the result in unexpected ways. Note that no 2 players land at the same outcome. This is the magic of the ladder!
When Do Koreans Use This Game?
The ladder game is popular in many casual settings:
Choosing who buys coffee or dinner Assigning random gifts or punishments Group games at school or work Just for laughs!
You’ll often see it used in Korean variety shows, classrooms, or among friends. It’s easy to set up and always brings a few laughs.
Want to Try It?
There are several ways to experience this:
Old School: Paper and Pen
All you need is paper and a few friends. This version brings the most nostalgia.
Whiteboard or on a Chalkboard:
Popular in schools, especially among students who want to fairly assign chores, presentation orders, or pick teams.
Online or Mobile
Try digital versions of the ladder game! In fact, click here to play the interactive version I built right on this website.
