The Soul of Korean Spirits

Do you hear the lively speech, somewhat louder than usual, laughter and singing by the beautiful pond in the magical land of Silla? Let's get closer and peek over the shoulders of the gathered nobles, what are they so passionately engaged in?

They are throwing dice! More precisely, not dice, but a cube of an unusual shape. Actually, not a cube: it has 14 faces.

In 1974, the lake Anapji in Gyeongju, whose name translates as "pond [where geese and ducks play]," was drained, and work began to remove the accumulated silt from the bottom. These works were part of a comprehensive development plan for Gyeongju aimed at reorganizing tourist attractions under the directive of then-President Park Chung-hee to stimulate the Korean tourism business.

During the excavations, a lot was unearthed that was interesting for archaeologists and scholars, such as Buddha statues, bronze scissors, mirrors, loads of ceramics, and even a boat was found.

This item was discovered in June 1975 on the western stone shore of Anapji. Initially, the unique 14-faced shape of the dice made it unclear what they were intended for, but later, after deciphering the inscriptions on the faces, it was revealed that the dice were used by Silla people during feasts for an alcohol-related game. Hence, these items were named "주령구" (酒令具 - alcohol-command-instrument), meaning "an instrument that issued commands related to alcohol."

According to the depth of its location, the die was lost here no later than the 7th century AD.

It is said that President Park Chung-hee and his daughter Park Geun-hye (also a president, but at that time - in the future) personally visited the excavation site and handed an envelope with two million won to the archaeologists. A huge amount of money at that time.

Now you too can play like the nobles of Silla! Each throw of the intricately designed 14-sided dice brings a unique challenge or task, mimicking the ways in which the Silla elite entertained themselves centuries ago. Whether it's singing a tune without accompaniment, drinking several shots of liquor in quick succession, or managing to keep your composure while others try to make you laugh, this game promises a wonderful pastime.

In traditional society, alcohol consumption is often closely linked to seasonal customs. Each holiday, the family prepared a special "wine" (in the broadest sense of the word).

For example,

• 도소주 Tosochju for Seollal (설날, Lunar New Year). 도소주/Chinese characters 屠蘇酒; made from Torachji - Platycodon grandiflorus (a type of bellflower), 방풍 - Laserpitium siler (rough glideweed), Sanchho - Zanthoxylum piperitum (Korean or Japanese pepper, actually a citrus family), Yukke - cinnamon. Consumed after Charye - the ceremony of honoring the spirits of ancestors on the New Year (lunar). Said to ward off evil spirits and prolong life. The wine was invented by the Chinese (either Hua Tuo of the Han empire or Sun Simiao of Tang). Toso - originally a medicinal herb or a blend of medicinal herbs; they also used ginseng and white aloe in various forms.
  On the Lunar New Year, sit facing east with your whole family and drink this nectar; starting with the young, ending with the elderly.
• "Ear brightening wine" 이명주 (耳明酒) Imyeongju is drunk at the first full moon of the year. Drink it chilled, which guarantees improved hearing for the year ahead. This wine is also given to children - to make them obey adults!
• 도화주 (桃花酒) Tohwachju for the Double Thirds Day (삼짇날, Samjin Day), i.e., the third day of the third lunar month. To (桃) - "peach," i.e., this is peach wine. In Korea's "bars" of old, this wine was served as a seasonal spring drink.
• 창포주 (菖蒲酒) - wine from Acorus (sweet flag) for the Tano festival (the fifth day of the fifth lunar month)
• On "Thanksgiving Day" - the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, "new rice wine" 신도주 (新稻酒) Sindochju (or Hapssalchju) was drunk
• 국화주 (菊花酒) Kukhwachju - chrysanthemum wine for, naturally, the "Chrysanthemum Festival," also known as the "Double Ninth Festival," Chongyangjeol.

The abbreviation for drinking alone is "hon-sul" and its Hanja expression is "독작(獨酌)." Although the culture of drinking alone has existed historically, as evidenced by Li Bai's "월하독작(月下獨酌)," it has become more prevalent in today's individualistic society. This trend is particularly notable among the 2030 generation, reflecting a preference for personal happiness and a lifestyle away from group or organizational stresses. The rise in solo drinking is also attributed to the high cost of drinking out due to inflation and high interest rates, leading to a culture of more affordable drinking at home. The term gained further popularity with the broadcast of the drama "Hon-sul Namnyeo.