Han (漢)
Cho (楚)
Cho's turn (Green)

How to Play Janggi (Korean Chess)

Janggi (장기) is a traditional Korean strategy board game for two players. Similar to Chinese Chess (Xiangqi), it is played on a 9×10 board with a river dividing the two sides and a palace (3×3 area) on each side.

The objective is to checkmate the opponent's General (將/楚漢). A General is in checkmate when it is under attack and cannot escape.

The Pieces

Initial Setup

Before the game begins, each player chooses their elephant/horse formation. There are 4 options for arranging the horses and elephants on the back rank.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Janggi and Chess?

Janggi is played on a 9×10 board (intersections, not squares). It has no bishop but has cannons and elephants. Generals are confined to the palace. There is no castling or en passant.

What is the difference between Janggi and Xiangqi?

While similar, Janggi elephants can cross the river, cannons cannot capture without jumping, and the pieces start in slightly different positions. Janggi also allows players to choose their elephant/horse formation.

Can the General leave the palace?

No. The General must always stay within the 3×3 palace area.