[Stones and Stories] A Good Baduk Game Resonates Differently

The price of a Baduk board can vary by as much as 100 times depending on the type of wood and the manufacturing process. While inexpensive boards can be found for around 20,000 to 30,000 won, high-end products can exceed 2 to 3 million won. Premium Baduk boards are made from solid wood, with Torreya and ginkgo trees especially preferred as materials for high-quality boards. Ginkgo boards are renowned for their uniquely smooth texture and subtle fragrance.

High-quality Baduk board materials are not dried by machine, but go through a natural drying process. Some boards are made after nearly ten years of natural drying, which inevitably drives up the price. A Baduk board crafted with care and patience is worth its value.

In the past, it was common to find a Baduk board in the living rooms of households that valued refinement. Sitting in a living space with a view of the garden, engaging in a game of Baduk with someone, naturally deepened the bonds of life.

However, simply preparing an expensive Baduk board does not guarantee a good game. The outcome depends on the attitude with which one places the stones on the board. Placing each stone carefully and respectfully toward the opponent creates a gentle resonance. In contrast, carelessly tossing stones onto the board with a poor attitude generates unpleasant noise. The repeated noise that makes the opponent frown?such a game cannot embody the philosophy of Baduk, which is about sharing life and relationships.

Such a match becomes nothing more or less than a battle of desire to seize each other's territory on the board. Baduk that lacks resonance only exhausts both players. If you find yourself questioning why you are playing such a game, it may be time to reflect on whether you are engaging in foolish acts that are eating away at your own life.

Just as wholehearted effort is important when playing a single game of Baduk, one must consider what kind of commitment is required to take responsibility for a country. Anyone aspiring to be president must first examine their attitude as they approach the historic match of a presidential election. It is essential to reflect on whether their game conveys a gentle resonance or generates uncomfortable noise.

It is difficult to win the hearts of the people with mere deception. While one might temporarily appear to reach the pinnacle of power, in the end, they will inevitably be swept away without a trace by the mighty current of history.

Opportunities arise when one seeks to embody the resonance that the people desire. With such an attitude, even citizens observing this historic match will feel at ease. When the placement of each stone inspires anticipation for the future and the match spreads hope that society will ultimately move in the right direction, it will serve as comfort amid the hardships of daily life.