Raon (2010) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Raon is a word game released in 2010 by designer Justin Oh and published by Korea Boardgames. It is a fast-paced game designed for 2-4 players, with a runtime of about 10 minutes. The game is suitable for players aged 8 and above and falls under the word game category, featuring mechanisms such as hand management and tile placement.

Game Components of Raon

Korean consonant tiles: These are the core components for forming words.

Word cards: Containing BTS-focused vocabulary, including lyrics and general words.

Game board: A large fold-out cardboard for layout and organization.

MotiPen (optional): A special pen to hear the sounds of the characters or syllables.

BTS-themed pouch: Included for fans of the group.

How To Setup Raon

To set up Raon, players begin by laying out the word cards and tiles. Each player is given a set of tiles, and the objective cards are placed face up on the board. The game can be played in various modes, each with its own setup instructions. For example, in the “Raon Speed Challenge,” players take turns matching tiles to form words under a time restriction.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Word formation: Players create words using the Korean consonant tiles.

Time restriction: In some modes, players must form words within a set time limit.

Scoring: Points are awarded for completing word cards.

Game modes:

Raon Syllable Making: Be the first to make a syllable from the word on the card.

Raon Speed Challenge: Players take turns matching tiles to form as many words as possible under a time restriction.

Raon Tile Switching: Switch tiles to complete open cards.

Raon Card Taking: Get points by completing each card word using tiles.

Player Experience

Playing Raon can be a fun and educational experience, especially for those interested in the Korean language. The game is designed to introduce players to the Korean alphabet, Hangeul, in a engaging way. However, it may have a slight learning curve for non-Korean speakers, as constructing the letters requires some understanding of Hangeul.

Pros

Educational: Introduces players to the Korean alphabet and language.

Variety of game modes: Offers different ways to play, catering to different preferences.

BTS theme: Appeals to fans of the K-pop group.

Easy to learn: Hangeul is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible to new learners.

Cons

Limited vocabulary: Only 45 word cards are included, which can lead to repetitive gameplay.

No sound-to-spelling practice: Players do not practice converting sounds to spellings, which is a key skill in learning a new language.

Optional MotiPen: Requires a separate purchase to hear the sounds of characters or syllables.

Personal Thoughts on Raon

Raon is an excellent game for those interested in learning the Korean language, particularly fans of BTS. It provides a fun and interactive way to practice spelling in Hangeul. However, for serious learners of Korean, the game may be too simplistic and limited in scope. It is best suited for beginners or those looking for a casual introduction to the Korean alphabet.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.