Mahjong Soul: Riichi Mahjong (Photo courtesy of Yostar Facebook)
SEOUL, Feb. 2 (Korea Bizwire) — Japanese-style mahjong, known as Riichi mahjong, is experiencing a surge in popularity among South Korean millennials and Gen Z, both online and offline.
Once overshadowed by traditional Korean card games, Riichi mahjong is now drawing significant interest, fueled by online gaming platforms, manga culture, and social gaming trends.
Online Riichi Mahjong Sees Explosive Growth
According to Mobile Index, the monthly active user (MAU) count for Mahjong Soul: Riichi Mahjong (Jakoh: Riichi Mahjong) reached an annual average of 136,000 in 2024, marking a 78% increase from 76,000 in 2023. The surge in users was largely driven by a high-profile collaboration with Nexon Games’ Blue Archive in April 2024.
Following the crossover update, Mahjong Soul reached a record 222,000 MAUs in April, exceeding 200,000 in May before stabilizing at over 100,000 users per month. The game, published by Chinese firm Yostar, blends the traditional Riichi mahjong format with anime-style characters and dynamic in-game effects, making it more appealing to younger audiences.
A Rising Competitive Mind Sport
Unlike Korean and Chinese mahjong variants, Riichi mahjong follows distinct rules with unique tile combinations and scoring patterns. In Japan, it is considered a competitive “mind sport,” comparable to Texas Hold’em poker, with professional leagues, televised tournaments, and dedicated player organizations.
In South Korea, mahjong first gained niche popularity in the early 2000s through the Japanese manga Saki, which introduced many young readers to the game. However, it wasn’t until Mahjong Soul launched a localized Korean-language version in 2022 that Riichi mahjong became widely accessible to the public.
Offline Mahjong Sees Renewed Interest
The rise of Riichi mahjong has also revitalized offline gaming communities. More young adults are engaging in in-person mahjong sessions, with some board game cafés now incorporating automatic mahjong tables.
Lee, 33, a longtime Riichi mahjong player, noted the shift: “With Mahjong Soul gaining traction, more people are now interested in learning to play in real life. It’s become much easier to find offline games.”
Similarly, Kim, 37, a newcomer to the game, shared his experience: “I first saw mahjong in Chinese films and got curious. The rules seemed complex at first, but once I learned them, I found myself playing for hours without realizing how much time had passed.”
South Korean Firms Enter the Mahjong Market
Recognizing the growing trend, South Korean gaming company Smilegate has taken steps to expand Riichi mahjong’s domestic presence. The company has partnered with Japanese developer Foremile to introduce Mahjong Ichiban-Ga, a PC version of Riichi mahjong, exclusively on its STOVE platform.
Smilegate also announced plans to host online tournaments and offline events in South Korea, aiming to further cultivate the game’s competitive and social gaming scene.
As Riichi mahjong continues to gain traction, industry experts anticipate that the game will solidify its place in South Korea’s board game and digital gaming culture, appealing to both casual players and competitive enthusiasts alike.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
