heave-ho, heave-ho! Korean Traditional Wrestling!

 

 

 

heave-ho, heave-ho! Korean Traditional Wrestling!

 

 

 

What is korean wrestling?

 

Have you heard of the Korean wrestling?

 

Not the wrestling you’re thinking right now.

 

It might sounds strange but in South Korea we have our own traditional athletic wrestling, also known as "Ssireum" 씨름 in Korean.

 

It is a fantastic sport that's been cherished for well over a thousand years.

 

It's not just about athleticism, it's deeply rooted into the fabric of Korean culture, making it one of the world's oldest forms of wrestling.

 

 

 

 

http://www.jbnews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=779970

 

 

 

 

Imagine two friendly "ssireumssa" or wrestlers in a circular sandpit called "jangpan."

 

They aim to win by using technique, strength, and agility, without hitting or punching.

 

Instead, they use a special belt called "satba" to guide their opponent to touch the ground or step out of the ring.

 

Matches consist of multiple rounds, with the first to win two out of three rounds emerging as the victor.

 

It's a sport that emphasizes skill and sportsmanship.

 

 

 

Before the match kicks off, there's a lovely display of respect with a series of rituals.

 

Wrestlers bow to the audience and each other, highlighting the cultural and ceremonial significance of the sport.

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.antiquealive.com/Blogs/Ssireum_Traditional_Korean_Wrestling.html

 

 

 

 

Ssireum requires a lot of technique of utilizing strength.

 

Most likely to gain an upper hand, wrestlers employ various graceful techniques, including throws, trips, and holds.

 

Think of it as a dance of strength and strategy, where they use their body weight, leverage, and strength in a tactful way.

 

 

 

 

 

The difference between Sumo

 

 

 

Sumo and Ssireum are ancient wrestling sports, with sumo originating in Japan and Ssireum in Korea.

 

It is all in each country’s history record.

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.remotelands.com/travelogues/sumo-101-what-travelers-should-know-before-their-first-match/

 

 

 

 

Sumo is all about pushing opponents out of the ring quickly, while Ssireum focuses on making them touch the ground.

 

Sumo wrestlers are usually bigger and engage in elaborate rituals, while Ssireum highlights technique.

 

Also Sumo is globally recognized, while Ssireum is mainly a Korean tradition.

 

 

 

 

 

How popular ssireum is in South korea?

 

 

https://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Sports/view?articleId=181289

 

 

 

 

In South Korea, Ssireum is incredibly popular, with professional leagues and tournaments happening all around.

 

The "Korean Ssireum Championship" and the "Baekdu-daegan Ssireum Championship" are among the most prestigious events, where winners are celebrated as national heroes.

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.intipseleb.com/korea/54687-kang-ho-dong-kembali-ke-sbs-dengan-program-baru-di-tahun-2023

 

 

 

 

 

Actually, the famous television host Kang Ho-dong was also a ssireum wrestler, he went on to win the Baekdujangsa Ssireum Championship seven times.

 

Beyond being a sport, Ssireum is a symbol of Korean heritage. It takes center stage in festivals, traditional ceremonies, and cultural events, showcasing the rich tapestry of Korean culture.

 

 

 

 

https://chorong77.tistory.com/172

 

 

 

While staying true to its traditions, Ssireum has also embraced modernization efforts to make it more appealing to a wider audience.

 

Rules have been tweaked, exciting promotional events have been organized, and efforts are made to enhance the experience for spectators.

 

 

 

Korean wrestling, Ssireum, isn't just a sport, it's a celebration of strength, tradition, and national pride.

 

It's a piece of living history that continues to captivate hearts and minds, both in Korea and around the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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