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Long History, Brilliant Culture

Korean Ssirum

2021-07-05

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Korean Ssirum

The drawing “Ssirum” was made by Kim Hong Do, a widely known Korean artist in the 18th century.

It shows the peculiar scene of ssirum and the simple and optimistic mode of life of the Korean people true to life.

The ssirum (Korean Wrestling) is one of long traditional sports games of the Korean nation. Its origin is well grounded in the murals of the tombs of the Koguryo dynasty (B.C.277-A.D. 668) and the records relating to the ssirum in the old historical books.

The records tell that a large-sized ssirum game would be staged in fete days and the prize to the winner an ox.

This Korean wrestling ssirum is still loved by the people and promoted in Korea. A Grand Bull Prize National Ssirum Contest would be held every year on Chusok, the Harvest Moon Day (August 15 by lunar calendar) one of the folk days.

The Korean ssirum was registered on the list of the Typical Intangible Cultural Heritages of Mankind in the 13th meeting of the inter-governmental committee for the protection of the intangible cultural heritages held in Mauritius in November 2018.