Ssireum

Ssireum is a traditional folk wrestling style and a national sport of Korea.

It is characterized as a peaceful competition that focuses on harmony and unison. This reflects a specific philosophical outlook held by the Korean people. Unlike some other wrestling styles, ssireum does not allow physical hits like slaps or blows. The sport emphasizes skill and strength without the use of striking or submissions. Because of its deep cultural roots, ssireum is inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists. This was achieved through an unprecedented joint application by both South and North Korea.

Matches take place within a circular ring that is approximately 7 meters in diameter. This ring is covered with a layer of mounded sand. To begin, the two contestants start in a kneeling grappling position called baro japki. Each wrestler must grab a satba, which is a belt wrapped around the opponent's waist and thigh. After securing the grip, the wrestlers rise while maintaining their hold. The primary goal is to use leverage to move the opponent. A wrestler wins by forcing any part of the opponent's body above the knee to touch the ground. Pushing an opponent outside the ring does not result in a win; instead, the match simply restarts.

Technique is vital for success in the ring. Wrestlers often attempt to turn the opponent's torso from a 45-degree angle to a 90-degree angle to execute a throw. This is achieved by shifting the opponent's weight onto one leg and then pushing that weight back toward the floor. Professional matches are usually contested in a best-out-of-three style. A team of officials manages the competition to ensure fairness. This includes a chief referee positioned inside the ring and three sub referees located on the outside. If a decision is unfair or an injury occurs, the sub referees can request a revocation or stop the match. The referees' decisions are considered absolute and cannot be challenged by the athletes.

There are distinct styles of ssireum based on regional traditions. Historically, a "right-sided" style was predominant in the Honam region and parts of Gyeonggi Province. Conversely, a "left-side" style was favored in the Gyeongsang and Chuncheong provinces. The difference between these styles depends on how the satba is fastened. In 1994, the Korean Ssireum Federation proposed unifying the sport into a single left-sided style. This was intended to serve as the official style for all competitors. While modern professional ssireum relies heavily on the satba, some movements exist to restore older methods of gripping the trousers to maintain traditional roots.

The history of ssireum stretches back to the Goguryeo period, which lasted from 37 BC to 668 AD. Early evidence of the sport can be seen in ancient murals. Originally, ssireum was used for military applications. It later transitioned into a popular pastime for the general public and royal militaries during the Goryeo and Joseon periods. Traditionally, the sport was a central activity during the Dano holiday on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. Tournaments were also held on the Third Day of the Third Moon and Buddhist All Souls' Day. In these agricultural societies, the traditional prize for a winner was an ox, which symbolized the contestant's strength.

Modern competition is organized into specific weight classes. In professional wrestling, these four classes are named after famous Korean mountain peaks. The Taebaek class is the flyweight group up to 80 kg. The Geumgang class is the lightweight group up to 90 kg. The Halla class serves as the middleweight group up to 105 kg. Finally, the Baekdu class is the heavyweight group for those under 160 kg. There is also an unlimited weight class in the Korean Ssireum Championships. The champions of this unlimited class earn the prestigious title of Cheonhajangsa, meaning the strongest man under the sky.

Ssireum has evolved from a local folk tradition into an organized international sport. The first modern competition occurred in October 1912 at the Dansungsa theater in Seoul. Over the 20th century, various associations were formed, such as the Pan Chosun Ssireum Association in 1927. Today, the sport is expanding globally alongside other martial arts like taekwondo and hapkido. While the professional league faces challenges, the first official World Ssireum Championships were held in Lithuania. These events have seen participation from wrestlers representing dozens of different countries, showing the growing reach of this traditional Korean art.