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By Honorary Reporter Monthi Rosselini from Indonesia
Photos = Choi Won-jun
In Korea, the traditional wrestling style ssireum was usually held at agricultural festivals celebrating a change of season and unity among villagers. Designated UNESCO Cultural Heritage, the sport has seen a recent resurgence with a growing following among youth in Korea.
Choi Won-jun says he discovered an interest and talent in ssireum as a child.
Ssireum is a traditional Korean sport like Taekwondo and is considered as a symbol of Korean cultural identity. In a match, two wrestlers grab each other's satba, a fabric belt wrapped around the waist and one thigh, and the player who knocks the other to the ground is the winner.
The sport requires leg strength and fast reflexes and has four weight classes in the pro ranks named after the nation's four major mountains: Halla (140 kg), Baekdu (105 kg), Geumgang (90 kg) and Taebaek (80 kg).
Choi Won-jun is a ssireum wrestler in the Taebaek weight class from Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do Province. I first knew about ssireum by watching Choi Won-jun's match on YouTube in 2020. In a June 26 interview via social media messaging, he shared his story in the sport.
Attending Kyungnam University as a physical education major, Choi Won-jun joined the school's ssireum club on campus and won many matches.
What made you interested in ssireum?
As a child, I had trouble hanging out with friends because I wasn't athletic enough. When I tried ssireum, I was happy to finally find a sport in which I could win.
What are your achievements and goals?
I placed fourth in this year's New Year's Day contest and fifth in the Dano Jangsa Ssireum Competition. My goal is to win the Taebaek Jangsa title.
What have you learned as a pro ssireum athlete?
Nothing comes without pain or effort. Sometimes victory seems so far away but if you always try your best, you'll reach it before you know it.
Choi Won-jun has placed in the top five in two tournaments this year.
What closing message do you have for Korea.net readers?
Ssireum is fun to watch but participating in it is even more enjoyable. There's nothing like the satisfaction of beating your opponent and the camaraderie coming from being in close contact with them. I hope that professional ssireum remains popular so that more people can experience the sport's appeal.
msjeon22@korea.kr
*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.
