Korean Traditional Game : Ssireum

🍂 Korean Traditional Game Series 6

Ssireum
(씨름 · Korean Wrestling)

🕰️ 1. The Game

Ssireum is a traditional Korean form of wrestling that has been enjoyed for centuries, especially during major holidays such as Dano and Chuseok.

It is not only a test of strength but also a demonstration of balance, technique, and respect between opponents.
In Ssireum, two wrestlers face each other inside a sand ring, each holding the opponent’s satba (a cloth sash tied around the waist and thigh).

The goal is simple: make the opponent’s upper body or any part above the knee touch the ground.

 

🪄 2. Rules & How to Play

The match begins with both players bowing to each other, showing mutual respect.
Each wrestler securely grabs the other’s satba before the referee signals the start.

Using strength, timing, and technique, players attempt to throw or unbalance their opponent.
The wrestler who causes the other’s body to touch the ground first wins the round.

Matches are often held as best-of-three contests, and traditional tournaments award the winner with a bull, symbolizing honor and strength.

 

👀 3. Example from Life

During traditional festivals, men and boys often gathered in open fields or on the sand by the riverside to enjoy Ssireum.
Crowds would cheer as wrestlers grappled in the ring, and laughter and excitement filled the air.

Ssireum was more than just competition—it was a celebration of unity, courage, and skill.

 

🌏 4. Similar Games Around the World

• Japan: Sumo, another traditional wrestling sport emphasizing strength and ritual.
• Mongolia: Bökh, a revered national wrestling tradition.
• Switzerland: Schwingen, a folk wrestling style similar in spirit to Ssireum.

✨ Ssireum demonstrates how traditional sports across cultures reflect not only physical strength but also values of honor and respect.

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💌 Closing Words

Ssireum is a proud expression of Korean culture.
It captures the balance between power and grace, competition and friendship.
Through this traditional sport, we see the enduring spirit of fairness and harmony in Korean life.

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📌 Note

This is a creative cultural content from the Misojieum Story Blog (kor-telling.com).
Please do not copy without permission.
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