History of Ssireum in Timeline

Ssireum, also known as Korean wrestling, is a traditional national sport of Korea with roots tracing back to the fourth century. It's a folk wrestling style where the objective is to make any part of the opponent's body above the knee touch the ground. Competitions take place within a sand pit, and wrestlers wear a 'satba,' a fabric belt, providing grip and leverage. Beyond a sport, Ssireum is deeply ingrained in Korean culture, often associated with festivals and community gatherings. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Ssireum embodies Korean identity and traditions.

October 1912: First modern Ssireum competition held

In October 1912, the first modern Ssireum competition was held at the Dansungsa theater in Seoul.

1927: Pan Chosun Ssireum Association Founded

In 1927, the Pan Chosun Ssireum Association was founded to promote and organize Korean wrestling (Ssireum).

1936: First Pan Chosun Ssireum Championship

In 1936, the First Pan Chosun Ssireum Championship was organized, and professional competitions were held for six years afterward.

1937: End of annual nationwide contest by the Pan Chosun Ssireum Association

In 1937, the Pan Chosun Ssireum Association's annual nationwide contest ended.

1946: Name change to "Daehan (Korea) Ssireum Association"

In 1946, the Pan Chosun Ssireum Association changed its name to the "Daehan (Korea) Ssireum Association".

1956: Weight classes introduced

In 1956, weight classes were introduced at the 12th National Ssireum Championship.

1964: President's Cup National Ssireum Competition begins

Since 1964, the Korea Ssireum Association holds the President's Cup National Ssireum Competition.

1994: Ssireum style unification proposed

In 1994, the Korean Ssireum Federation proposed unifying Ssireum into a single left-sided style to be used by all competitors.

September 2008: First World Ssireum Championships held unofficially

In September 2008, the first World Ssireum Championships were held during the Busan World TreX-Games, though these were unofficial competitions.

2015: First Asia Ssireum Championship and fifth World Ssireum Championship held

In 2015, the first Asia Ssireum Championship and fifth World Ssireum Championship took place simultaneously at Thuwana National Indoor Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar, from September 18 to 23.