Ssireum, a Korean traditional form of wrestling, is a type of folk competition in which two players, holding on to a satba (a cloth-sash tied around the waist), try to use their strength and various techniques to wrestle each other to the ground.


The history of ssireum began at the same time that communities began to form. In primitive societies, people had to protect themselves against predators, not only for self-defense, but also to obtain food. In addition, it was impossible for these communities to avoid coming into conflict with other tribes. As a result, people ended up practicing different forms of fighting to protect themselves. During this period, when grappling was a predominant method of combat, various wrestling techniques were born.

With the advancement of human intelligence and political and economic development among local communities in Korea, ssireum developed into a military art. It can thus be said that ssireum's elevated status as a military art was a natural outcome of social development.

By the beginning of the Goguryeo Kingdom (37 B.C.-A.D.668), ssireum was already established as a military art. This is substantiated by the murals in the Gakjeochong (Tomb of the Wrestlers), which is believed to have been constructed in the 4th century. Drawn on a stone wall in the main chamber was a vivid scene depicting ssireum. The mural contains a scene showing two men wrestling, with a referee judging the match. The location of the drawing implies that ssireum was a major part of Korean life during that period.

Ssireum's status continued into the Goryeo period (918-1392). A record in Goryeosa (History of Goryeo ) states that in the mid-fourteenth century King Chunghye ordered soldiers to compete in ssireum and observed the match during a banquet. It was during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), however, that ssireum gained increasingly widespread popularity.

Evidence of this is depicted in the genre pictures of Kim Hongdo, which frequently featured scenes of ssireum competitions; it is clear that by the Joseon era ssireum had become well-known as a folk competition in addition to being a military art.

Virtually every nation has seasonal folk celebrations that contain the unique characteristics of that country, and Korea is no exception in this regard. Ssireum contests, which could be held virtually anywhere or at anytime, were a frequent part of the various celebrations held throughout the year. Many ssireum competitions occurred during Dano (the May Festival), but also during other holidays as well. On holidays such as the 3rd day of the Third Moon, the 8th day of the Fourth Moon, Buddhist All Souls' Day, the 15th of the Seventh Moon or the Harvest Moon Festival during the Eighth Moon, townsfolk gathered to compete in ssireum matches as a way of sharing their joy and releasing mental and physical tensions from strenuous farming work that lasted from spring until fall.

The surrounding atmosphere became festive with the beginning of ssireum matches. On days when ssireum matches were held, gambling games such as yut (a four-stick game like parcheesi) and various card games, which were ordinarily prohibited, were allowed. Upon demonstration of a fine ssireum technique or announcement of the winner, the people would raise a shout of joy, and nongaknori (farmers' music and dances) were performed.

Ssireum is performed on a ssireumpan, which refers to the grounds where ssireum matches are held. While the rise of ssireum as a modern sport has meant that a ssireumpan is now prepared according to specific rules, there were no strict ssireumpan regulations in traditional folk competitions. A traditional ssireumpan was ordinarily prepared in a yard where many people could congregate, such as a large yard either outside a village entrance, where a zelkova tree could function as a pavilion, or inside the town. Preparation consisted simply of pouring sand in a circle over the ssireum ground. Posts were put up in four corners, and gold-colored strips were wrapped around the posts to prevent people from coming inside the ring. The reason for covering the ssireumpan with sand was to protect the wrestlers from injuries when they fell.

Ssireum practitioners were called ssireumkkun. Among ssireumkkun, there were quite a few professionals who toured around the country for ssireum matches, and the better competitors obtained nationwide fame. It was considered quite an honor to be a ssireumkkun, and the ability to compete with one's strength and ability in a ssireum match in the presence of congregated spectators was itself something to boast about.

The final winner of the ssireum tournament was customarily awarded an oxen, which was not only a symbol of strength, but also a valuable asset in an agricultural society. Because farming was primarily accomplished by an oxen's strength at that time, it was a most meaningful and generous award in every respect.

In Korea today, ssireum has emerged as a popular sport, rather than a mere traditional folk competition practiced only on holidays. Its popularity is such that matches are broadcast on television.


Ssireum matches include group and individual matches. The competition schedule is determined by a drawing in the presence of the individual team's representative, while victory is determined by a player or a group's winning two out of three rounds of the match. Nonetheless, only one match determines a victory, depending on the circumstances of the match. The decision is made by the executive official after gathering opinions from the officials of the competition committee.

The satba has to be worn in a way such that a loop encircles the right leg and long waist strip is flexible enough not to be a hindrance during the match. The juncture between the strip and the loop has to be along the central line of the right thigh. Prior to the match, the two players bow toward each other and the judge's stage, then sit down to grab the satba. Such etiquette stems from respect for the ways of ssireum. The two competitors kneel down on the floor, keeping a ten to thirty centimeter distance between their legs. They then lean their shoulder into each other simultaneously and grasp the satba. At that point, the player cannot step back with his right leg. Also, the satba cannot be held at a point beyond the mid-point of the right thigh or the waist. Upon completion of grasping the satba, the match begins with the signal of the referee.

When the satba is released by one of the players or a player is pushed outside the ring, a rematch is ordered. However, if one is pushed out intentionally or one hinders the opponent's holding the satba, a warning can be issued as a penalty. Two warnings become a citation; two citations result in the loss of a match; three citations result in the disqualification of a player. To enhance the player's spirit for the fight and to encourage him to perform his best, judging is determined by two wins out of three matches.

The time limit for the match differs according to category, which includes elementary, middle school, and high school and above (including college and general public). A match for the elementary and middle school categories is set for two minutes. If there is no winner, a two-minute extended round is held after one minute of rest. For matches in high school and higher categories, matches last for three minutes. If a winner is not decided, an extended match is held after a minute of rest.

Upon exhaustion of the second match time limit when the first match's winner has already been determined, the winner from the first match becomes the winner of the competition. If there is no winner during the first match, the winner from the second match wins. When the score after the first two rounds is 1-1 and a winner is not decided in the third round match due to expiration of the designated time limit, a player who has received a warning or citation loses the competition. If neither of the players has received a warning or citation, the lighter player becomes the winner.

During the match, a player who touches the ground with any part of the body above the knee or steps out of the ring is defeated. If a player purposefully pushes his opponent outside the ring or steps outside due to his own mistake, a warning is given. However, when the match is completed outside the ring as a result of a player's natural progression in a ssireum move, the player whose move determined the end of the match becomes the winner. Squeezing the neck, hitting with the head, twisting the arms, kicking with the foot, punching with a fist, covering the eyes, and other actions that hinder the opponent's performance are grounds for disqualification.

The final winner of the ssireum tournament marches around the match ground after being awarded an oxen as a prize.

The judging panel consists of one chief referee and three sub-referees. In addition to judging the match, they are also responsible for administration of issues pertinent to match. The chief referee moves in and out of the ring and is expected to announce his judgments in a speedy and accurate fashion. Sub-referees are positioned outside the ring, one on the left and the other on the right. To ensure the fairness of the chief referee's decisions, sub-referees observe the match thoroughly. If an unfair judgment is announced or the chief referee is unable to make a decision upon completion of a match, they can request a revocation of the decision or a rematch. Sub-referees can also recommend the immediate cessation of the match when injury is likely to be incurred by a player due to the match itself or outside conditions.

When progression of a match becomes impossible because of an accident during the match, a winner is determined by an agreement made between the chief and sub-referees. Absolute respect for the referees' authority is expected from the athletes, and they cannot challenge any judgments announced by either the chief referee or one agreed upon by both the chief and sub-referees. When a challenge is raised by a sub-referee in regard to the chief referee's decision, or when judging by the chief referee alone becomes difficult, the sub-referee's opinions are incorporated into a final decision.

The chief referee announces the beginning and ending of a match or the decision of a victory using a whistle. If any situation arises during the match that is likely to cause a player's injury or the satba is not held onto tightly, the chief referee may stop the match momentarily, signaling for the match to continue when the correction is made.

If a player does not appear in the ring after having been called three times by the chief referee, the player defaults the match. Any player who violates the regulations of the match, uses violence, foul language, or demonstrates any improper behavior during the match can be immediately ordered to stop such behavior or be disqualified.

For effective resolution of the issues related to the match, a penalty committee implements the decision made by the judging panel in relation to any incident that occurred or upon request for suspensions by various committees. If any unqualified player is found to be participating in the match, the player and the group that the player is affiliated with are disqualified. All results attained by that particular individual and the group are nullified, and a suspension notice is given out according to regulations set forth by the penalty committee.

With the development of consistent rules and guidelines, ssireum has continued to progress from a traditional sport and self-defense method into a well-loved folk competition and popular modern sport that is a part of the lives of Koreans today.