Promoting the spirit of sharing and community through Korea’s traditional sport

The Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (Director: Jeon Ju-ho) hosted a Chuseok Ssireum Tournament on October 13 (Monday) at its Taekwondo Dojang, inviting local citizens to celebrate Korea’s traditional holiday together.
 
The event was organized to share the meaning and joy of Chuseok—Korea’s representative harvest festival—with Nigerian citizens through ssireum, a traditional Korean wrestling sport. Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage and inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, ssireum embodies Korea’s spirit of harmony and fair play. Through this event, the Centre sought to promote the values of traditional sports while conveying the spirit of sharing and community that Chuseok represents.
 
Divided into four categories two for men and two for women the tournament brought together a total of 52 participants who competed enthusiastically. Prior to the matches, referees attended a preparatory training session, and participants watched instructional videos to better understand the sport’s techniques and rules. Korean snacks, rice, and fruits were presented as prizes to winners and participants, enriching the festive atmosphere of the event.
 
Participants expressed great interest in Korean wrestling, noting its unique features compared to Nigerian traditional wrestling and Japanese sumo. Many remarked that ssireum requires a high level of balance and technique, making it an exciting and strategic sport. The venue was filled with cheers and laughter, creating a joyful atmosphere reminiscent of the Chuseok holiday in Korea.
 
Director Jeon stated, “Ssireum is one of Korea’s most symbolic traditional sports that conveys the spirit of joy and sharing during our festive season,” adding, “I hope this tournament allowed Nigerian participants to experience the meaning of Chuseok and feel a closer connection to Korean culture.”