Ssirum (wrestling) is a popular sport practiced in all regions of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea that began in the fourth century. It is conducted within a circular ring, measuring approximately 7 meters in diameter, which is covered with mounded sand. The two contestants begin the match by kneeling on the sand in a grappling position (baro japki), each grabbing a belt—known as a satba —which is wrapped around his opponent's waist and thigh.
Once a wrestler has forced the other wrestler to touch the ground with any part of their body at knee level or higher, the match is awarded to the wrestler who forced the other wrestler to do so. A best-of-three match is normal in a professional ssireum contest. The spectators cheer enthusiastically. When the final game is over, the winner is awarded an ox, symbolizing agricultural abundance, and they are called a 'Jangsa'. The Jangsa rides the ox around the neighborhood in celebration.
Ssirum is an exercise for the whole body, helping cultivate harmony, cooperation, mutual respect, and the cultivation of a good character. The game ssireum is played on sand in any available space in a neighborhood and is open to everyone, especially children. Different regions have developed versions of the game, and the common function they have is to enhance community solidarity and collaboration. Ssireum has a number of benefits, including its accessible nature, low injury risk, and ability to improve health.
As early as the Goryeo period, ssireum was used for military purposes. From there, ssireum became a popular pastime of the Korean people, including many kings. The games were popular during the Korean holiday of Dano, which is the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. Tournaments were held in the summer and autumn. Other ssireum games were also held on Buddhist All Souls' Day and the Third Day of the Third Moon.
Therefore, the practice and transmission of ssireum transcend all social, economic, and regional distinctions to encompass the entire population of the Republic of Korea. Koreans are considered the community, but communities can also be identified according to particular social groups. Knowledge and narratives relating to Ssireum are transmitted through family gatherings. This familial transmission provides a foundation for intergenerational transmission of Ssireum. Elders from local villages or neighborhoods who have expert knowledge of ssireum transmit ssireum to their communities directly or indirectly at local events. This line of transmission is what causes ssireum to have its local characteristics.
Formal and informal education are important channels for teachers in local schools to transfer skills to succeeding generations. There are a number of private or grassroots organizations that transmit the ssireum culture, organize ssireum games, and spread Korean wrestling. In transmitting ssireum, retired wrestlers play the same role schools do: they demonstrate the methods and techniques of ssireum through games, workshops, and special lectures.