Gumi City to Host the 9th Gumi Saemaeulbaek Invitational Jokgu Tournament

Over 500 Participants from 60 Teams Enjoy Sweat, Laughter, and Health

Continuing a Unique National Tradition, Efforts to Popularize Jokgu as a Lifestyle Sport

On the 1st, the city of Gumi in North Gyeongsang Province held the '9th Gumi Saemaeul Invitational Jokgu Tournament' at the Gupo Sports Park for All, hosted by the Gumi City Sports Council and organized by the Gumi City Jokgu Association.

Gumi Saemaeul Cup Invitational Jokgu Tournament.

About 500 jokgu enthusiasts from 60 teams participated, and the competition was divided into four categories: Invitational General Division, Gyeongbuk 2nd-3rd Division, and Invitational 40s Division. Each category held preliminary league matches followed by a final tournament.

After intense competition, awards were presented to the top three teams in each category, as well as to outstanding coaches, players, and referees.

Jokgu, a sport originating in Korea, has continued the tradition of indigenous ball games. Unlike other sports, its simple rules make it easy for people of all ages and genders to learn and enjoy with just a single ball, establishing itself as a popular sport for everyday life.

Mayor Kim Jangho said, "Jokgu as a recreational sport has moved beyond being seen as a sport for people in their 40s and 50s, and is now recognized as a K-sport enjoyed by diverse groups regardless of gender or age. I hope that jokgu, which has been adopted as a demonstration sport at the National Sports Festival since 2022, will be officially recognized as an official event, contributing to the expansion and revitalization of jokgu."