Busan Jokgu Association Kicks Off 6th Seagull Series This Year
Jokgu Festival for Busan Players in Their 60s... First Match of the 5th Year
There is a sports event where age is considered a privilege. No matter how skilled or eager you are to participate, if you don't meet the age requirement, you simply can't join?an unusual rule in the world of sports. This is the story of a Jokgu (foot volleyball) tournament held on the artificial turf Jokgu courts at Hwamyeong Ecological Park in Buk-gu, Busan, on the 30th of last month.
This Jokgu tournament, co-hosted by the Busan Jokgu Association and the "Yukgalmaegihoe," is known for its strict policy that excludes younger participants. Only those aged 60 and above are eligible to compete. Players who are about a year away from turning 60 are allowed to participate only as a preview. If a younger player is found to have participated illegally, they are immediately disqualified. Even if they win, if it is later revealed through reports or the opposing team, their victory is forfeited.
Kim Doohwan, chairman of Busan Yukgalmaegi (right), is receiving the oath statement from player representative Lee Jongcheol at the opening ceremony of the Yukgalmaegi Jokgu Tournament held on June 30.
"Yukgalmaegi" is a Jokgu tournament that symbolizes Busan and is highly popular among enthusiasts. "Yuk" refers to those in their 60s and above, while "Galmaegi" (seagull) is the bird that represents Busan. It is a term used only in Busan to refer to senior Jokgu enthusiasts.
This tournament first began in 2020, inviting men in their 60s and above from Busan to come together for a Jokgu match. Women are also allowed to participate as long as they are not registered Jokgu athletes. Enthusiasts from other regions can also join if invited.
This year marks the fifth annual tournament, with three to four matches held each year. In this event, 24 teams from 18 Jokgu clubs in Busan, Gimhae, Ulsan, and other areas?comprising about 150 players, coaches, and officials from the Busan Jokgu Association?gathered to compete on four newly established artificial turf Jokgu courts at Hwamyeong Ecological Park in Buk-gu, Busan.
Kim Doohwan, president of Yukgalmaegihoe, who led the tournament, said, "After turning 60, muscle strength and athletic ability decline, and it becomes a time of aches and pains. We organized this event to help people stay healthy through exercise," adding with a smile, "Jokgu is a gift-like sport that brings unity and happiness while reducing the time spent visiting hospitals."
The Yukgalmaegi Jokgu Tournament held on June 30 at the artificial turf jokgu field in Hwamyung Ecological Park, Bukgu, Busan.
The Yukgalmaegi Jokgu Tournament held on June 30 at the artificial turf jokgu field in Hwamyung Ecological Park, Bukgu, Busan.
Park Samcheol, president of the Busan Jokgu Association, said, "Not many people enjoy getting older, but there are tournaments like this that welcome the silver generation. I hope you enjoy Jokgu as a daily sport and lead a healthy life."
At this year's first Yukgalmaegi tournament, teams from Ulsan enjoyed notable success. Among the eight teams in the Golden Division, "Ulsan Namgu" lifted the championship trophy, while "BK" from Seo-gu, Busan, finished as runners-up. "Baekyang" from Sasang-gu shared third place.
In the Silver 1 Division, out of eight teams, "Ulsan Namgu 2" claimed victory, "Sangsin" took second place, and "Mujigae" shared third. In the Silver 2 Division, among eight teams, "Mujigae 2" from Buk-gu, Busan, won the title, "Sansujeong" from Haeundae-gu finished second, and "Sangsin 2" shared third place.
There are still three more Yukgalmaegi tournaments left this year. Hwamyeong Ecological Park by the Nakdong River will once again summon the passion of veteran Jokgu players who once showcased their youthful health and vigor.
Opening ceremony of the Yukgalmaegi Jokgu Tournament held on June 30 at the artificial turf Jokgu field in Hwamyung Ecological Park, Buk-gu, Busan.
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