Jinju Successfully Concludes the 128th Jinju National Folk Bullfighting Competition

Nationwide Top Strength Contest Delivers Thrilling Match; Over 20,000 Spectators Show Enthusiastic Support

The 128th Jinju National Folk Bullfighting Competition, hosted by Jinju City and organized by the Jinju Bullfighting Association, successfully concluded after five days from the 9th to the 13th at the Jinju Folk Bullfighting Stadium, with around 20,000 Jinju citizens and tourists participating.

With a total prize of 87 million KRW at stake, about 170 bulls with outstanding skills from across the country competed in thrilling matches.

Jinju City, 'The 128th Jinju National Folk Ox Wrestling Competition'

The competition was divided into three weight classes (Baekdu, Hangang, Taebaek), and winners were determined through a tournament-style bracket. In the Baekdu class (over 801kg), Cheongsan from Jinju claimed victory; in the Hangang class (701?800kg), Hwarang from Cheongdo won; and in the Taebaek class (600?700kg), Bulsan from Uiryeong took first place.

During the event, the stadium was filled with enjoyment for visitors through congratulatory performances by invited singer Bin Yeseo and local artists, as well as various prize draws including a golden calf and a washing machine, and a variety of other events.

Park Sungkwon, president of the Jinju Bullfighting Association, said, "I am grateful to the many people who came to watch this competition. I hope you will continue to show interest in the traditional folk game of bullfighting."

Mayor Cho Gyuil stated, "I would like to thank President Park Sungkwon of the Jinju Bullfighting Association and all those involved, as well as the bull owners and spectators, for their efforts in making the 128th Jinju National Folk Bullfighting Competition, the origin of bullfighting in Korea, a great success." He added, "I hope you will also visit the October festival currently being held in the Namgang area of Jinju, fully enjoy the charm of Jinju, and create many precious memories."

Meanwhile, the Jinju bullfighting game began around 1884 as an inter-village competition to determine the superiority of bulls inside and outside Jinju Fortress. It has been handed down as a traditional folk game in Korea, symbolizing unity, hope, and courage, even through the Japanese colonial period. Currently, the Cultural Heritage Administration is conducting a basic academic survey related to its designation as a new item of national intangible cultural heritage.