Over 2,000 Citizens Gather for the 72nd Liberation Commemoration Soccer Tournament and Folk Games
From Soccer and Folk Games to Experience Booths
A Festival of Unity Embracing All Generations
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, the "72nd Liberation Commemoration Soccer Tournament and Folk Games" were successfully held over three days from the 15th to the 17th at the Shingwang Middle School sports field.
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, the "72nd Liberation Commemoration Soccer Tournament and Folk Games" were successfully held from the 15th to the 17th at the Shingwang Middle School sports field. Provided by Pohang City
Hosted by the Shingwang-myeon Sports Association, the event brought together more than 2,000 local residents, allowing them to reflect on the meaning of liberation and enjoy a meaningful time of unity.
This year's event was especially symbolic as it marked the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, and featured a richer program and a wider variety of attractions than ever before.
The opening ceremony on the 15th began with a traditional pungmul performance and the entrance of the soccer teams, followed by the presentation of scholarships to descendants of independence patriots, the donation of a soccer goal in celebration of the completion of the new Shingwang Elementary School building, a handprinting performance commemorating the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, and the ceremonial kickoff.
During the event, the excitement and joy felt by our ancestors 80 years ago at the moment of liberation were vividly revived through the collective chanting of "manse," creating a moving moment as countless citizens came together to share in the happiness and inspiration.
The soccer tournament featured 25 teams representing different villages, who competed fiercely in preliminary and final rounds over three days, culminating in the championship match on the 17th.
In addition, a variety of competitions took place amid enthusiastic support from the villages, including a traditional Yutnori game on the 15th, an arm wrestling contest on the 16th, and a Liberation Day commemorative Ojama target-throwing event on the 17th.
At the experience booths, participants enjoyed a range of hands-on activities such as "Making My Own Taegeukgi" by writing their names on a flag design, making cotton candy, crafting bracelets, and face painting, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The closing ceremony on the 17th featured awards for soccer, Yutnori, and arm wrestling, followed by a grand community festival that concluded the event with a singing contest and performances by invited artists.
Kim Sunghoon, president of the Shingwang-myeon Sports Association, said, "This tournament, held in honor of the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, served as an opportunity to remember the sacrifices of our forebears who reclaimed our nation and to unite all local residents as one. I deeply appreciate everyone who cooperated to ensure the event was completed safely despite the heat wave."
Jang Sangkil, Deputy Mayor of Pohang City, stated, "This event not only shed new light on the meaning of liberation, but also established itself as a festival that bridges generations. I hope it will continue to grow as a meaningful celebration that strengthens unity and pride in our local community."
Despite the ongoing heat wave, Pohang City and the Shingwang-myeon Sports Association prioritized the health and safety of participants by providing emergency medical support and implementing thorough heatstroke prevention measures, ensuring the event concluded with meticulous safety management.
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