Gumi City Successfully Hosts 3rd "Goa-eup Residents Ssireum Competition" as a Celebration of Community Unity

Organized by the Youth Association,
Emerging as Gumi's Leading Community Sports Festival

Goa-eup in Gumi City, North Gyeongsang Province, successfully hosted the 3rd Goa-eup Residents Ssireum Competition at Yeou Square in Deulseong Ecological Park on October 11.

This year's event was organized by the Goa-eup Youth Association, led by President Kim Jinhyun, and attended by Kim Joungho, mayor of Gumi City, as well as provincial and city council members, heads of local organizations, and over 1,000 residents, creating an enthusiastic atmosphere of support.

Clockwise, Kim Joungho, mayor of Gumi City, is giving a congratulatory speech. Citizens are participating enthusiastically in the competition. Photo by Kim Ewhan

This year's competition was especially meaningful as it was held during a period of rapid growth for Goa-eup, which recently surpassed a population of 40,000.

Residents participated directly as ssireum wrestlers, delivering exciting matches. Despite being amateurs, their high level of skill drew cheers from the audience. The spirited contests on the sand ring once again highlighted the unique appeal of traditional ssireum wrestling.

Kim Jinhyun, president of the Goa-eup Youth Association, stated, "Thanks to the participation of so many people, the ssireum competition is growing into a festival that represents Goa-eup. We will continue to develop it as a traditional cultural festival that all residents can enjoy together."

Kim Joungho, mayor of Gumi City, said, "As Goa-eup has achieved the significant milestone of reaching a population of 40,000, I hope this ssireum competition will serve as a foundation for community unity. Gumi City will actively support the development of Goa-eup."