Wings Return to the Sand... Gijang Galmaegi Ssireum Team Officially Re-established After 15 Years

Expansion of Team Size and Direct Management by the County
Full-Scale Efforts to Foster a Community-Based Representative Sports Team

Gijang County has officially re-established the "Gijang Galmaegi Ssireum Team," continuing the legacy of traditional Korean wrestling.

Gijang County in Busan (Mayor Jung Jongbok) has officially re-established the "Gijang Galmaegi Ssireum Team" to preserve the legacy of ssireum, Korea’s traditional sport, and to broaden the base of local sports.

Jung Jongbok, Mayor of Gijang County (7th from the left), and members of the Gijang Galmaegi Ssireum Team are taking a commemorative photo. Photo by Gijang County Office

The Gijang County Ssireum Team had been operated as the "Busan Galmaegi Ssireum Team" under the Busan Sports Council since its disbandment in 2010. However, with this re-establishment, the team is returning under the Gijang County name for the first time in 15 years. The management of the team has also been transferred to Gijang County, establishing a new team operation system rooted in the local community.

This re-establishment goes beyond simply transferring the existing team to Gijang County, as the number of athletes has been expanded from 7 to 10, further strengthening the team’s overall capabilities. This will enhance competitiveness in each weight class and provide a more stable team structure.

Gijang County also plans to directly manage the ssireum team, providing systematic support from athlete development to team management. Through these efforts, the county aims to foster the team as a community-based sports club that grows together with residents, and to establish it as a representative team symbolizing community unity and local sports pride.

Mayor Jung Jongbok stated, "It is deeply moving to re-establish the ssireum team under the name of Gijang County after 15 years," adding, "We will spare no effort in supporting the Gijang Galmaegi Ssireum Team so that it can grow into a true representative sports team loved by the people of Gijang."