Pyongyang, December 5 (KCNA) -- Among the valuable cultural heritages of the Korean nation is Ssirum (Korean wrestling), a sports event.

Ssirum is a sports game in which two men grasp each other's thigh band (cloth belt made by joining waistband and leg belt together) and use their hands, legs and trunks to knock down their opponents.

Ssirum can be played without being affected by time, place and age.

Since ancient times, Korean people have played Ssirum games during break time to develop their physical abilities and, especially on folk holidays, they organized large-scale Ssirum games.

A bull had been awarded to the player who won the first place in the game.

Using thigh bands and awarding a bull are the features peculiar to Ssirum of the Korean nation.

Ssirum is a whole body exercise good for health, which not only fosters patience, fighting spirit, strength and wisdom but also helps achieve mutual trust, cooperation and close ties among people and collective unity.

Ssirum of the Korean nation was registered as a world intangible cultural heritage at the 13th meeting of the intergovernmental committee for the protection of intangible cultural heritages of the UNESCO, held in November 2018. -0-