The 2026 Gijang County Wrestling Championship held at Ilgwang Beach crowned winners in four categories.
Local sports organizations contributed scholarship funds, and community welfare groups provided donations, along with food sharing for children.
On October 25, Gijang County reported that 126 athletes participated in the championship, which included elementary, middle school, and adult male and female divisions.
The event, organized by the Gijang County Wrestling Association, aimed to showcase the skills of local wrestlers and promote the traditional sport of ssireum.
The competition was held in four divisions: elementary, middle school, adult male, and adult female, without weight class distinctions. After more than three hours of matches, the winners were Son Soo-hyun in the elementary division, Bae Hyun-jin in the middle school division, Hwang Jong-guk in the adult male division, and Jeong Yu-ra in the adult female division.
Despite heavy rain on the day of the event, athletes continued to compete, and spectators cheered from the sidelines. Members of the Gijang Seagull Wrestling Team, affiliated with the county office, also volunteered as referees.
Gijang County Mayor Woo Seong-bin expressed gratitude, stating, "I appreciate the passionate performances of the athletes despite the inclement weather and the efforts of those who prepared for the event. We will work to preserve and pass on the traditional sport of ssireum."
The Gijang County Golf Association donated 1 million won to support local students' education.
This scholarship was funded by a portion of the proceeds from the 3rd Gijang County Golf Association Amateur Golf Tournament held on October 12 at Haeundae Country Club in Jeonggwan-eup.
Gijang County plans to distribute the scholarship to exemplary students from low-income families based on recommendations from administrative welfare centers in the region.
Gijang County Golf Association President Kang Young-il stated, "It is meaningful to support local students through community sports events, and I hope this helps them grow and pursue their dreams."
The Gijang-eup Community Service Council also donated 2.4 million won to assist neighbors in need.
Co-chairperson Kwon Myo-yeon leads the council, which focuses on identifying welfare gaps and supporting vulnerable groups. This donation was also raised by council members to help those in need within the community.
Kwon Myo-yeon remarked, "We hope this contribution provides some support to our neighbors facing difficulties."
Gijang-eup Mayor Kim Myung-yi explained that the donated funds will be used to assist residents in need and strengthen the community welfare safety net through public-private partnerships.
The Gijang Food Culture Research Association, a learning group affiliated with the Gijang Agricultural Technology Center, delivered 800 homemade walnut pies to 10 local children's centers on October 16.
Members of the association took charge of the entire process, from ingredient preparation to dough making, baking, and packaging. The delivery ceremony was attended by officials from the agricultural technology center, the research association, and the children's centers.
The Gijang Food Culture Research Association aims to study and promote local traditional foods. They enhance members' expertise through traditional food education, workshops, and field trips, while also engaging in social contribution activities using their cooking skills.
A representative from the Gijang Agricultural Technology Center stated, "We hope the lovingly made walnut pies bring joy to the children, and we will continue our efforts in food research and community sharing."
Mayor Woo Seong-bin expressed gratitude to the members of the Gijang Food Culture Research Association for their hands-on contributions to local children, stating, "We will support learning groups at the agricultural technology center to contribute to the community."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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