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Eric Kim

From Tradition to Triumph: The Evolution and Culture of Winter Sports in Korea

Winter in Korea is a season full of excitement and tradition. Over the years, Korea’s winter sports scene has evolved dramatically, from traditional winter games to a thriving modern sports culture. This blend of past and present has created a unique winter experience that draws both locals and international visitors.


Traditional Korean winter activities were simple yet meaningful. One of the most popular games was 썰매타기 (sledding), which involved wooden sleds on frozen ponds (Koo). These games were not just for fun–they brought communities together during the cold months, creating a sense of camaraderie. Activities like ice fishing also had practical benefits, as they provided extra food during the harsh winter. 떡메치기 (Rice cake pounding) is one of the traditional ice fishing methods, where you chase a fish by tapping the ice with a rice cake hammer (떡메), break the ice open once the fish is exhausted, and catch the fish with a harpoon (Cho). These traditional practices laid the foundation for Korea’s modern winter sports culture.



The rise of modern winter sports in Korea began in the late 20th century, with the establishment of ski resorts and ice-skating rinks. The number of skiers and snowboarders has skyrocketed from 3.6 million in the 1995-96 season to 6.02 million in the 2007-08 season, showing that winter sports are becoming more popular (Lim et al. 169). The 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics played a huge role in promoting winter sports nationally and internationally. Not only did it showcase Korea’s excellent facilities, but it also inspired a new generation of athletes. One standout figure is Yuna Kim, Korea’s figure skating queen. Her gold medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics made her a national icon and boosted interested in winter sports across the country.


Winter sports festivals and events have also grown in popularity. The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, where visitors can fish through ice holes, attracts thousands each year (Korea Tourism Organization). These festivals don’t just entertain–they boost tourism and encourage people to embrace the winter season. Korea’s ski resorts, like Yongpyong and Alpensia, have become winter hotspots, offering everything from snowboarding to family-friendly sledding hills.



From traditional sledding games to international sports competitions, winter sports in Korea have come a long way. They remain a vital part of Korean culture, blending history with modern excitement, and are likely to continue growing in the years to come.



Works Cited

권혜민. (2018, December 11). 떡메로 탁탁 쳐 작살로 '휙' … 평창강 전통 고기잡이 한창 [Photograph]. 뉴스1. https://www.news1.kr/local/kangwon/3498698

오종수. (2018, February 10). 2018 평창동계올림픽 개막 [Photograph]. VOA 코리아. https://www.voakorea.com/a/4246934.html

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