DEVELOPMENT KOREAN SPORTS and HISTORY
DEVELOPMENT KOREAN SPORTS and HISTORY Since ancient times, Koreans have developed a martial arts-based sports culture. For example, Chunjia Ritual included physical activity, a combination of dance and singing, and old Koreans enjoyed martial arts-related physical activities, including archery, horseback riding, Taekkyeon, ssireum, watermelon, and chajeon nori. In addition, Koreans developed physical strength and teamwork through various folk games. In the late 19th century, modern sports were introduced when the Joseon Dynasty was opened to the outside world. This served as an opportunity for the Korean Empire to establish laws and systems related to modern sports, and to strengthen the mind and body of the people by encouraging physical education by making it a component of the school curriculum. Physical education was used as a tool to restore national sovereignty under the Japanese colonial rule. At that time, limited sports activities were allowed to Koreans due to the ...