전주대학교

Jeonju University Successfully Hosts President’s Cup Yutnori Tournament for International Students

-Promoting Understanding of Korean Traditional Games through University and Community Collaboration-

Jeonju University (President Park Jin-bae) announced that it successfully hosted the President’s Cup Yutnori Tournament for international students on the 1st (Saturday) at the Star Center Harim Mission Hall. The event was held in collaboration with the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Korean Folk Yutnori Association (Chairman Lee Jung-ae).

The Yutnori tournament, organized by the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Korean Folk Yutnori Association and hosted by Jeonju University, aimed to introduce Korean traditional games to international students. The tournament featured 28 teams composed of 114 students from five countries currently studying at Jeonju University, with each team consisting of four members competing in a tournament format.

The event received generous support from various community sponsors, including Koryo Hospital, Kwangwon Machinery, Daejaein Hospital, The Onnuri Church, Seoul S Dental Clinic, Ajung Nursing Hospital, Woori Angioplasty Clinic, Jeonju Jangdong Church, Plus Construction, and Hyosarang Hospital.

Additionally, traditional performances by Lee In-yeop, a designated holder of the intangible heritage Pilbong Nongak, and members of the Imshil Pilbong Nongak Traditional Performing Arts Institute Pungnyu Village, along with singer Joo Chae-yeon’s talent donation, provided international students with an opportunity to experience and understand Korean traditional culture and Yutnori.

The tournament winner, Vietnamese student Bui Thi Phuong Thuy (4th year, Business Administration), expressed her feelings: “The increasing excitement and tension in each match were truly unforgettable experiences. I was able to gain a deeper understanding of Korean traditional game culture. I am grateful for this new experience, which gave me a new perspective on the artistic lifestyle and beauty of Korea.”

In his opening speech, Vice President for External Affairs Yoon Chan-young expressed his gratitude for the diverse support and encouragement from the community, stating, “We hope for the successful hosting of the tournament through community cooperation. We wish that international students will learn Korean language and culture through more social activities as members of the local community.”

Meanwhile, the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Korean Traditional Yutnori Association, held the first-ever Yutnori tournament for international students in Korea. This association, designated as a national intangible cultural heritage, is actively engaged in various activities in the Jeonbuk region.