Beyond tradition, Korean women are making waves in global competitive formats: Traditional Korean wrestling (Ssirum/Ssireum)
At the heart of Korean wrestling is , a folk style dating back to the fourth century. Traditionally a male-dominated sport associated with agricultural festivals, women’s Ssireum has seen a major modern revival. Korean Iron Girl Wrestling
Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage , Ssireum is now a professional sport with year-round tournaments that feature dedicated female divisions. 3. Professional and Freestyle Wrestling Beyond tradition, Korean women are making waves in
In recent years, South Korean television has shifted toward showcasing female physical dominance through reality programs. Korean Iron Girl Wrestling
The show’s "Fighting Women Training Camp" emphasizes wrestling as a foundational discipline alongside boxing and jiu-jitsu, highlighting the "iron" resilience required to master these sports. 2. Traditional Roots: Female Ssireum
Wrestlers wear a belt (satba) around the waist and thigh. The goal is to bring any part of the opponent's body above the knee to the ground using leverage and strength.
This popular variety show features actresses and celebrities undergoing grueling athletic training. In its second season (2025), the cast transitioned from triathlons to boxing and wrestling-based martial arts , facing off against elite female fighters in intensive training camps.