Intro

Pleased to meet you, everyone. I am Sang-ho LEE, the mayor of Taebaek City.

It is an honor to hold the 20th Korea Prime Minister Cup International Baduk Championship in Taebaek, a clear and refreshing city where fresh breeze can be enjoyed. All of participants including players, executives, and relevant are sincerely welcomed by Taebaek citizens.

Following the last KPMC, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to president of Korea Baduk Federation, Mr. Keun-yool HA for his consideration and support, president of Gangwon Baduk Association, Mr. Yi-ho CHOI, president of Taebaek Baduk Association, Mr. Won-gyu CHOI, and all staffs.

KPMC has been held since 2006 to globalize Baduk and solidify the position of Korea as one of the strongest countries in Baduk. Also, it is the largest and only international amateur world championship with a long history. I believe it will be a Baduk festival for every player from all over the world to exchange and cooperate with each other's cultural values.

Baduk is a historical human cultural heritage, and the best mind-sport which requires careful strategy and high concentration, loved by men and women of all ages. In particular, Korean Baduk has been attracting world-wide attention for its outstanding performances on the international stage.

In order to become a world-wide Baduk mecca, Taebaek City has been focusing on the ‘Baduk mecca project’ through establishing the Taebaek Branch of Korean Baduk Association in last February, and holding many Baduk tournaments.

In particular, The 1st Taebaek Baduk Congress was held for five days from February 15 to 19 this year for the first time in Korea, with over 500 players from 12 countries. For the successful hosting of next Congress, the organizing committee is constantly striving to attract more participants through global promotion and establish well-organized contents.

Taebaek City will be a famous venue visited by Baduk players with the Mecca project and synergy by Baduk development. It will establish the best infrastructure so that not only national but all Baduk players can visit to enjoy international competitions and global cultures with unsparing support to promote Baduk.

All representative players from the world! Please get on the stage by showing your honed capacity in Taebaek where is a highland sport resort city with a magnificent environment provided by Mother Nature with her love.

Regardless of the result, I hope the moment would be your priceless opportunity to build friendship and goodwill with other Baduk players and enjoy the beautiful places such as 365 safetown, Yongyeondonggul Cave and Geomnyongso Spring, in Taebaek during the timeframe, too.

I reiterate my appreciation for all the staffs having prepared to hold the KPMC, and sincerely hope the great development of Korean Baduk as well as you all the best.

Best regards,

It is my honor to greet you. I am Jae-chang KO, chairperson of Taebaek City Council.

I sincerely congratulate the host of the 20th Korea Prime Minister Cup International Baduk Championship. Also, I would like to express my gratitude to whom have worked hard to prepare this championship: president of Korea Baduk Federation, Mr. Keun-yool HA, president of Gangwon Baduk Association, Mr. Yi-ho CHOI, president of Taebaek Baduk Association, Mr. Won-gyu CHOI, and every staff.

Baduk is one of the most traditional sports event to connect people across langauges and cultures with understanding and respecting each other. A move in Baduk requires deep thought and patience. It is like a journey of life as you sometimes step back carefully while sometimes break through with courage. As we can only see whether a movement is good or bad after its place, our lives also grow by learning through choices and results. As such, Baduk is not just a game, but a game of wisdom to teach depth of thought and human dignity.

I believe your passion and efforts will lead to the global development of the Baduk and further enrich the cultural exchange of mankind.

Finally, I would like to deeply appreciate all the staffs who have worked hard to ensure the successful hosting of this competition. I hope all of you will show the best performance and the beauty of Baduk with respect beyond winning and losing.

Sincerely,

It is my honor to greet you, every Baduk player and visitors.

First of all, I am really pleased to hear 20th Korea Prime Minister Cup International Baduk Championship is held in the city of Baduk, Taebaek City in Gangwon. I would like to appreciate president of Korea Baduk Federation, Mr. Keun-yool HA, Taebaek mayor, Mr. Sang-ho LEE, and all relevant for their efforts to host it. Obviously, all visitors to Korea will be welcomed.

It cannot be deniable that KPMC is one of the largest amateur Baduk Championships with over 50 participating countries. Many Baduk players from all over the world gather here to exchange and build friendship through Baduk and fair competition.

Baduk is a mind sport with a long history and a game to require concentration, thinking ability, and strategic judgment. The moment of respecting the opponent and while playing proves Baduk is a highly intelligent game in which the spirit of sports and deep thinking are harmonized. As such, Baduk shows the essential value of ‘mind sports’ based on human thinking ability and creativity. It connects generations and people around the world across borders.

I sincerely hope all participants could show their skills to the fullest and achieve the desired results. Korean Sport & Olympic Committee will continue to do its best to make Korea more influential in the international sports stage as well as the development of mind sports, especially Baduk.

Lastly, I look forward to the successful hosting of the 20th KPMC and wish everyone’s good heath and fortune.

No Sports, No Future!

Sincerely,

I sincerely welcome all visitors to the 20th Korea Prime Minister Cup International Baduk Championship. Today is a precious time for everyone from all over the world who loves Baduk to experience and share its essence.

The 20th KPMC, held from November 8 to 14 in Taebaek Gowon Gymnasium and Taebaek Hotel, is hosted by Korea Baduk Federation and Gangwon Baduk Association to raise the status of Gangwon-do as a famous place of Baduk. It will be an opportunity to compete and share your experiences.

Baduk is an art to require strategy, thought, and patience. Through this competition, I hope the greatness and charm of Baduk become more well-known to the world to attract more interest.

I would also like to deeply appreciate Taebaek Mayor, Mr. Sang-ho LEE for supporting this competition. Thanks to his dedication and support, Taebaek could be a center of the world-class Baduk competition. I will do my best to welcome all of you and provide unforgettable memories with Taebaek citizens. Also, I would like to express my gratitude to all staffs of KBF and GBA and salute all of your hard work and dedication.

Lastly, I hope this competition will be a meaningful and unforgettable experience for you, and wish your good health and fortune.

Best regards,