A scene from the movie War of the Arrows. ULSAN, Nov. 23 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korea’s national archery team achieved a historic sweep at the 2024 Paris Olympics, claiming gold in all five events—a testament to the country’s dominance in the sport.
This unparalleled success has reignited discussions on why South Korea excels in archery, with experts pointing to both cultural heritage and systematic fairness as key factors. Unlike other sports associations where factionalism can influence athlete selection, the Korea Archery Association is lauded for its merit-based approach, ensuring only the most skilled athletes make the national team. Complementing this rigorous system is South Korea’s deep historical connection to archery, stretching back thousands of years.
Lim Si-hyeon of South Korea competes in the final of the women’s archery team event at the Paris Olympics at Invalides in Paris on July 28, 2024. (Image courtesy of Yonhap) Evidence of this connection is found in the Bangudae Petroglyphs in Ulsan, a UNESCO World Heritage candidate. The carvings, which depict hunters with bows, date back at least 7,000 years to the Neolithic era.
The site, etched into a 4.5-meter-high and 8-meter-wide cliff face, also features over 200 depictions of animals and hunting scenes, underscoring its cultural and historical value. In a symbolic nod to this heritage, Ulsan hosted its first nationwide archery tournament at the Bangudae Petroglyphs area on November 17.
The event ai.