The event is characterized by different techniques and movements.

It was formally recognized as one of national sports events in the period of Koguryo Kingdom (B.C. 277-A.D. 668).

It is evidenced in Koguryo tomb murals which picture a ssirum contest.

The Korean people have traditionally had ssirum contests on folklore holidays, particularly on the harvest moon day (lunar August 15).

Their optimistic life was lively represented in the Korean painting "Ssirum", drawn by Kim Hong Do, a famous painter in the period of the 18th-19th century.

Some days ago, the 11th Grand Bull Prize National Ssirum Contest was held on the scenic Rungna Islet located in the Taedong River flowing across the heart of Pyongyang.