On mural paintings in tombs dating back to Koguryo Kingdom (B.C. 277 - A.D. 668) are pictures of two strapping persons competing in a stooped posture. They show that ssirum was popularized in the period of the Three Kingdoms (early 3rd century B.C. - middle 7th century A.D.).

According to old documents like "Tongguksesigi", the Korean people had enjoyed this sport at edge of field, lawn, riverside and sandy beach during recess of labor. In holidays, ssirum sites were crowded with people regardless of ages.

A painting "Ssirum" drawn by Kim Hong Do, a famous painter in the period of the feudal Joson dynasty (1392-1910), vividly shows the ssirum feature enjoyed by villagers.

Ssirum has various techniques like knee-whack, arm trip, leg lock and belly throw.

Today, it has become one of the major events for national sports games.

UNESCO listed ssirum as a world intangible cultural heritage in November Juche 107 (2018).