The first written record of ssirum in Korea appears in the History of Koryo
ssirum originated as a duel or martial art contests during prehistoric times, then evolved into a sport as the nation developed. There are references to a competition similar to ssirum in the History of the Post-Han from the Three Han States of China and the History of the Early Choson Period by Shin Chaeho. In addition, there is a painting on the western wall of the main chamber of an ancient tomb from around the 4th century AD, Koguryo, which depicts a scene from a ssirum match.
The ssirum wrestler gets into the proper state of mind by expressing etiquette through his body movements. They influence the condition of the mind and the movement of the body. Etiquette concerns three basic elements, heaven, earth, and man, and the movements of the hand, leg, and waist are classified as heaven, earth, and man, respectively.