It's that time of year again when hundreds of heavyweight bulls lock horns and fight to the end.
In Cheongdo, North Gyeongsang Province, the annual bullfighting festival kicked off last Friday, as thousands of spectators convened to watch the country's traditional showdown.
The rules of the sport are simple.
Unlike bullfighting in Spain where a matador squares off against a bull, in Korea, two bulls enter the arena, after having their adrenaline pumped up by their owners.
At the signal of the referee's whistle, the two contenders butt heads, using a number of techniques to try and push each other backwards.
The first bull to back away loses.
[Reporter : Huh Cheol, Spectator] "It is a lot of fun. We are having a great time with the kids, and the games are thrilling."
What's unique about this year's event is that it is being held in a domed stadium that can accommodate over 10-thousand people.
[Reporter : ] "The event has been recognized as a traditional sport for two straight years. This year, we are holding the bullfights in a domed stadium for the first time in the world."
The Cheongdo Bullfighting Festival began in 1999 after the culture ministry designated the annual event as one of the country's most valuable tourist attractions.
Besides the contest, this year's festival offers art exhibitions and activities to experience Korea's traditional culture.
The bulls will continue to brawl until this Tuesday.
Park Hyong-ki, Arirang News.
MAR 30, 2009
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Arirang Town
Wednesday, FEB 10, 2010, (KST) 
