Korea Baduk Association

Infobox Korean name


caption=
hangul=한국기원
hanja=韓國棋院
rr=Hankuk Giwon
mr=|

The Korea Baduk Association, also known as Hanguk Kiwon, (Korean) was founded in November 1945 by Cho Namchul, who had studied in Japan with Minoru Kitani. At that time most players followed the [http://senseis.xmp.net/?SunjangBaduk "sunjang"] style of beginning by placing sixteen stones -- eight white and eight black -- on the board in a preset pattern. From his experience in Japan, he knew that modern players began with an empty board; by forming the association, he set about convincing Koreans players to use the "modern" style.

The Hanguk Kiwon is the go organization that oversees go professionals in South Korea. It issues official diplomas for strong players and organizes tournaments for professionals. In recent years, Korean players have emerged as winners of most international tournaments, edging out Japanese and Chinese players to dominate the international tournament scene. Korean players are known for a wild, pugnacious style of play.

ee also

* American Go Association
* Nihon Ki-in (Japanese Go Association)
* Taiwan Qiyuan (Taiwanese Go Association)
* Zhongguo Qiyuan (Chinese Go Association)

External links

* [http://www.baduk.or.kr Official Website of Korea Baduk Association]
* [http://www.dashn.com/english/history_baduk/memorials_03_06.htm History of the Hanguk Kiwon as remembered by its founder, Cho Namchul]