The 42nd National Professors Tennis Tournament, which determines the strongest university professors tennis players nationwide, was held at Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) from May 30 to June 1 over three days.

JBNU organized the event, which was hosted by the Korea University Professors Tennis Federation. Approximately 1,500 professors from across the country participated, using tennis as a means of exchange and fellowship.

In preparing the tournament, JBNU created a cultural experience venue where visitors from around the country could enjoy Jeonju’s traditional flavors and elegance, leaving a strong impression on attendees.

At the opening ceremony held at 6:00 p.m. on the 30th on the lawn square in front of the museum, JBNU’s Onsoli Arts Troupe (led by Professor Kim Won-seon) presented a Korean traditional music orchestra performance, followed by a pansori performance by prodigy Yu Tae-pyeong, a third-year student in the Department of Korean Music at JBNU.

Notably, the stage featured a hands-on event in which participants mixed 800 servings of Jeonju bibimbap to celebrate the opening, attracting widespread attention.

In addition, the award plaques presented at this tournament were all crafted from Jeonju hapjukseon, showcasing the unique taste and cultural elegance of Jeonju to professors nationwide.

Baek Young-ho, President of the Korea University Professors Tennis Federation (Department of Physical Education, Pusan National University), commented, "The gugak performance at the opening ceremony and the event mixing 800 servings of bibimbap were more than enough to captivate the eyes and ears of the professors who came to this tournament. In recent years I have not seen any event that conveyed the local charm and flavor so vividly. I extend my deep gratitude to JBNU and the residents of Jeonbuk for their warm hospitality."

Meanwhile, the competition began with the individual events on the 31st of last month and continued through the team finals the following day. Matches were held at JBNU’s tennis courts as well as at Iksan Central Sports Park, Gunsan Wolmyeong Sports Complex, and Sunchang Public Stadium.

In the team event, Group A’s championship went to Seoul National University, and Group B’s championship went to Kangwon National University Team 2.

In the individual events, in the Youth Division A, Professors Seo Seong-hyeok and Jo Seong-sik (Korea Military Academy) won the title, and in Youth Division B, Professors Park Hyung-jun and Heo Jae-bok (Dong-A University) claimed victory.

In the Open Division A, Professors Yoo Byung-in and Kim Se-hwan (Dong-Eui University) were the winners, while in Open Division B, Professors Na Jong-hwa and Choi Jung-guk (Chungbuk National University) took first place.

In the Veteran Division, Group A champions were Professors Kwak Geun-je and Ha Nam-gil (Gyeongsang National University), and Group B champions were Professors Kim Ki-chang and Choi Young-sik (Inha University).

In the Senior Division, Group A winners were Professors Park Jun-dong and Yang Ki-seok (Dong-A University), and Group B winners were Professors Kim Hyun-tae and Seo Sang-jun (Chonnam National University).

In the Women’s Division, Professors Jung Kyung-ah (Chuncheon National University of Education) and Park Kyung-mi (Hongik University) emerged as champions.