Ultimate Frisbee…it might be something you’ve never heard of before. You may not even know that Frisbee was a real sport. Well it is! And I’m here to give you some information about it!
First of all, Frisbee is technically not a sport. I know, I know, I just said it was. This is just a small technical clarification. Frisbee™ is actually a brand of disc made by Wham-O®. They popularized the term Frisbee™ and it is now synonymous with the actual word for flying UFO-like plastic sports object-“disc”. There are many different kinds of discs, just like there are many types of disc sports (see Disc Golf and Guts). So, Frisbee is technically a brand of discs, which means although it is commonly referred to as Ultimate Frisbee, the sport is technically just Ultimate.
Ultimate is a non-contact, self-refereed team sport played with a 175g flying disc. At each end of the playing field there is an end zone. Each team defends one end zone. They score a goal if one of their players catches the disc in the opposite end zone. Fields are about the same size as soccer fields. *Important* If you have the disc, you can’t run, so the disc is advanced up the field by throwing to one another. If the disc touches the ground, it’s a turnover.
OK, OK clarification’s are over, now onto the fun stuff. The defining element of Ultimate is that it is self-refereed. Yes, you heard right. A team sport played against one another without referees. How does this work, you ask? It’s encompassed by something called “Spirit of the Game” which conveys a utilitarian mindset towards the game. By overcoming selfish short-term impulses to cheat in order to win, players work with each other for the good of the sport. Players call their own fouls/violations, and work together to talk out necessary decisions. If agreement cannot be reached, there is a system in play that works to compromise disputes.
Ultimate has been rising in popularity now dramatically. So much so that it has been granted recognition by the Olympic International Committee and is being considered for inclusion in the 2024 Summer Games. So now’s your chance to jump on the bandwagon and join the sport! Here in Korea you have multiple options. If you live in Seoul, you can join the Seoul League, or if you just want to learn more about how to play the sport and play pickup (casual, no experience needed games) you can join the Seoul Ultimate FB page. If you aren’t one of the 1 million+ foreigners living in Seoul, you still have options. Search on FB groups for Ultimate in your area. Daejeon, Cheonan, Gwangju, Daegu, Pohang, and Busan all have thriving communities. Also, if you want to up your involvement a little you can join Republic of Korea Ultimate league (RoK-U). They have fall and spring seasons each year with around 5 weekends of games. The Spring season is already underway but registration is still possible (especially if you’re a 여자). Visit their website or their FB page for more information.
Be warned! Frisbee is a very chill sport with an even chillier community. The party culture is alive and well with these folks. Easiest way to make friends in Korea, both foreigners and natives, hands down. So what are you waiting for?! Friends, exercise, fun, future fame for proselytizing a soon-to-be Olympic sport; all can be had with Frisbee! *cough* Ultimate!
Fantastic write-up! My boyfriend introduced me to the game since he was a member of the Daejeon Pandemic team. I always thought he just threw around the word, “spirit of the game,” but I had no idea it encompassed the actual concept of how one plays. Fascinating! And even though I never got out on the field, from all the games I watched, I noticed what a beginner friendly sport it was. And you’re so right about the partying they do, they probably throw the best parties out there!
If it comes with a party culture it’s a winner from me! I knew a little about the sport as a couple of our friends at home played, but your post explained everything! Awesome that there’s a league in Korea and it seems like such a fun sport to play!
It takes me back to campus at college where everyone seemed to be playing this!
Our Daejeon community of Ultimate Frisbee always seems like a fun, easy going and entertaining group of people. They frequently have pick up practices on the river, but sadly I’ve never taken part. I think the only thing that prevents me from joining is the constant traveling they do almost every weekend. Other than that what a great way to get exercise, meet new people and travel the country.
Interesting that Frisbee is receiving more recognition lately. I imagine, like you say here, it’s a great way to make new friends. It’d be very interesting to see if indeed, Frisbee is included in the 2024 Olympics. I’ve never considered watching a Frisbee match on a TV screen.
I never considered it an olympic sport but if Ping Pong can be… then why not!
When I played football (soccer) with my friends in my teenage years we also didn’t have a referee and somehow it always works out. We played Ultimate Frisbee in high school sometimes, but it wasn’t my thing. I like to use my feet. Cool there is this laid back group of people, though.
And they seem to be going strong for awhile now. That’s awesome.
I’m always surprised by how many sports expats organize while living in Korea so that they can maintain their hobbies. It’s admirable, and I love to see the magnetic quality that sport has. Across all cultures, sports provide a common bond and its great to see how many get introduced. Although I’ve known about Ultimate, I had no idea that there was a league in Korea! I’ve got a few friends who really love their frisbees, so I’ll be sure to pass this information along to them in case they weren’t aware.
It really is a great way to get out get some exercise, meet people, and have a good time!
I think I want to try this out!