Distinguished guests,
Players and executives from home and aborad.

I would like to express my warmest welcome to all of you.

As you all may know, Korea Amateur Baduk Association, KABA, has represented Korean amateur Baduk circles since its inception on November 24, 2005. On May 16, 2006, KABA became an official member of Korean Sports Association, which heralded a sport-Baduk era.

Today's tournament signals an outset of Korean Baduk as a sport. Here we all are witnessing a historical moment of Korean Baduk.

For this tournament, players from 70 countries on five continents have been invited. Despite differences in our languages and cultures, we are united as one with the common denominator, baduk. For this reason, this venue can be said, "a little global village without borders."

Jeonju City, Jeolla North Province where we are holding this tournament has been considered "Mecca of Baduk", a city of cherishing the traditional origin of Baduk. Jeonju City is also the hometown of Chang Ho LEE, and is one of Korea's most famous art and culture cities.

I sincerely hope that during this Baduk tournament, all participants have friendly manuel talks and players do their best for the good results.

Lastly, I very much appreciate the unwaivering supports from Prime Minister Myong Suk HAN, Minister Myong Gon KIM of Culture and Tourism, Mayor Ha Jin SONG of Jeonju City and all supporters.