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영어

This study, which was conducted to examine the introduction and development of squash in Korea, found important facts in the 20 years’ Korean history of squash, and they are summarized as follows. First, squash courts were built mainly in Seoul and particularly at large‐size hotels visited by foreigners and businessmen who travelled overseas frequently and high‐class sports centers operated under the membership system. Second, the Korean Squash Federation was first founded as Korean Squash Ball Association at the convention hall of the Country Tennis Club at Yangjae‐dong, Seoul on May 24, 1989. Third, in the Korean history of squash, KBS 88 Gymnasium, Seoul Squash Club, and Incheon Espa Sports Center played a decisive role in expanding the squash population. Fourth, as squash courts were excluded from the Act on the Management of Sports Facility Business, many non‐standardized courts were built, and excessive commercialization damaged the public image of squash. However, squash was reestablished as a sport event through the 2002 Busan Asian Games. Fifth, the success of the 2002 Busan Asian Games raised the international status of Korean Squash. Since then, Korean squash has won prizes at several international games and has been playing a central role in the Asian Squash Federation. Sixth, since squash was adopted as an official event in the 86th National Sports Meet and adult men’s and women’s team competitions were held in the 91st National Sports Meet, it has been settled as an event for elite sport and school physical education. Lastly, 2012 World Junior Men’s and Women’s Squash Competition is to be held in Korea as the first international squash competition in Korea, and this event is expected to be another turning point for the activation of squash in Korea.