Korea Maritime and Ocean University(KMOU) held the '1st Friendly Rowing Match between KMOU and Pukyong National University(PKNU)” at Aulue Garden of the APEC Naru Park (located opposite side of Busan Cinema Center at 10:00 am on June 9, 2018.  

This competition, hosted by KMOU, was arranged to enhance students' spirit of challenging and teamwork through developmental competition and cooperation between Korea’s two leading universities in the field of maritime and fisheries. The event was attended by about 600 people including players, faculty members and visitors from the both universities. In particular, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Kim Young-choon and many other leaders of maritime and fisheries related organizations, adding much more significance to the event.

In his congratulatory speech, Minister Kim Young-choon said, "The rowing competition between the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge on River Thames in the U.K. as well as the competition between Harvard and Yale University in the U.S. have long been practiced and encouraged the spirit of maritime challenge in many young people” and added, "This rowing event, which was heated by passion and enthusiasm of KMOU and PKNU students will become as successful as the competitions in the U.K. and the U.S., being popular not only in Busan but across the country and the Ministry will support to boost marine tourism and leisure activities.

A total of 14 teams competed including 2 Eight rowing(9 persons including cox on board) teams, one from each university and 12 Coxed Four teams including men’s, women’s and mixed teams from the both universities.

During the event, land rowing competitions were also held participated by the presidents, faculties, and students of both universities using an ercometer (also known as a rowing machine). Citizens who visited the event were allowed to join the land rowing activities through site registration, which formed an enjoyable field of festival.

KMOU teams of faculty, student leaders, and students won the championship of land rowing and the KMOU team won the Eight competition. In the Coxed four competitions, men’s, women’s and mixed team won the championship. PKNU ranked 3rd in men, 2nd in women, and 3rd in mixed team in the Coxed four competitions.

President Park Han-il said, "Whether or not they won the compeitions, the two universities experienced a wonderful competition in harmony and goodwill." The two universities will develop a continuous collaboration so that they can boost the pride among students of the two universities and among the local people.”