The POSTECH Rowing Team achieved unprecedented results in various rowing competitions this year, including the 2025 Jangbogo Rowing Competition and the 20th University Rowing Competition. At the Jangbogo Rowing Competition, POSTECH won first place in the women’s eight (8+), men’s four (4+), women’s four (4+), second place in the men’s eight (8+), and third place in the women’s indoor rowing and mixed four (4+). At the University Rowing Competition, POSTECH won first place in the men’s four (4+) and women’s four (4+).

POSTECH established its rowing team in 2016 as a student organization under the President. Rowing, unlike other sports like canoeing or kayaking, faces backward, away from its direction. Four and eight mean the number of players, and “+” refers to the “coxswain” who steers the boat and gives commands.

The Postech Times interviewed student players Giung Kim (SEMI 24), Seongmin Lee (LIFE 23), Dain Son (ME 24), and the team coach, Yoonseop Seo, to cover the surroundings of recent success.

Interview with POSTECH Rowing Team players.

Could you introduce the appeal of rowing to students who are not familiar with it?

Rowing is a sport of prestigious universities, and has a high barrier to entry. It was a precious opportunity to start rowing at POSTECH and it has given me the unique thrill of unity in a team sport. There is a great dynamic that comes from using only human power to move a huge boat.

Isn’t it hard to carry out the training schedule during the semester?

During the summer training camp, training started around 5 A.M. The water training takes about two hours at Hyeongsan River. The afternoon training includes indoor workouts at the gym, such as circuit training and rowing machine sessions. This semester, especially, the competition date was early, so we had to prepare before the spring semester ended. It was hard to take lectures after the morning training, but it was also worth it.

What do you think was the biggest winning factor for 2025?

I really appreciate our advisor for the guidance. Other universities have many students who do sports professionally or as a major, but our university doesn’t. So our strategy was fully focused on teamwork. Physical ability is important in sports, but in rowing, coordination and teamwork are critical. Appropriate guidance is what led us to glorious achievement!

Interview with POSTECH Rowing Team coach.

What is the current size of the POSTECH Rowing Team? Is there any external support?

There are 50 members in total, with 34 participating in the University Rowing Competition this year. There is one full-time coach and support from the POSTECH Sports Support Center. The center provides mental and material support, including uniforms and training, and facilities for on-water practice. This support allows us to focus on training.

Are there any things that you expect for the rowing team?

Next year will be the 10th anniversary of the rowing team and the 40th anniversary of POSTECH. I hope there will be a competition where both alumni and current members can compete together. Also, as many other universities’ members train for long years, I expect our students to continue their training in their second and third years. I hope they can have fun and improve their health with sports.

Players expressed their strong ambition to win the overall championship in the next University Rowing Competition. In anticipation of the continued efforts by the players and coach to elevate POSTECH’s prestige, it is hoped that greater support will accompany their journey.

 

Reporter Baek Seon-been

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