2013 Belgium Go

Seung-hee Hong 7D from Belgium

Lee, Semi / 2014-02-02

Belgique in French, known as being part of Benelux (economic association between three countries: Belgium in the south, Netherlands in the north, Luxembourg in the south-east) and is also called the heart of Europe. In addition, Belgium is well known for chocolate, more than 1,000 kinds of beers, Carpet and Diamond. Beer and Go are inseparable in Belgium, we can find them together in Go club easily. Most people think that Belgium is well known for its chocolate but actually beer is more popular than chocolate in here. There are More than 1000 beers and some are very soft and sweet for women. Every Go club is operating in cafe, that's why we can see players with beers on the table. This is very interesting thing in Belgium Go club. Presently in Belgium, around 200 Go players are playing in 11 Belgian Go clubs The Federation organizes tournaments regularly. In 1991, Belgium Go Federation had the great honor and heavy responsibility to organize the European Congress. But now population of Go player stagnated. I think there are more than 240 members in Belgium but most of them are not active. Federation has Go tournament but, doesn't organize regular lessons for its members. Unfortunately Belgium doesn't have Go Mas-ter. If someone was teaching Go regularly in Belgium then there would be many strong players like in the Netherlands and Germany. Fortunately, this year (2013) Go player has good chance to have review lesson with two women Go professional who came from south Korea. Because Korean Go Federation dispatch 2 persons to give a lesson in Belgium. Lee young sin 5dan pro and Yoon young min 3dan pro came to Belgium for Brussels Go tournament.  They gave us a good lesson and simultaneous game with Belgian Go player in Leven. <Two professional gave a lesson and simultaneous game> <2013 Bruxelles Go tournament> I hope that we will have a good chance every year with professional Go player like this year and last year. This opportunity is really important for Belgian Go player. One day, Belgian Go player can play top Go tournament as equal position like Korean. I want to recommend to all Go players about Belgium. If someone just starts learning Go game and likes special tastes, they should come to Belgium, participate to Go tournament and take one glass of beer. Belgium is a small but strong country.  Belgian go players have a passion about Go. If someone comes here for visit, he can be sure to find pleasure in Belgium Go! Come to Belgium!