South Korea sees growing sports enthusiasm -- boosted by women

GWANGJU, South Korea -- South Korea is in the midst of a surge in sports interest, ranging from traditional mainstays like professional baseball and soccer to newer physical activities such as the futsal -- with female participation driving much of the increase.

Attendance records for mainstays such as baseball and soccer have surged, while the popularity of TV shows about sports has provided a tailwind for participation, particularly for futsal, a miniaturized version of soccer with five players on each side.