This study aims to identify the prevalence and patterns of sports injuries in recreational sports activities in South Korea. This study utilized data from the “survey of safety accidents” conducted by the Korea Sports Safety Foundation and finally, 3182 recreational sports participants who experienced injuries were selected for the study. For data processing, data related to recreational sports injuries were first collected and organized using Excel 2015, and frequency analysis was conducted using the SPSS 25.0 program. Furthermore, the association rule method was applied via Python 3.13.3 to analyze the patterns of injury sites and types. First, by investigating the prevalence of injuries in recreational sports, it was found that the injury frequency was highest in soccer, followed by cycling, hiking, and badminton. Second, in soccer, it was found that when ankle injuries, which have a high injury frequency, occur, knee, toe, and sprain injuries also occur together (Lift: 1.843). Additionally, in cycling, when knee injuries occur, toe, sprain, and strain (bruise) injuries also occur together (Lift: 2.420). In mountain biking, when ankle injuries, which have a high injury frequency, occur, cuts, sprains, stab wounds (cuts), sprains, and strains (bruises) also occur together (Lift: 1.808). The current survey on recreational sports injuries is expected to be used as basic data to prevent injuries in advance for participants in recreational sports, and it is expected that this will allow them to participate in sports by recognizing common injury sites before participating in sports.

Introduction: As a traditional martial art, Taekwondo’s modern identity as a leisure activity for adults is increasingly contested, particularly in its country of origin. This study investigates this phenomenon by examining the motivational structure that underpins adult participation. Methods: Focusing on the relationships between participation motivation, leisure satisfaction, and continuance intention, data from 233 adult practitioners in South Korea, consisting primarily of young male students, were analysed using a structural equation model (SEM). Results: The findings reveal a significant shift in leisure values. It is observed that traditional motivations such as ‘self-development’ and ‘family’ orientation were excluded during the measurement validation phase, which may indicate a reweighting of motivational structures or potential measurement adequacy issues within this specific cohort. Instead, while health and social motivations remain relevant, entertainment orientation emerges as the primary driver for both satisfaction and continued participation. Discussion: This result challenges the conventional understanding of discipline-focused activities within leisure studies, suggesting that the pursuit of fun and enjoyment is becoming a central tenet even in traditional practices. The findings suggest the possibility that prioritizing experiential and hedonic aspects may be necessary to ensure the sustained relevance of such activities among specific demographics, such as young adult practitioners.