Dream of fame at the School of Go in Seoul

Mastery of the ancient game can lead to fame and riches for those who can withstand the crushing pressure

For the past two years, 12-year-old Cho Sung-Bin has spent nearly all his waking hours focused on a wooden board covered with black and white stones, honing the skills he hopes to translate into a lucrative career as a professional Go player.

"It's fun. I never get tired," says Cho, one of dozens of preteens sitting at rows of desks topped with playing boards at the Lee Se-Dol School of Go in central Seoul.