• Kukkiwon Begins Orientation Education for Masters in‘2021 Taekwondo Propagation Project for Foreigners in Korea’

  South Korea (World-News7) - Kukkiwon conducted the orientation education for ‘Masters appointed for 2021 Taekwondo Propagation Project for foreigners in Korea’ (hereinafter referred as to the Masters) who were appointed as an effort to popularize Taekwondo to foreigners residing in Korea. The education was held at Taekwondowon (Muju) for two days from Friday, April 2 to Saturday, April 3 with the Kukkiwon executives, employees, and the Masters. The Masters consists of 41 members, including 23 Taekwondo masters from the United States Forces Korea and 18 Taekwondo masters from university Korean language institutes and foreigner support organizations, who were appointed through an open recruiting. Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST), the Taekwondo Propagation Project for Foreigners in Korea aims to popularize Taekwondo, one of the representative cultural contents of Korea, to military members of the United States Forces Korea as well as foreign students and workers. The education has focused on teaching Taekwondo practices (basic movements, Poomsae, self-defense, Taekwondo terminology, etc.) to give training properly and also conducted sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention training as well as administration training. Kukkiwon has been providing the education annually aiming to improve masters’ qualifications and competence and to seek out ways to improve the project. At the closing ceremony of the education, Kukkiwon President Lee Dong-sup said, “Taekwondo has been recognized and beloved in the international community since it highlights to build one’s character as gentle and mild-tempered”. Also, he made an earnest request, saying “Please join our efforts with pride in popularizing the martial art Taekwondo so that Kukkiwon can leap once again”. Considering the availability of practitioners, the Masters have provided training to the members of the United States Forces Korea (16-20 times/month) and students of university Korean language institutes and applicants from foreigner support organizations (8-12 times/month). Currently, due to novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Masters offer training videos for contact-free as well as in-person training at the same time.

• Kukkiwon declared the Beginning of the 2nd Innovation∼Presenting 3 Strategies and 6 Key Tasks

  ‘Innovation Declaration Ceremony of Kukkiwon (hereinafter referred to as the “Ceremony”)’ was held at Kukkiwon Central Training Center (Gymnasium) at 2PM, Saturday, May 1, with around 70 attendees: former and incumbent executives of Kukkiwon including Chairman of the Board Jeon Kab-kil and President Lee Dong-sup; presidents of Taekwondo organizations including Chungwon Choue, President of World Taekwondo (WT) and Jang Yang-kap, the Acting Chairman of the Board of Taekwondo Promotion Foundation, Myeong Jae-seon, a member of the National Assembly Taekwondo Federation, RYU Seung Min, a member of IOC Athlete's Commission; Taekwondo community members including senior members of Taekwondo community and Presidents of National Metropolitan Taekwondo Association; members of Korean sports community; and key figures including former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, Kim Do-sik, Vice-Mayor for Political Affairs, Gangnam-gu Mayor Jeong Sun-gyun, Park Yong-cheol, Officer of Sports Cooperation Bureau of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), Kwaak YoungHoon, Founder/President of World Citizens Organization, and Pavel S. LESHAKOV, Counselor of The Embassy of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Korea. The Ceremony was held in two parts. The first part was delivered in the order of watching commemorating video clips, opening remarks, congratulatory remarks, report of the vision of the 2nd establishment of Kukkiwon, congratulatory performance for innovation declaration of Kukkiwon, and congratulatory performance by Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team. In the second part, delivery of donations, award of appreciation, achievement plaques, flag raising, and taking commemorative photos took place in order. In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Board Jeon Kab-kil expressed commitment saying “As Kukkiwon marks 50th anniversary in the next year of 2022, Kukkiwon needs to establish the common policy and vision that run through ever-changing times. Otherwise, it will no longer serve as World Taekwondo Headquarters nor maintain the status for the next five decades. Based on the visions and strategies of the 2nd establishment that Kukkiwon declares today, tit will reform itself into a true World Taekwondo Headquarters that bring the global Taekwondo community together. With heavy responsibilities and myself and executives and employees of Kukkiwon will propel full force to usher in the brighter future of Taekwondo while fully satisfying your expectations.” Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun gave congratulatory remarks. He said, “I sincerely congratulate the opening of Innovation Declaration Ceremony of Kukkiwon. It seems that Kukkiwon has very old and outdated facilities considering the status of Taekwondo as the national sport. I hope that there is a system to renovate the facility. I promise you to provide support. Also, next year marks the 50th anniversary of Kukkiwon. I believe that fruitful results will be achieved by the next year when leadership of Chairman of the Board Jeon Kab-kil and President of Kukkiwon Lee Dong-sup meets solidarity and cooperation of the Taekwondo community. I wish every one of Taekwondo community members to join forces thinking that you are the history-maker of Taekwondo. Along that way, I will join the effort.” The congratulatory remarks were followed by Chungwon Choue, President of World Taekwondo (WT), Kim Do-sik, Vice-Mayor for Political Affairs, and Jang Yang-kap, the Acting Chairman of the Board of Taekwondo Promotion Foundation. After remarks, President Lee Dong-sup delivered a report of the vision of “Reformation of World Taekwondo Headquarters Kukkiwon through the 2nd Establishment” and presented goals including △elevating the status of Kukkiwon, △strengthening the expertise of Kukkiwon, △defining the identity of Kukkiwon along with three strategies and six key tasks. He put forward the purpose of the new vision and strategy saying “Although Kukkiwon had aimed to be World Taekwondo Headquarters, there were no local hubs in member countries, no internal transformation, little effort to reestablish the training system centering on Taekwondo dojangs and improve the framework. On top of that, facilities are old and outdated. As Kukkiwon will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, Kukkiwon will focus on complying with the existing principles while pushing forward new policies and businesses. Our efforts may fail sometimes. However, we will remain unwavering and make every step count. Kukkiwon will rebuild independence and secure business viability. To that end, Kukkiwon is committed to lay the foundation for the next five decades.” The three strategies and six key tasks presented by Kukkiwon include △Global Kukkiwon ―Kukkiwon Global Committee, Kukkiwon local office and division, △Transforming Kukkiwon ― Make Kukkiwon as an attractive destination, internal transformation to become a truly global organization, △Cooperating Kukkiwon ― reestablish the training system centering on Taekwondo dojangs, improve the framework for global Taekwondo dojangs. Looking into key tasks deeper, Kukkiwon plans to organize KUKKIWON Global Committee with the presidents of Taekwondo associations of each country to be an ex-officio committee member and create a cooperation network. Also, Kukkiwon is going to launch local office and division of Kukkiwon in countries where Poom and Dan Certificates can be given in order to implement its business and enhance competitiveness. To transform Kukkiwon featuring old and outdated facilities into a famous destination for Taekwondo and a tourism product aligned with local tourist attractions and cultural space for the everyday lives of local community residents, Kukkiwon will push forward creating Taekwondo theme park and transforming kukkiwon into an attractive tourist destination. Moreover, to become a globally networking organization, Kukkiwon will drive internal transformation by reshuffling the organizational structure to support practical framework. In detail, action plans to establish the training system centering on Taekwondo dojangs are: visualizing information from academic research on Taekwondo, defining and developing the identity of Kukkiwon sparring, establishing the principle and system of Taekwondo techniques. At the same time, Kukkiwon will develop Kukkiwon Taekwondo Standard Training Curriculum; Taekwondo dojangs' emblem; a new training curriculum for instructors, and textbooks. Also, it will develop a contact/non-contact evaluation system, study on Kukkiwon standard assessment ceremony, support Taekwondo dojangs with the advanced technology. Since elected through the Kukkiwon presidential by-election held on January 28, Kukkiwon President Lee Dong-sup has constantly emphasized the need for a ‘100 day project’ for the reformation of Kukkiwon. To that end, Kukkiwon organized specialized TFs including △ Kukkiwon 2nd Establishment TF Promotion Team (Head of the TF: Ahn Yong Kyu, President of Korea National Sports University, Joint heads: Choe Man-sik, former deputy director-general of World Taekwondo (WT), Kim Jung-heon, director-general of World Taekwondo Asia; △Kukkiwon 2nd Establishment System Restructuring TF (Head of the TF: Lee Sun-jang, the Professor at Keimyung University); and △Kukkiwon 2nd Establishment Saving Taekwondo Dojang TF (Head of the TF: Im Mi-Hwa, Director of Kukkiwon). The strategies and key tasks are arranged based on the final report proposed by the specialized TFs and had been revised and complemented. Following the report, the performance was played to congratulate the innovation declaration of Kukkiwon. When 16 key guests including the former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun went up to the stage and pressed a control button prepared in advance, magnificent spotlights illuminated the ceremony hall, livening up the atmosphere. Also, Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team presented a congratulatory performance based on the programme that won the second-place prize at ‘The World’s Best’ aired on CBS, the US media, in 2019 and received great responses. The performance was the last event of the first part of the Ceremony. The flag-raising ceremony, the second part of the Ceremony, began after participants moved to the west gate of Kukkiwon following Chwitadae (marching band) playing Daechwita (military band music). The flag-raising ceremony was prepared to bring together cherished support of the global Taekwondo family and enhance the pride of Taekwondo family members from 202 countries who have acquired Taekwondo Poom and Dan Certificates through the evaluation conducted by Kukkiwon. Also, the Ceremony implies a will to strengthen core values inwardly and outwardly by putting capabilities together and to expand the business by venturing into the whole globe of the five oceans and six continents. To raise the flag, five representing Taekwondo practitioners ― Master Kim Myeong-gwan (born in 1949) who have overcome visual impairment and acquired 9th Dan, the highest level, a young boy and girl practitioners from UK and Mexico, and two male and female members of Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team ― delivered flags to the key guests of the Ceremony. When the national anthem is played, the key guests pulled the string connected to the flag pole and the national flag of Korea, the Olympic flag, the flag of Kukkiwon, the flag of World Taekwondo, and the flag of Korea Taekwondo Association were hoisted side by side. After the flag-raising ceremony, the guests walked around the flag platform to take photos and ruminate over the meaning of the ceremony. In addition, generous donations for building the flag platform were delivered by the representing donor and appreciation achievement plaques were awarded to those who made significant contributions for the development of Taekwondo. Concerning the spread of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Kukkiwon held the Ceremony with the minimum number of participants, following the government’s guidance on infection prevention.

• Kukkiwon Begins Orientation Education for Masters in‘2021 Taekwondo Propagation Project for Foreigners in Korea’

  South Korea (World-News7) - Kukkiwon conducted the orientation education for ‘Masters appointed for 2021 Taekwondo Propagation Project for foreigners in Korea’ (hereinafter referred as to the Masters) who were appointed as an effort to popularize Taekwondo to foreigners residing in Korea. The education was held at Taekwondowon (Muju) for two days from Friday, April 2 to Saturday, April 3 with the Kukkiwon executives, employees, and the Masters. The Masters consists of 41 members, including 23 Taekwondo masters from the United States Forces Korea and 18 Taekwondo masters from university Korean language institutes and foreigner support organizations, who were appointed through an open recruiting. Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST), the Taekwondo Propagation Project for Foreigners in Korea aims to popularize Taekwondo, one of the representative cultural contents of Korea, to military members of the United States Forces Korea as well as foreign students and workers. The education has focused on teaching Taekwondo practices (basic movements, Poomsae, self-defense, Taekwondo terminology, etc.) to give training properly and also conducted sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention training as well as administration training. Kukkiwon has been providing the education annually aiming to improve masters’ qualifications and competence and to seek out ways to improve the project. At the closing ceremony of the education, Kukkiwon President Lee Dong-sup said, “Taekwondo has been recognized and beloved in the international community since it highlights to build one’s character as gentle and mild-tempered”. Also, he made an earnest request, saying “Please join our efforts with pride in popularizing the martial art Taekwondo so that Kukkiwon can leap once again”. Considering the availability of practitioners, the Masters have provided training to the members of the United States Forces Korea (16-20 times/month) and students of university Korean language institutes and applicants from foreigner support organizations (8-12 times/month). Currently, due to novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Masters offer training videos for contact-free as well as in-person training at the same time.

  • SPORTS
  • 태권도

  2021-05-18

• Kukkiwon declared the Beginning of the 2nd Innovation∼Presenting 3 Strategies and 6 Key Tasks

  ‘Innovation Declaration Ceremony of Kukkiwon (hereinafter referred to as the “Ceremony”)’ was held at Kukkiwon Central Training Center (Gymnasium) at 2PM, Saturday, May 1, with around 70 attendees: former and incumbent executives of Kukkiwon including Chairman of the Board Jeon Kab-kil and President Lee Dong-sup; presidents of Taekwondo organizations including Chungwon Choue, President of World Taekwondo (WT) and Jang Yang-kap, the Acting Chairman of the Board of Taekwondo Promotion Foundation, Myeong Jae-seon, a member of the National Assembly Taekwondo Federation, RYU Seung Min, a member of IOC Athlete's Commission; Taekwondo community members including senior members of Taekwondo community and Presidents of National Metropolitan Taekwondo Association; members of Korean sports community; and key figures including former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, Kim Do-sik, Vice-Mayor for Political Affairs, Gangnam-gu Mayor Jeong Sun-gyun, Park Yong-cheol, Officer of Sports Cooperation Bureau of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), Kwaak YoungHoon, Founder/President of World Citizens Organization, and Pavel S. LESHAKOV, Counselor of The Embassy of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Korea. The Ceremony was held in two parts. The first part was delivered in the order of watching commemorating video clips, opening remarks, congratulatory remarks, report of the vision of the 2nd establishment of Kukkiwon, congratulatory performance for innovation declaration of Kukkiwon, and congratulatory performance by Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team. In the second part, delivery of donations, award of appreciation, achievement plaques, flag raising, and taking commemorative photos took place in order. In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Board Jeon Kab-kil expressed commitment saying “As Kukkiwon marks 50th anniversary in the next year of 2022, Kukkiwon needs to establish the common policy and vision that run through ever-changing times. Otherwise, it will no longer serve as World Taekwondo Headquarters nor maintain the status for the next five decades. Based on the visions and strategies of the 2nd establishment that Kukkiwon declares today, tit will reform itself into a true World Taekwondo Headquarters that bring the global Taekwondo community together. With heavy responsibilities and myself and executives and employees of Kukkiwon will propel full force to usher in the brighter future of Taekwondo while fully satisfying your expectations.” Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun gave congratulatory remarks. He said, “I sincerely congratulate the opening of Innovation Declaration Ceremony of Kukkiwon. It seems that Kukkiwon has very old and outdated facilities considering the status of Taekwondo as the national sport. I hope that there is a system to renovate the facility. I promise you to provide support. Also, next year marks the 50th anniversary of Kukkiwon. I believe that fruitful results will be achieved by the next year when leadership of Chairman of the Board Jeon Kab-kil and President of Kukkiwon Lee Dong-sup meets solidarity and cooperation of the Taekwondo community. I wish every one of Taekwondo community members to join forces thinking that you are the history-maker of Taekwondo. Along that way, I will join the effort.” The congratulatory remarks were followed by Chungwon Choue, President of World Taekwondo (WT), Kim Do-sik, Vice-Mayor for Political Affairs, and Jang Yang-kap, the Acting Chairman of the Board of Taekwondo Promotion Foundation. After remarks, President Lee Dong-sup delivered a report of the vision of “Reformation of World Taekwondo Headquarters Kukkiwon through the 2nd Establishment” and presented goals including △elevating the status of Kukkiwon, △strengthening the expertise of Kukkiwon, △defining the identity of Kukkiwon along with three strategies and six key tasks. He put forward the purpose of the new vision and strategy saying “Although Kukkiwon had aimed to be World Taekwondo Headquarters, there were no local hubs in member countries, no internal transformation, little effort to reestablish the training system centering on Taekwondo dojangs and improve the framework. On top of that, facilities are old and outdated. As Kukkiwon will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, Kukkiwon will focus on complying with the existing principles while pushing forward new policies and businesses. Our efforts may fail sometimes. However, we will remain unwavering and make every step count. Kukkiwon will rebuild independence and secure business viability. To that end, Kukkiwon is committed to lay the foundation for the next five decades.” The three strategies and six key tasks presented by Kukkiwon include △Global Kukkiwon ―Kukkiwon Global Committee, Kukkiwon local office and division, △Transforming Kukkiwon ― Make Kukkiwon as an attractive destination, internal transformation to become a truly global organization, △Cooperating Kukkiwon ― reestablish the training system centering on Taekwondo dojangs, improve the framework for global Taekwondo dojangs. Looking into key tasks deeper, Kukkiwon plans to organize KUKKIWON Global Committee with the presidents of Taekwondo associations of each country to be an ex-officio committee member and create a cooperation network. Also, Kukkiwon is going to launch local office and division of Kukkiwon in countries where Poom and Dan Certificates can be given in order to implement its business and enhance competitiveness. To transform Kukkiwon featuring old and outdated facilities into a famous destination for Taekwondo and a tourism product aligned with local tourist attractions and cultural space for the everyday lives of local community residents, Kukkiwon will push forward creating Taekwondo theme park and transforming kukkiwon into an attractive tourist destination. Moreover, to become a globally networking organization, Kukkiwon will drive internal transformation by reshuffling the organizational structure to support practical framework. In detail, action plans to establish the training system centering on Taekwondo dojangs are: visualizing information from academic research on Taekwondo, defining and developing the identity of Kukkiwon sparring, establishing the principle and system of Taekwondo techniques. At the same time, Kukkiwon will develop Kukkiwon Taekwondo Standard Training Curriculum; Taekwondo dojangs' emblem; a new training curriculum for instructors, and textbooks. Also, it will develop a contact/non-contact evaluation system, study on Kukkiwon standard assessment ceremony, support Taekwondo dojangs with the advanced technology. Since elected through the Kukkiwon presidential by-election held on January 28, Kukkiwon President Lee Dong-sup has constantly emphasized the need for a ‘100 day project’ for the reformation of Kukkiwon. To that end, Kukkiwon organized specialized TFs including △ Kukkiwon 2nd Establishment TF Promotion Team (Head of the TF: Ahn Yong Kyu, President of Korea National Sports University, Joint heads: Choe Man-sik, former deputy director-general of World Taekwondo (WT), Kim Jung-heon, director-general of World Taekwondo Asia; △Kukkiwon 2nd Establishment System Restructuring TF (Head of the TF: Lee Sun-jang, the Professor at Keimyung University); and △Kukkiwon 2nd Establishment Saving Taekwondo Dojang TF (Head of the TF: Im Mi-Hwa, Director of Kukkiwon). The strategies and key tasks are arranged based on the final report proposed by the specialized TFs and had been revised and complemented. Following the report, the performance was played to congratulate the innovation declaration of Kukkiwon. When 16 key guests including the former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun went up to the stage and pressed a control button prepared in advance, magnificent spotlights illuminated the ceremony hall, livening up the atmosphere. Also, Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team presented a congratulatory performance based on the programme that won the second-place prize at ‘The World’s Best’ aired on CBS, the US media, in 2019 and received great responses. The performance was the last event of the first part of the Ceremony. The flag-raising ceremony, the second part of the Ceremony, began after participants moved to the west gate of Kukkiwon following Chwitadae (marching band) playing Daechwita (military band music). The flag-raising ceremony was prepared to bring together cherished support of the global Taekwondo family and enhance the pride of Taekwondo family members from 202 countries who have acquired Taekwondo Poom and Dan Certificates through the evaluation conducted by Kukkiwon. Also, the Ceremony implies a will to strengthen core values inwardly and outwardly by putting capabilities together and to expand the business by venturing into the whole globe of the five oceans and six continents. To raise the flag, five representing Taekwondo practitioners ― Master Kim Myeong-gwan (born in 1949) who have overcome visual impairment and acquired 9th Dan, the highest level, a young boy and girl practitioners from UK and Mexico, and two male and female members of Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team ― delivered flags to the key guests of the Ceremony. When the national anthem is played, the key guests pulled the string connected to the flag pole and the national flag of Korea, the Olympic flag, the flag of Kukkiwon, the flag of World Taekwondo, and the flag of Korea Taekwondo Association were hoisted side by side. After the flag-raising ceremony, the guests walked around the flag platform to take photos and ruminate over the meaning of the ceremony. In addition, generous donations for building the flag platform were delivered by the representing donor and appreciation achievement plaques were awarded to those who made significant contributions for the development of Taekwondo. Concerning the spread of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Kukkiwon held the Ceremony with the minimum number of participants, following the government’s guidance on infection prevention.

  • SPORTS
  • 태권도

  2021-05-18

실시간 태권도 기사

• Kukkiwon to Hold Online Event for‘Announcement for Kukkiwon Branch & Representative Office’

  Kukkiwon will hold an online event to present ‘Announcement for Kukkiwon Branch & Representative Office (hereinafter referred to as the ’Announcement’). The Announcement will be live-streamed on Kukkiwon YouTube (www.youtube.com/user/kukkiwonpr) at 9AM on Monday, August 23. Due to the prolonged novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Kukkiwon is going to hold the Announcement in a way of releasing pre-recorded videos via SNS (social networking service). For global Taekwondo families from 202 countries who obtained Poom and Dan certificates, Kukkiwon has served a pivotal role in banding them together. To expand the boundaries of the organization overseas, Kukkiwon is pushing forward by establishing overseas branches and representative offices. In particular, in May, Kukkiwon President Lee Dong-sup unveiled the institution’s vision of ‘Reformation of World Taekwondo Headquarters Kukkiwon through the 2nd Innovation’ and expressed ambitious goals of organizing Kukkiwon hubs across the world. The Announcement will include the purpose of establishing overseas branches and representative offices, businesses, target countries, a notice of tender, etc. In detail, overseas branches and representative offices of Kukkiwon will be tasked with conducting the following five businesses: △Expanding KMS (Kukkiwon Membership System) dojangs, △Hosting training courses including Taekwondo Masters Course, △Carrying out Kukkiwon examination, △Hosting Taekwondo contest and events, and △Dealing with complaints from the examination and administrative works. Considering organizational power, potential for expansion, and finance of partners of each country, Kukkiwon will proceed with the tendering process and select optimal local Taekwondo Association or Taekwondo organization (corporation) as preferred bidders.

  • SPORTS
  • 태권도

  2021-08-27

• Kukkiwon President Lee Dong-sup will be appearing on a TV program, ‘MBN Saturday Focus’.

  Every Saturday, ‘MBN Saturday Focus’ invites influential Korean leaders to listen to their true stories and secrets of success. Many renowned figures who are actively contributing to various fields have appeared on the program including Lee Nak-yeon, the former Prime Minister, Park Yang-woo, Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Park Young-sun, the former Minister of the SMEs and Startups, Hee Yeon Cho, Governor of Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, Kim Seung-ho, Chairman of Boryung Pharmaceutical, Choe Gyu-bok, President of Yuhan-Kimberly. On the program, President Lee will present his thoughts on various topics such as feelings as being elected as the president of Kukkiwon, stories behind the official designation of Taekwondo as the national sport, and opinions to enhance the status of Kukkiwon and Taekwondo.

  • SPORTS
  • 태권도

  2021-06-17

• Kukkiwon Begins Orientation Education for Masters in‘2021 Taekwondo Propagation Project for Foreigners in Korea’

  South Korea (World-News7) - Kukkiwon conducted the orientation education for ‘Masters appointed for 2021 Taekwondo Propagation Project for foreigners in Korea’ (hereinafter referred as to the Masters) who were appointed as an effort to popularize Taekwondo to foreigners residing in Korea. The education was held at Taekwondowon (Muju) for two days from Friday, April 2 to Saturday, April 3 with the Kukkiwon executives, employees, and the Masters. The Masters consists of 41 members, including 23 Taekwondo masters from the United States Forces Korea and 18 Taekwondo masters from university Korean language institutes and foreigner support organizations, who were appointed through an open recruiting. Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST), the Taekwondo Propagation Project for Foreigners in Korea aims to popularize Taekwondo, one of the representative cultural contents of Korea, to military members of the United States Forces Korea as well as foreign students and workers. The education has focused on teaching Taekwondo practices (basic movements, Poomsae, self-defense, Taekwondo terminology, etc.) to give training properly and also conducted sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention training as well as administration training. Kukkiwon has been providing the education annually aiming to improve masters’ qualifications and competence and to seek out ways to improve the project. At the closing ceremony of the education, Kukkiwon President Lee Dong-sup said, “Taekwondo has been recognized and beloved in the international community since it highlights to build one’s character as gentle and mild-tempered”. Also, he made an earnest request, saying “Please join our efforts with pride in popularizing the martial art Taekwondo so that Kukkiwon can leap once again”. Considering the availability of practitioners, the Masters have provided training to the members of the United States Forces Korea (16-20 times/month) and students of university Korean language institutes and applicants from foreigner support organizations (8-12 times/month). Currently, due to novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Masters offer training videos for contact-free as well as in-person training at the same time.

  • SPORTS
  • 태권도

  2021-05-18

• Kukkiwon declared the Beginning of the 2nd Innovation∼Presenting 3 Strategies and 6 Key Tasks

  ‘Innovation Declaration Ceremony of Kukkiwon (hereinafter referred to as the “Ceremony”)’ was held at Kukkiwon Central Training Center (Gymnasium) at 2PM, Saturday, May 1, with around 70 attendees: former and incumbent executives of Kukkiwon including Chairman of the Board Jeon Kab-kil and President Lee Dong-sup; presidents of Taekwondo organizations including Chungwon Choue, President of World Taekwondo (WT) and Jang Yang-kap, the Acting Chairman of the Board of Taekwondo Promotion Foundation, Myeong Jae-seon, a member of the National Assembly Taekwondo Federation, RYU Seung Min, a member of IOC Athlete's Commission; Taekwondo community members including senior members of Taekwondo community and Presidents of National Metropolitan Taekwondo Association; members of Korean sports community; and key figures including former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, Kim Do-sik, Vice-Mayor for Political Affairs, Gangnam-gu Mayor Jeong Sun-gyun, Park Yong-cheol, Officer of Sports Cooperation Bureau of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), Kwaak YoungHoon, Founder/President of World Citizens Organization, and Pavel S. LESHAKOV, Counselor of The Embassy of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Korea. The Ceremony was held in two parts. The first part was delivered in the order of watching commemorating video clips, opening remarks, congratulatory remarks, report of the vision of the 2nd establishment of Kukkiwon, congratulatory performance for innovation declaration of Kukkiwon, and congratulatory performance by Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team. In the second part, delivery of donations, award of appreciation, achievement plaques, flag raising, and taking commemorative photos took place in order. In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Board Jeon Kab-kil expressed commitment saying “As Kukkiwon marks 50th anniversary in the next year of 2022, Kukkiwon needs to establish the common policy and vision that run through ever-changing times. Otherwise, it will no longer serve as World Taekwondo Headquarters nor maintain the status for the next five decades. Based on the visions and strategies of the 2nd establishment that Kukkiwon declares today, tit will reform itself into a true World Taekwondo Headquarters that bring the global Taekwondo community together. With heavy responsibilities and myself and executives and employees of Kukkiwon will propel full force to usher in the brighter future of Taekwondo while fully satisfying your expectations.” Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun gave congratulatory remarks. He said, “I sincerely congratulate the opening of Innovation Declaration Ceremony of Kukkiwon. It seems that Kukkiwon has very old and outdated facilities considering the status of Taekwondo as the national sport. I hope that there is a system to renovate the facility. I promise you to provide support. Also, next year marks the 50th anniversary of Kukkiwon. I believe that fruitful results will be achieved by the next year when leadership of Chairman of the Board Jeon Kab-kil and President of Kukkiwon Lee Dong-sup meets solidarity and cooperation of the Taekwondo community. I wish every one of Taekwondo community members to join forces thinking that you are the history-maker of Taekwondo. Along that way, I will join the effort.” The congratulatory remarks were followed by Chungwon Choue, President of World Taekwondo (WT), Kim Do-sik, Vice-Mayor for Political Affairs, and Jang Yang-kap, the Acting Chairman of the Board of Taekwondo Promotion Foundation. After remarks, President Lee Dong-sup delivered a report of the vision of “Reformation of World Taekwondo Headquarters Kukkiwon through the 2nd Establishment” and presented goals including △elevating the status of Kukkiwon, △strengthening the expertise of Kukkiwon, △defining the identity of Kukkiwon along with three strategies and six key tasks. He put forward the purpose of the new vision and strategy saying “Although Kukkiwon had aimed to be World Taekwondo Headquarters, there were no local hubs in member countries, no internal transformation, little effort to reestablish the training system centering on Taekwondo dojangs and improve the framework. On top of that, facilities are old and outdated. As Kukkiwon will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, Kukkiwon will focus on complying with the existing principles while pushing forward new policies and businesses. Our efforts may fail sometimes. However, we will remain unwavering and make every step count. Kukkiwon will rebuild independence and secure business viability. To that end, Kukkiwon is committed to lay the foundation for the next five decades.” The three strategies and six key tasks presented by Kukkiwon include △Global Kukkiwon ―Kukkiwon Global Committee, Kukkiwon local office and division, △Transforming Kukkiwon ― Make Kukkiwon as an attractive destination, internal transformation to become a truly global organization, △Cooperating Kukkiwon ― reestablish the training system centering on Taekwondo dojangs, improve the framework for global Taekwondo dojangs. Looking into key tasks deeper, Kukkiwon plans to organize KUKKIWON Global Committee with the presidents of Taekwondo associations of each country to be an ex-officio committee member and create a cooperation network. Also, Kukkiwon is going to launch local office and division of Kukkiwon in countries where Poom and Dan Certificates can be given in order to implement its business and enhance competitiveness. To transform Kukkiwon featuring old and outdated facilities into a famous destination for Taekwondo and a tourism product aligned with local tourist attractions and cultural space for the everyday lives of local community residents, Kukkiwon will push forward creating Taekwondo theme park and transforming kukkiwon into an attractive tourist destination. Moreover, to become a globally networking organization, Kukkiwon will drive internal transformation by reshuffling the organizational structure to support practical framework. In detail, action plans to establish the training system centering on Taekwondo dojangs are: visualizing information from academic research on Taekwondo, defining and developing the identity of Kukkiwon sparring, establishing the principle and system of Taekwondo techniques. At the same time, Kukkiwon will develop Kukkiwon Taekwondo Standard Training Curriculum; Taekwondo dojangs' emblem; a new training curriculum for instructors, and textbooks. Also, it will develop a contact/non-contact evaluation system, study on Kukkiwon standard assessment ceremony, support Taekwondo dojangs with the advanced technology. Since elected through the Kukkiwon presidential by-election held on January 28, Kukkiwon President Lee Dong-sup has constantly emphasized the need for a ‘100 day project’ for the reformation of Kukkiwon. To that end, Kukkiwon organized specialized TFs including △ Kukkiwon 2nd Establishment TF Promotion Team (Head of the TF: Ahn Yong Kyu, President of Korea National Sports University, Joint heads: Choe Man-sik, former deputy director-general of World Taekwondo (WT), Kim Jung-heon, director-general of World Taekwondo Asia; △Kukkiwon 2nd Establishment System Restructuring TF (Head of the TF: Lee Sun-jang, the Professor at Keimyung University); and △Kukkiwon 2nd Establishment Saving Taekwondo Dojang TF (Head of the TF: Im Mi-Hwa, Director of Kukkiwon). The strategies and key tasks are arranged based on the final report proposed by the specialized TFs and had been revised and complemented. Following the report, the performance was played to congratulate the innovation declaration of Kukkiwon. When 16 key guests including the former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun went up to the stage and pressed a control button prepared in advance, magnificent spotlights illuminated the ceremony hall, livening up the atmosphere. Also, Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team presented a congratulatory performance based on the programme that won the second-place prize at ‘The World’s Best’ aired on CBS, the US media, in 2019 and received great responses. The performance was the last event of the first part of the Ceremony. The flag-raising ceremony, the second part of the Ceremony, began after participants moved to the west gate of Kukkiwon following Chwitadae (marching band) playing Daechwita (military band music). The flag-raising ceremony was prepared to bring together cherished support of the global Taekwondo family and enhance the pride of Taekwondo family members from 202 countries who have acquired Taekwondo Poom and Dan Certificates through the evaluation conducted by Kukkiwon. Also, the Ceremony implies a will to strengthen core values inwardly and outwardly by putting capabilities together and to expand the business by venturing into the whole globe of the five oceans and six continents. To raise the flag, five representing Taekwondo practitioners ― Master Kim Myeong-gwan (born in 1949) who have overcome visual impairment and acquired 9th Dan, the highest level, a young boy and girl practitioners from UK and Mexico, and two male and female members of Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team ― delivered flags to the key guests of the Ceremony. When the national anthem is played, the key guests pulled the string connected to the flag pole and the national flag of Korea, the Olympic flag, the flag of Kukkiwon, the flag of World Taekwondo, and the flag of Korea Taekwondo Association were hoisted side by side. After the flag-raising ceremony, the guests walked around the flag platform to take photos and ruminate over the meaning of the ceremony. In addition, generous donations for building the flag platform were delivered by the representing donor and appreciation achievement plaques were awarded to those who made significant contributions for the development of Taekwondo. Concerning the spread of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Kukkiwon held the Ceremony with the minimum number of participants, following the government’s guidance on infection prevention.

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  2021-05-18