The opening ceremony of the 2024 Mungyeong World Taekwondo Hanmadang (hereinafter referred to as the Hanmadang) aimed at creating “A World United by Taekwondo” was held.

The ceremony, which began at 4 PM on July 27, was attended by significant figures in the Taekwondo and sports communities such as Kukkiwon Chairman Jeon Gap-gil, Kukkiwon President Lee Dong-sup, Vice President Lee Kyu-seok of World Taekwondo (and President of the Asian Taekwondo Union), President Yang Jin-bang of Korea Taekwondo Association, Acting Chairman Lee Jong-gap of Taekwondo Promotion Foundation, regional officials such as Mayor Shin Hyun-guk of Mungyeong City and Chairman Lee Jeong-geol of Mungyeong City Council and also important figures such as Chairman Lee Seung-wan of Kukkiwon Senior Advisory Council, various current and former Kukkiwon officials and technical committee members.

Pre-ceremony performances by the Haneuldae Nanta Team and the international idol group Black Swan lifted the atmosphere, followed by the introduction of the 55 participating countries as the first official event of the ceremony.

Then, Chairman Lee Sung-woo of the Hanmadang Organizing Committee gave an opening declaration which was followed by a welcoming speech by Kukkiwon President Lee Dong-sup (Hanmadang President).

President Lee commented, "Hanmadang which took its first step in 1992, is a festival of harmony where Taekwondo family members of all ages come together through the common language of Taekwondo. I hope all participants achieve great results.“

Welcoming the participants, Mayor Shin Hyun-guk of Mungyeong City (Honorary Hanmadang President) said, “I sincerely welcome all athletes and officials who have come to Mungyeong and thank you for visiting Mungyeong. I hope this will be a festival that promotes fair competition, harmony, and friendship.”

Kukkiwon Chairman Jeon Gap-gil (Honorary Hanmadang President) said in his congratulatory speech, “The World Taekwondo Hanmadang serves glues people together regardless of language, country, race or gender, through the power of Taekwondo. I hope this event will be a time to demonstrate a can-do spirit and share friendship, regardless of the results.”

World Taekwondo Federation Vice President Lee Kyu-seok (President of the Asian Taekwondo Union) emphasized, “As a traditional martial art, Taekwondo has spread worldwide around Kukkiwon. I hope Hanmadang continues to be a meaningful event that contributes to the global spread of Taekwondo.”

Korea Taekwondo Association President Yang Jin-bang commented, “Hanmadang, which has grown at a remarkable speed, has great potential to become a mega event. I hope participants gain the most meaningful experiences of their lives here.”

Finally, Chairman Lee Jong-geol of Mungyeong City Council commented, “It is meaningful to host Hanmadang in Mungyeong. I hope you will take pride in practicing Taekwondo which is cultural heritage of Korea. Please show all your skills and enjoy the delicious food and wonderful attractions of Mungyeong while making precious memories.”

Following the remarks from key guests, there was a switch-down performance and celebratory performances symbolizing the unity and growth of the global Taekwondo family, accompanied by a congratulatory performance.

The celebratory performances that combined media art and creative dances, depicted a harmonious world brought to life through Taekwondo. Lanterns ascending into the sky which created an emotionally touching scene symbolized the global Taekwondo family's aspiration for unity.

The highlight of the opening ceremony was a performance by the Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year.

The 60-member demonstration team captivated the audience with a spectacular performance themed "Yeon," meaning connections, highlighting how Taekwondo creates diverse bonds and fosters empathy and communication beyond different cultures and ideologies.

The ceremony concluded with a performance by Taekwondo Trot singer Na Tae-joo and the Taekwondo Korean Wave Team.

Meanwhile, on July 26, Hanmadang kicked off its five-day event, and on the second day, the finals of the Individual Combat Taekwondo Situational Self-defense Senior II, III, IV integrated division which has been newly introduced as a demonstration event this year, took place.

Actress Lee Yoo-ri, who served as an ambassador for last year’s Seongnam Hanmadang and showed her affection for Taekwondo by learning self-defense techniques and won first place.

On the third day of the Hanmadang, July 28, intense competitions are expected in the preliminaries and finals of the individual domestic fist breaking Senior I, III (Men), the finals of the domestic fist breaking Senior II, IV, Master (Men), and all divisions of domestic fist breaking and knife-hand breaking (Women).