Kukkiwon successfully concluded the "2024 Taekwondo Master Training Program for Developing Countries (hereinafter referred to as the Program)“.

The graduation ceremony for the Program took place at Kukkiwon's central training hall on October 22 (Tue), at 2 p.m. In the presence of Kukkiwon President Lee Dong-sup, Administrative Vice President Noh Soon-Myung, other Kukkiwon executives and participants of the Program, the ceremony proceeded with the awarding of certificates of completion, presentation of commendations, congratulatory speeches and commemorative photos.

Using the expertise of Kukkiwon’s World Taekwondo Academy (WTA), the Program aims to equip Taekwondo instructors from developing countries with standardized Taekwondo theories and practical skills, cultivating global Taekwondo leaders.

In addition to the training, the Program allows the participants to engage in cultural experiences in Korea, to deepen their understanding of Korea as Taekwondo’s homeland and boost a sense of connection and solidarity.

The Program began on September 30 (Mon) with 44 participants from 31 countries, selected through recommendations from Taekwondo associations in developing countries and Taekwondo instructors sent overseas by Kukkiwon.

Participants came from 11 countries in Asia (Nepal, East Timor, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Pakistan, Cambodia, Laos, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Afghanistan, Jordan), 7 countries in the Americas (Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru), 12 countries in Africa (Botswana, Ethiopia, Niger, Eswatini, Egypt, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire), and 1 country in Oceania (Solomon Islands).

Noteworthy participants included Joses Duddley, Vice President of the Solomon Islands World Taekwondo Union, Boniface Mbonigaba, Secretary General of the Rwanda Taekwondo Federation, Shahbaz Ahmed, Captain of the Pakistani Poomsae National Team, and Motuma Getachew Gurmu, a martial arts film director from Ethiopia.

The Program which was held for about four weeks at the Taekwondowon in Muju, covered Taekwondo theory (terminology and basic techniques, poomsae for color belt and black belt holders, demonstration theories, self-defense), practical Taekwondo skills (terminology and basic techniques, poomsae for color belt and black belt holders, injury taping, demonstration theories, breaking, self-defense, sparring), special lectures (by Administrative Vice President Noh Soon-Myung, and former Deputy Secretary-General of World Taekwondo, Choi Man-Sik).

Participants also had a special opportunity to experience Korea's natural beauty through visits to key cultural sites in Gyeongju in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Pohang, Jeonju in Jeollabuk-do and Geumsan in Chungcheongnam-do.

In his congratulatory address, Kukkiwon President Lee Dong-Sup said, "I hope this program serves as a great opportunity for personal growth and advancement, and I would like to ask the participants to continue to communicate with Kukkiwon and promote the development of Taekwondo in the future."

All the participants were awarded certificates of completion and 10 individuals who excelled in the Program received commendation awards.