Kukkiwon is holding the 2024 Refresher Training for Taekwondo Instructors Dispatched Overseas (hereafter referred to as “Refresher Training”).

Since 2009, Kukkiwon, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, has been carrying out the “Taekwondo Instructor Overseas Dispatch Program” to spread Taekwondo in developing and strategic countries. Currently, instructors are dispatched to a total of 54 countries (54 instructors), including 20 countries in Asia, 2 in Oceania, 7 in Africa, 12 in the Americas, and 13 in Europe.

The refresher training, which runs for about two weeks starting November 4 (Mon), wil be focusing on practical Taekwondo self-defense techniques, reflecting their growing demand for on-site instruction in dispatch countries.

In addition to the training, a meeting will be held with officials from related organizations, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the National Police Agency, to share ideas and to boost the sense of belonging and motivation among the instructors.

This year, newly selected instructors for Cuba and Vietnam will also participate in the refresher training and it’s expected that they will be able to contribute to the spread and promotion of Taekwondo in new dispatch countries.

The dispatched instructors engage in various activities to expand Taekwondo in their countries of assignment, including passing on the spirit, philosophy, knowledge, skills, and experience of Taekwondo. These efforts increase cultural exchange and contribute to the maintenance of Taekwondo as an official Olympic sport.

Refresher training, first conducted in 2013, mainly focuses on enhancing the professionalism and instructional capabilities required of the dispatched instructors, and improving communication to ensure the efficiency of the program.

At the opening ceremony held at Kukkiwon’s central training center on November 5 (Tue), at 2 p.m., Chairman Jeon Gap-gil greeted the attendees, saying, “I am pleased to meet all of you who are working hard to promote Taekwondo and enhance the nation's reputation. I hope you freely share your thoughts and opinions gained during your work as dispatched instructors in this refresher training. Based on your thoughts and opinions, we will establish practical support measures and policies that can benefit the dispatched instructors.”

Meanwhile, Kukkiwon plans to hold a banquet and networking event on November 8 (Fri), at 4 p.m. at Kukkiwon, inviting officials from embassies of the dispatch countries based in Korea.