Kukkiwon has launched an event for cultural exchange for Taekwondo instructors dispatched overseas.

This event was organized as part of the "2024 Refresher Training for Taekwondo Instructors Dispatched Overseas" and key figures such as ambassadors from countries where these instructors are active, were invited to promote exchanges and strengthen global networks.

Held at Kukkiwon on November 8 at 4 p.m., the event was attended by more than 100 distinguished guests, including Kukkiwon President Lee Dong-sup, Kukkiwon employees, 12 ambassadors from countries with dispatched instructors, embassy officials and military and police personnel.

Since 2009, Kukkiwon, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, has been running the "Taekwondo Instructor Overseas Dispatch Program" and is currently deploying instructors to a total of 54 countries - 20 in Asia, 2 in Oceania, 7 in Africa, 12 in the Americas, and 13 in Europe, to expand the global presence of Taekwondo.

Before the official event began, the dispatched instructors personally guided the arriving guests, explaining significant structures around the Kukkiwon building, such as the monument commemorating Taekwondo as a national sport, the national flagpoles and the monument celebrating the unification of Taekwondo academies.

Following this, in the Kukkiwon VIP room, honorary 6th Dan certificates, along with Taekwondo uniforms and belts, were presented to 12 ambassadors in recognition of their contributions to the spread and development of Taekwondo.

Before presenting the certificates, Kukkiwon President Lee Dong-sup said, "Kukkiwon plays a central role in spreading Taekwondo globally. The reason the world is enthusiastic about Taekwondo lies in its great educational value, which emphasizes development of character and etiquette. I would like to ask for your continued support for the activities of our instructors, based on your interest in Taekwondo."

The 12 ambassadors awarded honorary black belts included, Philippe Bertoux (France), Bruno Jans (Belgium), Petar Kraytchev (Bulgaria), Jānis Bērziņš (Latvia), Kais Darragi (Tunisia), Sukhee Sukhbold (Mongolia), Delwar Hossain (Bangladesh), Isabel Di Carlo Quero (Venezuela), Paul Fernando Duclos Parodi (Peru), Antoine Azzam (Lebanon), Carlos Peñafiel Soto (Mexico, received by a deputy), and Bakuramutsa Nkubito Manzi (Rwanda, received by a deputy).

After presenting the honorary certificates, the Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team gave a high-level traditional Taekwondo performance to welcome the guests, and uplifted the atmosphere.

The audience gave a huge round of applause and cheers when a team member succeeded a blindfolded kick break guided solely by the sound of a bell.

The event then moved to the second-floor by the northern entrance for a banquet. The attendees shared their passion and vision for Taekwondo and, reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration for a brighter future for the sport.

Meanwhile, Kukkiwon will conclude the "2024 Refresher Training for Taekwondo Instructors Dispatched Overseas“ with a closing ceremony at the Central Training Hall on November 15 (Fri).