Kukkiwon concluded the 2024 Refresher Training for Taekwondo Instructors Dispatched Overseas (hereafter referred to as “Refresher Training”) which aimed to enhance the expertise and teaching capabilities of Taekwondo instructors serving abroad.

The training ran for approximately two weeks, from November 4 to 15, at Kukkiwon and The Week & Resort (Eulwang-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon), with all 54 instructors dispatched to 54 countries.

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 overseas instructors, serving as civilian diplomats, contribute to fostering international friendship, expanding the reach of Taekwondo, spreading Korean culture (Hallyu) and maintaining Taekwondo as an Olympic sport.

To enhance individual capabilities and skills and, to improve cooperation and understanding of the program among instructors, Kukkiwon has been carrying out refresher training since 2013.

This year’s refresher training focused on practical Taekwondo self-defense techniques, which have been increasingly gaining interest in the host countries, as well as on providing opportunities for cultural exchange and communication.

On November 8, 12 ambassadors from countries where instructors are dispatched to, along with other officials, were invited to Kukkiwon. They were presented with honorary dan certificates and a demonstration performance by the Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team to promote cooperative relationship.

For 3 days from November 13 to 15, a workshop was held at The Week& Resort. Participants shared key trends and issues in host countries and engaged in meaningful discussions about future plans.

In addition, visits to the National Intelligence Service, the National Police Agency, and the World Taekwondo Federation helped enhance participants’ sense of belonging and pride.

During the closing ceremony, held at Kukkiwon’s Central Training Hall on November 15 at 1 PM, Kukkiwon Administrative Vice President Noh Soon-myung said, “Thank you for actively participating in the two-week refresher training. I hope you become true Taekwondo leaders who earn trust of your students by taking initiative and matching your words and actions, beyond simply passing on techniques.”

Lastly, Administrative Vice President Noh Soon-myung presented certificates of recognition to seven outstanding instructors for their exceptional performance: Cambodia: Choi Yong-seok (Cambodia), Park Joon-seok (Bolivia), Kang Cheol-in (Poland), Kwon Young-dal (Nepal), Lee Jin-han (Côte d’Ivoire). Lim Yeon-cheol (Brazil) and Choi Sung-oh (Pakistan)