Experience the Traditional Martial Art of Taekwondo
【 Photo: Taekwondo demonstration team performance (Credit: Kukkiwon) 】
Taekwondo, the most recognized form of Korean martial arts, is a sport that emphasizes a sense of morality, humility, and a respect for one's opponent. It has become a globally-recognized sport through which practitioners can improve both their physical ability and mental strength. This martial art teaches both defensive and offensive techniques without using weapons. However, taekwondo puts more emphasis on defense because of the taekwondo spirit of respecting peace and justice. Continue reading to find out where you can experience this traditional Korean martial art yourself.
【 Photo: Board-breaking experience (Credit: World Records Co., Ltd.) 】
Namsangol Hanok Village offers many free taekwondo-related programs, from move demonstration and creative performances to board-breaking hands-on experiences, in order to spread knowledge and awareness on Taekwondo, Korea’s traditional martial art. Representative programs include a taekwondo demonstration by Kukkiwon, the national demonstration team, a children's taekwondo demonstration team, and performances blending taekwondo moves with music. After the performance, visitors can show off their own skills through a board-breaking experience, or simply take pictures with the performers.
Address: 28, Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Directions: Chungmuro Station (Seoul Subway Line 3 & 4), Exit 3 or 4. Walk approx. 6min.
Inquiries: +82-2-6674-4303 (Korean, English)
Website: www.hanokmaeul.or.kr (Korean only)
【 Photo: Demonstration performance (Credit: Kukkiwon) 】
World Taekwondo Headquarters Kukkiwon operates taekwondo performances and experiences. Great Taekwondo is a creative performance showcasing the artistry of taekwondo, and level demonstration performances are also available. The experience program available for international visitors is divided into a class for beginners and one for blackbelt holders. Reservations can be made on the website or via phone. For more information on the classes and fees, please visit the official website.
Address: 32, Teheran-ro 7-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Directions: Gangnam Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 12. Walk approx. 10min.
Inquiries: +82-10-5334-9828 (Korean, English) / taekwonexperience@gmail.com
Website: greattaekwondo.kukkiwon.or.kr (Korean, English, Chinese)
【 Photo: Tourists taking part in a taekwondo experience (Credit: International Kumgang Taekwondo Center) 】
International Kumgang Taekwondo Center specializes in providing taekwondo experience programs for foreigners. Programs range from short-term (basic forms and techniques) to long-term (a more intensive program held for a month or longer). The programs are generally carried out inside taekwondo studios in Korea, making the experience more meaningful. Small group sessions and large group sessions are available. For more details and reservations for the programs, please visit the official website.
Address: 2F, 42, Mokdongjungangnam-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul
Directions: Mokdong Station (Seoul Subway Line 5). Approx. 20min by bus.
Inquiries: +82-2-2642-0692 (Korean, English, Japanese) / cashin76@hanmail.net
Website: www.taekwontokorea.com (Korean, English)
【 Photo: Taekwondo training experience (Credit: National Taekwondowon) 】
National Taekwondowon is a center offering an exclusive taekwondo competition arena, experience hall, museum, indoor performance hall, training center, and more. At the taekwondo experience hall, visitors can wear taekwondo uniforms and spar with a virtual opponent. The Taekwondo Museum exhibits the basics and the history of taekwondo, as well as some other taekwondo-related materials. The center also offers program packages ranging from a one-day program to multiple-day programs. For more information, please see the website before visiting.
Address: 1482, Museol-ro, Seolcheon-myeon, Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do
Directions: Take a taxi approx. 50min from Muju Bus Terminal
Inquiries: +82-63-320-0121 (Korean), +82-63-320-0122 (English, Japanese), +82-63-320-0120 (Chinese) / reserve@tpf.kr
Website: www.tkdwon.kr (Korean, English, Chinese)
☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
This page was last updated on May 18, 2016, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here.
