Taekwondo, a Korean martial art and Olympic sport

Taekwondo, a Korean martial art, is one of the most popular and widely recognized forms of self-defense in the world. 

With its roots in ancient Korean history and its modern-day popularity as an Olympic sport, Taekwondo offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a physical workout, self-defense skills, or competition opportunities, Taekwondo has a lot to offer.

Taekwondo is believed to have originated from various Korean martial arts, such as subak, t'aekkyon, and gwonbeop, that were practiced for centuries. 

In 1955, the Korean Taekwondo Association was established, and the martial art quickly gained popularity, becoming an Olympic sport in 2000. Today, Taekwondo is practiced by millions of people in over 190 countries.

One of the defining features of Taekwondo is its emphasis on high, spinning kicks. These kicks, which are performed using the legs, are meant to strike an opponent at a greater distance than punches or other strikes. 

This makes Taekwondo an effective form of self-defense, as it allows practitioners to strike an opponent from a safe distance.

In addition to self-defense, Taekwondo offers a great physical workout. The high-flying kicks, fast-paced movements, and dynamic footwork involved in Taekwondo are a great way to improve cardiovascular health, flexibility, and coordination. 

Additionally, the emphasis on focus, discipline, and mental control can help practitioners develop mental toughness, which can be beneficial in other areas of life.

Taekwondo is also a highly competitive sport. Tournaments are held at the local, national, and international level, and competitors can compete in sparring, poomsae (a form of choreographed patterns), and breaking (breaking boards or tiles). 

At the highest level of competition, the World Taekwondo Championships and the Summer Olympics, Taekwondo athletes compete for medals and recognition as some of the world's best martial artists.

If you are interested in starting Taekwondo, there are many schools and clubs available to choose from. It is important to find a school that is led by a qualified and experienced instructor, as proper technique is crucial for avoiding injury and achieving the full benefits of the martial art. 

Additionally, finding a school that aligns with your personal goals and interests can help ensure that you stick with Taekwondo and continue to progress.

In conclusion, Taekwondo is a dynamic and exciting martial art that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for self-defense skills, a physical workout, or competition opportunities, Taekwondo is a great choice. 

With its roots in ancient Korean history and its modern-day popularity as an Olympic sport, Taekwondo is a martial art that is well worth exploring.

Gyeongju, Korea. 1,000 Years of History.

Gyeongju, the capital city of the Silla dynasty, is dotted with UNESCO World Cultural Heritages Sites, including Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Yangdong Village, and the Gyeongju Historic Area. 

UNESCO World Heritages 

Gyeongju Historic Areas 

(Designated 2000)

The Gyeongju Historic Area is a noteworthy attraction in Korea, where the legacy and culture of the Silla dynasty, which ruled from 57 BC to AD 935, are well-preserved in its pagodas, tombs, fortresses, and more. During its time as the capital city of Silla, Gyeongju was a perfect representation of Korean architecture and Buddhism. 

The area is divided into five zones, each with its own distinct characteristics: Namsan Mountain, a hub of Buddhist culture; Wolseong Fortress, the royal grounds of the Silla dynasty; Daereungwon Ancient Tomb, the final resting place of high-ranking officials, including Silla kings; Hwangnyongsa Temple, showcasing the essence of Silla Buddhism; and Sanseong Fortress, highlighting the defense system of the royal capital.

Prominent sites within the historic area include Poseokjeong Pavilion Site, Sinseonam Hermitage's Rock-carved Bodhisattva, Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Ancient Tombs in Hwangnam-ri, Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex, Hwangnyongsa Temple Site, and Bunhwangsa Temple.

Poseokjeong Pavilion Site is located on the western side of Namsan Mountain and features a stone waterway carved into a rock platform, symbolizing the Silla people's love of relaxation. 

Cheomseongdae Observatory, built during the reign of Queen Seondeok, was used to study the stars and is Asia's oldest existing astronomical observatory. 

Bunhwangsa Temple was the residence of the prominent Buddhist priest Wonhyo, and its stone brick pagoda is a must-see in Gyeongju. 

The tomb of Cheonmachong, located in the Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex, is the only tomb open to the public. 

It was named after the discovery of a painting of a heavenly horse and contains over 10,000 remains and artifacts, providing valuable resources for the study of ancient art and cultural exchange.

Nearby attractions

• Seokbinggo (Stone Ice Storage)
• Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village
• Gyeongju Namsan Mountain
• Seokguram Grotto
• Bulguksa Temple
• Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond

2023 Visit Korea Year 100 K-Culture-Tourism Event

 The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization have jointly unveiled the "100 K-Culture-Tourism Event" as part of the 2023-2024 Visit Korea Year, an ongoing celebration of Korean culture that offers tourists a chance to immerse themselves in a diverse range of events and festivals throughout the year.

This exciting initiative will provide visitors with a taste of Korea's rich cultural heritage, artistic expression, natural beauty, and more, showcasing the country's captivating charm through a range of cultural, artistic, sporting, and tourist events.

With the success of movies like "Parasite" and the continued global popularity of K-pop, the 100 K-Culture-Tourism Event promises to cement Korea's reputation as a top cultural tourism destination.

To promote the event to a global audience, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization are planning a range of on- and offline promotional activities, including onsite travel promotions, collaborations with local travel agencies, and marketing efforts through the overseas branches of the Korea Tourism Organization.

Details about the "100 K-Culture-Tourism Event" will be available soon on VISITKOREA's Visit Korea Year 2023-2024 special page.

List of main events

•  (Hallyu) INK Concert, Gangnam Festival, Jarasum International Jazz Festival, etc.
•  (Cultural Art) Busan International Film Festival, FRIEZE & Kiaf SEOUL, Gwangju Biennale, Welcome Daehakro, Gwangju Fringe Festival, etc.
•  (Sports) Asia-Pacific Masters Game 2023 Jeonbuk Korea, Busan 2024 World Table Tennis Championships, Gangwon 2024 Youth Olympic Games, etc.
•  (Nature) Suncheonman International Garden Expo, Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon, Jinhae Gunhangjae Festival, Seogwipo Canola Flower International Walking Festival, DMZ RUN, Ulju 9 Peaks Stage Race, etc.
•  (Contents) G-STAR, LoL World Championship