With International Taekwondo Day (September 4) and World Tourism Day (September 27) celebrated this month, it’s a good time to explore how Taekwondo (태권도) serves as a form of soft power, promoting not only sport but also tourism and cultural exchange.
International Taekwondo Day marks the date when Taekwondo officially became a medal sport at the Olympics. Since then, the martial art has grown into a global phenomenon, attracting athletes and K-culture fans to Korea.
One example is the recently held 2025 World Taekwondo Grand Prix Challenge in Muju County, Jeollabuk-do Province. According to Arirang News, more than 300 athletes from 32 countries gathered there to compete, showcasing how the sport draws international attention and visitors to Korea.
Beyond tournaments, Taekwondo is also featured in cultural showcases abroad. Demonstrations are often included in Korean events such as the annual Korea Day organized by the Korean Society in Malaysia and the World Korean Language Speech Contest for Foreigners, giving audiences a dynamic introduction to Korean culture.
The Power of Performance
The World Taekwondo Demonstration Team, established in 2009, plays a major role in spreading the sport worldwide. Their powerful performances at Olympic Games, Youth Olympics, and international championships highlight both athleticism and artistry.
The World Taekwondo Demonstration Team showcased the Korean martial art to a global audience when they made it to the finals of America’s Got Talent in 2021. World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue was quoted in an interview: “I am sure their fantastic performances will have inspired many people in America and around the world to practice Taekwondo.”
“Not only did they showcase the best of our sport to millions of people, but they also promoted an important message: that peace is more precious than triumph.”
This philosophy ties in perfectly with this year’s World Tourism Day theme: Tourism and Peace. Through performances at iconic venues such as the Vatican, the United Nations headquarters, and the IOC Museum, the World Taekwondo Demonstration Team strives to promote a more peaceful world through the sport. They hope their performances will inspire young people who live in places that are torn with war and natural disaster.
A Gateway to Korean Culture
For many, Taekwondo is more than just a martial art—it’s an entry point into Korean culture. I experienced this firsthand during my school years, when I trained in Taekwondo long before K-pop and K-dramas swept the globe. Through practice, I was introduced to Korean words like Junbi (준비, ready position), Sijak (시작, begin), and Chagi (차기, kick).
Over two decades ago, the Korean Wave (Hallyu) was only beginning, but Taekwondo already served as a bridge to Korean traditions and values. Today, it continues to play that role, connecting people worldwide and sparking curiosity about Korea’s broader culture.
More Than a Sport
From Olympic arenas to international festivals, Taekwondo has evolved into a cultural ambassador. It inspires young people, fosters peace, and promotes tourism by encouraging visitors to experience Korea firsthand.
As both International Taekwondo Day and World Tourism Day remind us, Taekwondo is not only about competition. It’s about connection—kicking open doors to cultural understanding, global friendship, and a shared vision of peace.
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