Sports have a special power to bring people together. When big events like the Olympic Games or FIFA World Cup take place, people from different countries and cultures watch and cheer together. Korean athletes also continue to compete at major international events. These include the recent World Cup in North America and the U.S. Senior Open in Columbus. By competing on the world stage, these athletes also help people learn more about Korea.

When we talk about Korean sports around the world, one sport stands out—Taekwondo.

Taekwondo began spreading around the world many years ago. Korean Taekwondo masters and demonstration teams have traveled to other countries to teach and introduce Taekwondo. In 1973, the World Taekwondo Federation was founded. This helped Taekwondo grow as an international sport. Later, KOICA overseas volunteers and the World Taekwondo Peace Corps also helped bring Taekwondo to more countries. Taekwondo was a demonstration sport at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. In 2000, it became an official Olympic sport at the Sydney Olympic Games. Today, athletes from around the world compete for Olympic medals in Taekwondo.

But the true strength of Taekwondo goes far beyond the Olympic Games. Taekwondo schools are easy to find in cities around the world, including in the United States and France. Children and adults wear Taekwondo uniforms and learn poomsae (forms) and gyeorugi (sparring). More importantly, teaching and learning continue from one generation to the next. Local masters teach local students. Some of these students grow up and become masters themselves. Taekwondo organizations in many countries also train their own athletes and hold their own competitions.

Taekwondo began in Korea, but today it has deep roots in communities around the world. It is no longer simply a Korean sport taught in other countries. It has become part of everyday life in many local communities and continues to grow there. This is what makes Taekwondo’s growth around the world so special. Even as Taekwondo has become a sport for the world, its Korean spirit continues. Students learn how to become strong. They also learn how to use and control their strength in the right way. They learn respect, patience, and self-control.

On August 15, I could feel the true strength of Taekwondo at an event in Columbus celebrating Korea’s Liberation Day. Strong shouts, powerful poomsae, and high kicks brought loud applause from the crowd. I was especially impressed to see Koreans and people from many different backgrounds cheering together. For Koreans, Taekwondo was a source of pride. For local Americans, it was a way to experience the appeal of Korean culture.

“Cha-ryeot (attention)! Kyeong-rye (bow)!” These commands mark the beginning and end of Taekwondo practice. They also carry the spirit of Taekwondo. I often wonder how much hard work and dedication it took to make Taekwondo what it is today. There were masters who taught Taekwondo in unfamiliar countries. There were Taekwondo athletes who kept challenging themselves on the world stage. And there were many others who gave their time and energy to Taekwondo. I have great respect for all of them. Now, it is our responsibility to protect the Taekwondo they built together and pass it on to the next generation.