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A special taekwondo event welcomed members of the U.S. Forces stationed in Korea (USFK) for a two-day camp on April 21 and 22.
The taekwondo camp has been offered by the Ministry of National Defense Friends Forever program since 1972 with the goal of promoting friendship between Korean and American soldiers. The camp has since attracted more than 18,000 participants on a yearly basis.
The camp started with a briefing on the origin and history of the martial art from members of the taekwondo squad affiliated with the national military headquarters alongside the national team. They then demonstrated basic stances, self-defense techniques and smashing skills.
The Friends Forever program also offers a variety of other excursions, activities and opportunities to learn more about the traditions and history of the nation they protect.
In May and June, the program offers tours of royal palaces and museums across Seoul. In July, they will visit Suwon Hwaseong Fortress in Gyeonggi-do (Gyeonggi Province).
The program continues in October, with a journey into history at Gyeongju, the historic capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla (57 B.C.-A.D. 935), as well as a templestay at Haeinsa Temple, both in Gyeongsangnam-do (South Gyeongsang Province).
“I deeply appreciate you guys [American soldiers stationed in Korea] for your great contributions to maintaining peace across the Korean Peninsula,” said Defense Minister Han Min-koo. “I urge you all to continue building a strong military alliance between Korea and the U.S., an alliance that is the strongest and the most efficient in the world.”
By Wi Tack-whan, Sohn JiAe
Photos: Jeon Han
Korea.net Staff Writers
whan23@korea.kr
The taekwondo camp has been offered by the Ministry of National Defense Friends Forever program since 1972 with the goal of promoting friendship between Korean and American soldiers. The camp has since attracted more than 18,000 participants on a yearly basis.
An American soldier smashes a board at the taekwondo training camp held at the Ministry of National Defense gymnasium between April 21 and 22.
The camp started with a briefing on the origin and history of the martial art from members of the taekwondo squad affiliated with the national military headquarters alongside the national team. They then demonstrated basic stances, self-defense techniques and smashing skills.
The Friends Forever program also offers a variety of other excursions, activities and opportunities to learn more about the traditions and history of the nation they protect.
In May and June, the program offers tours of royal palaces and museums across Seoul. In July, they will visit Suwon Hwaseong Fortress in Gyeonggi-do (Gyeonggi Province).
The program continues in October, with a journey into history at Gyeongju, the historic capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla (57 B.C.-A.D. 935), as well as a templestay at Haeinsa Temple, both in Gyeongsangnam-do (South Gyeongsang Province).
“I deeply appreciate you guys [American soldiers stationed in Korea] for your great contributions to maintaining peace across the Korean Peninsula,” said Defense Minister Han Min-koo. “I urge you all to continue building a strong military alliance between Korea and the U.S., an alliance that is the strongest and the most efficient in the world.”
By Wi Tack-whan, Sohn JiAe
Photos: Jeon Han
Korea.net Staff Writers
whan23@korea.kr
USFK participants practice basic taekwondo techniques.
Members of the national taekwondo team demonstrate kicks to the American soldiers.
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