A demonstration team from the Kukkiwon, the headquarters of World Taekwondo in Seoul, on May 19 performs at Namsangol Hanok Village in Seoul's Jung-gu District. (Kukkiwon)

By Yoo Yeon Gyeong

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Dec. 30 released the Fourth Basic Plan for Taekwondo Promotion (2024-28).

Under the policy vision "Universally enjoyed taekwondo, globally recognized K-cultural asset," the plan has three main strategies: "Taekwondo practiced for life by anyone regardless of gender or age"; "Laying the foundation for future growth by supporting changes in taekwondo"; and "strengthening a pivotal country's role through sustainable globalization."

To allow adults to more easily access the martial art in daily life, neighborhood cultural centers and elderly welfare facilities will introduce specialized taekwondo programs customized for health management and discipline for body and mind.

Another measure is to boost the competitiveness of virtual, beach and mixed team taekwondo. Support for the hosting of competitions will seek to develop audience-based taekwondo by adding entertainment elements to contest operating methods, as well as expand the base of new events such as the Octagon Diamond Games.

Taekwondo demonstrations will also be developed as cultural content and a key resource of Korean culture to lead the stimulation of sports tourism.

To bolster the global status of taekwondo, localization strategies will be pursued for each country. Taekwondo expos on each continent will share training methods tailored by state and region.

The ministry said, "The Fourth Basic Plan for Taekwondo Promotion will serve as an important steppingstone to make taekwondo a more popular and global sport."

dusrud21@korea.kr