By Honorary Reporter Preeti Rawat from India
Photos = Preeti Rawat

The Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) in New Delhi, India, through Aug. 1 is holding the exhibition "Taekwondo, Facing the World" featuring artifacts from the National Taekwondo Museum in Muju-gun County, Jeollabuk-do Province, highlighting the martial art's rich history and philosophy.

"Taekwondo, Facing the World" at the KCC in India through Aug. 1 displays artifacts from the National Taekwondo Museum in Korea.

I have taken taekwondo at the KCC, so I visited the exhibition on June 6. The display chronicles the art's evolution since the 1950s like its official adoption as an event at the 1960 National Sports Festival of Korea, 1986 Asian Games in Seoul and 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics. 

The exhibition features posters from the World Taekwondo Championships (1973-2023) and medals on taekwondo's recognition as an official event at the 1986 Asian Games in Seoul and the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.

The extensive collection of historical artifacts and multimedia displays include textbooks from taekwondo schools, certificates of recognition from the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA), vintage uniforms from the 20th century, posters from the World Taekwondo Championships (1973-2023), and medals from the 1986 Asian Games and 2000 Summer Olympics. 

A highlight of the exhibition is the evolution of taekwondo uniforms and protective equipment.

Among the most intriguing displays are rare documents from the KTA, with some dating back to 1949, and the evolution of the uniform from a traditional-looking style for the upper garment to today's V-neck design. Another highlight was the advancement of protective gear from its primitive origins in the 1960s to modern electronic systems.

The exhibition runs through Aug. 1.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.