Press Release

June 2016

Taekwondo history highlight of KCC exhibit opening

(At the Center: Republic of Korea Ambassador KIM Jae-Shin together with members of Korean community, Philippine Taekwondo Demonstration Team, Philippine Taekwondo Association members and committee.)

As part of its mission to promote the culture of Korea in the Philippines, The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) opened its Taekwondo Exhibition on June 9, 2016.

“Soul of Korea: Taekwondo” features the history and development of the Korean martial art, as well as different techniques and principles of Taekwondo. Taekwondo, traditional bare-hand martial arts, originated from Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. It was created from the ideology of national defense and currently a global sport.

Jointly organized by Taekwondowon Park in Korea and the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA), the exhibit displays Taekwondo-related materials and technologies such as electronic protectors, sandbag kicks and various types of uniforms. An Experience Zone and Photo Zone is available for the guests to try the sport.

A short symposium about Taekwondo history in the Philippines was held by Mr. Ricardo Santiago Jr., PTA referee chairman, on the same day of the exhibit opening. Philippine Taekwondo Demonstration team also showcased their Taekwondo high-skills demonstrations for the guests and visitors.

During the opening ceremony, KCC Director OH Choong Suk said that the exhibit aims to promote further the international sport to the Filipinos. "I envision this exhibit will help increase the awareness and interest of Filipinos in Taekwondo," OH said.

Taekwondo veteran and currently PTA Secretary General Monsour Del Rosario hopes that more awareness campaigns about the sport will be launched here in the Philippines. “I hope that we will continue doing this to promote taekwondo and the friendship of Korea and the Philippines,” said Del Rosario. Del Rosario competed in several Taekwondo competitions including 1986 Seoul Asian Games and 1988 Seoul Olympics.

The exhibit runs from June 9 to August 19 at Korean Cultural Center Exhibition Hall. Admission is Free.

For further information and queries, please contact the Korean Cultural Center at 555-1711 or email curator@koreanculture.ph. You can also visit http://koreanculture.ph for more information.