The popularity around the world has propelled
taekwondo into the Olympics as an official sport. Although many claim that the sport is hundreds of years old, it actually came into existance during the late 1940s, as then President Syngman Rhee decided that Korea should have a national sport. However, it is derived from
taekkyon, which is an ancient martial art. Given its popularity with foreign residents, many English speaking instructors can easily be found. The
Korea Taekwondo Association can be reached at (02) 420-4271~3, and the
World Taekwondo Federation can be reached at (02) 557-5446. English speaking instructors can be found around Seoul and near larger U.S. military installations.
