 Thai martial arts masters perform Muay Thai during last year’s Chungju World Martial Arts Festival. This year’s festival will be at Chungju Tangeumdae U.N. Peace Park in North Chungcheong Province from Oct. 2 to 8, with masters from 28 countries. / Courtesy of Chungju World Martial Arts Festival |
By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter
A martial arts festival will kick off in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province, at Chungju Tangeumdae UN Peace Park from Oct. 2 to 8.
The festival started in 1998 as part of the city's effort to make ``taekkyeon,'' a traditional Korean martial art, more recognized worldwide.
Some 1,210 participants in 51 teams from 28 countries will present their traditional martial arts. The number of teams is double that of last year.
The participating martial arts include karate from Japan, Muay Thai from Thailand, Wushu from China, Savate from France, Sambo from Russia, Capoera from Brazil, and Kalari from India.
Visitors can learn the various international martial arts from participating masters, learn about stunts from stuntmen, and take part in a reenactment of a test for selecting military officials during the Joseon Kingdom (A.D. 1392-1910).
An exhibition of traditional weapons and armor from dozens of nations will also be on display. This will be a sample of the world martial arts museum, which will be established at the festival venue next year.
For foreign participants and visitors, Chungju city is offering home-stays, allowing participants to experience Korean culture at ordinary Korean homes. The city government is also operating free shuttles to nearby tourist attractions.
For more information, visit www.martialarts.or.kr.
rahnita@koreatimes.co.kr
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