Choi Won-suk is a photojournalist at The Korea Times. Before joining the newspaper, he also worked as a photojournalist with AFP and St. Joseph News-Press in Missouri. He spent 13 years in the United States, graduating with a Bachelor of Journalism degree (Cum Laude) from the University of Missouri - Columbia and a Master of Arts in Photography from Ohio University - Athens. Over the past 11 years, Choi covered various news events such as presidential elections, the 2019 North Korea-United States Hanoi Summit and 2022 Qatar World Cup. But above all, Choi believes in local journalism and finds a lot of joy telling life stories of ordinary citizens in small neighborhoods.
Kukkiwon sets stage for 2026 World Taekwondo Hanmadang
Kukkiwon President Yoon Woong-seok, left, presents a certificate of appointment to Han Hye-jin, acting chair and secretary-general of the 2026 World Taekwondo Hanmadang organizing committee, at Kukkiwon, Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Kukkiwon
By Choi Won-suk
5-day event in Seoul to feature competitors from 55 countries across 143 divisions
The World Taekwondo Headquarters, also known as Kukkiwon, has launched the organizing committee for the 2026 World Taekwondo Hanmadang, marking a key step in the preparations for the global event set for August.
The committee held its inaugural meeting on Wednesday, with fewer than 80 days remaining before the competition. The event will run Aug. 1-5 at Kukkiwon in Seoul in cooperation with the Gangnam District Office.
Organizers expect about 5,000 participants from 55 countries to compete in 15 disciplines across 143 divisions.
Kukkiwon President Yoon Woong-seok and organizing officials attended the meeting, where the event’s master plan was unveiled under the slogan, “Kukkiwon, A New Dawn for the World Taekwondo Hanmadang.” The plan focuses on redefining the event’s identity, restoring its authority, improving budget efficiency and compensation systems, expanding participation, staging a landmark opening ceremony and securing corporate sponsorships.
Han Hye-jin, a former Kukkiwon board member and CEO of Mookas PlayOn, will serve as acting chair of the organizing committee and secretary-general.
Yoon described the 2026 Hanmadang as a turning point for the sport.
“This year’s event will reestablish the foundations of taekwondo and serve as a springboard for its global expansion,” Yoon said. “We will work together to make it the largest festival for the taekwondo community.”
Han, meanwhile, noted the significance of the event returning to Kukkiwon for the first time in 10 years.
“Beyond its symbolic meaning, this Hanmadang will mark a turning point where the martial essence of taekwondo meets modern festival culture,” she said. “We will focus on creating an event where both participants and spectators can enjoy the experience, with participants taking center stage.”
Established in 1972 in Seoul, Kukkiwon serves as the sport’s global governing body.