JB Life March 2017

SPORTS
By HEEONE PARK
JB Life Contributing Writer
Wondering where to visit in Jeollabuk-do,
somewhere new, refreshing and energetic?
Looking for a very Korean experience?
Well, here’s a bit of advice from a local.
I had a chance to visit the Muju Taekwondo-won last
December as a videographer at their workshop with
the Jeollabuk-do Foreign Students Public Relations
Team. Since I was previously unaware of the place
even though I was born and raised in Jeollabuk-do,
I thought that it would be great to share my journey
and introduce this must-visit cultural heritage of Jeollabuk-do,
and also mention an event that is going to
be held there this June that should not be missed by
anyone.
With an aim to establish itself as part of the cultural
heritage of Taekwondo, the Muju Taekwondo-won
opened in 2014. Its mission is to cultivate the spirit of
Taekwondo through physical training for professional
practitioners and offer the best venue for the sport.
When I first walked into the entrance, I was mesmerized
by the view and the scale of the park. I would
say it is reason enough to visit simply to appreciate
the beauty of the landscape and the architecture. The
park was designed and planned by world renowned
architects Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi (and
implemented by Samoo).
Walking around, appreciating the view, I could see
how the designers have blurred the distinction between
building and site, establishing a sustainable setting
by letting architecture, landscape, and water collaborate
in a series of ascending terraces and bridges
that preserve the topography of the site. Being there, I
could really grasp the intention of the design that was
inspired by the philosophy of Taekwondo: preparation
of the body, inspiration of the mind, and completion
of the spirit.
After having a tour of the park, we headed down to
the T1 Theatre to watch a Taekwondo performance.
The choreography and the dramatic storyline were
easy to comprehend without explanation, with popular
songs that most of the audience would know,
which makes it an enjoyable performance to watch
for audiences of all ages. Of course there were technical
demonstrations of taekwondo, such as smashing
pine boards with round kicks as well as backward
somersaulting and backflips to add to the splendor of
the performance.
Afterwards, there was a taekwondo learning session.
This would be fun for those who have wanted
to try taekwondo but have not had a chance. Foreign
students from our team joined in at the same time,
learning the spirit of respect for the master, the basics
of kicking (chagi), and hand strikes along with
the music.
Although we had to leave early for another shoot
at Muju’s Meoru Wine Cave, we noticed that there
were many other programs Muju Taekwondo Park
had to offer, such as a museum where you can learn
about the history of taekwondo. Forty-five training
and hands-on experience programs are offered under
the themes of experience, training, rest, and interest.
The programs are open to anyone who is interested
in training the mind and the body through taekwondo,
including local and international Taekwondo
practitioners, business groups, students, and the
general public.
And now, about the major event: The World Taekwondo
Championship is to be held right here at
Muju Taekwondo-won from June 22nd-30th, 2017.
Home to the Taekwondo Promotion Foundation, the
World Taekwondo Headquarters, the World Taekwondo
Foundation, and the Korean Taekwondo
Federation, the park will host about 2,000 athletes
from thirty-one different countries. Many cultural
events, exhibitions, and performances will be held
alongside, so I would highly recommend that you
keep an eye on it.
Since the park offers program packages that cater
to international visitors, a trip to Muju Taekwondo-won
will make a perfect day trip from Jeonju,
with Muju Meoru Wine Cave nearby, not to mention
the breathtaking scenery on the way.
Whether you are a taekwondo fan or not, Muju
Taekwondo-won will offer a rare glimpse of the artistry
and spirit of taekwondo, allowing you to see its
beauty and teaching you how to appreciate the art
of it.
For further information on the Muju Taekwondo-won
and World Taekwondo Championship to be
held in June, please visit:
http://www.tkdwon.kr/kr/ &
http://www.2017worldtaekwondo.com/eng/.
Photos of the Muju Taekwondowon
by UMESH SAMPATH.
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