Kukkiwon |
 |
| The Kukkiwon conducts Dan promotion tests and issues black belt Dan certificates to Taekwondo practitioners through member national
associations of the WTF. Contestants to participate in international Taekwondo competitions sponsored or approved by the WTF should
hold Kukkiwon Dan certificates. Kukkiwon Dan holders are estimated at 3.2 million persons in all over the world as of the end of
1995. The Kukkiwon was constructed atop the hillside in Kangnam District in Seoul to house Taekwondo related organizations and to provide Taekwondo practitioners and contestants with modern facilities for training and competitions of Taekwondo. This million dollar project began on November 9, 1971 and ended on November 30, 1972. It was the first and only gymnasium of its kind in the world. The completion of the Kukkiwon was possible by the sole and devoted effort of Dr. Un Yong KIM, President of the WTF and then President of the Korea Taekwondo Association. The Kukkiwon registered with the Government of the Republic of Korea as a juridical foundation on July 7, 1974, electing Dr. KIM as its president. The Kukkiwon provided an ideal arena for training and competitions such as the 1st and the 2nd World Taekwondo Championships and the 1st Asian Taekwondo Championships as well as the 1st and the 2nd International Referee Seminars, Instructor Seminars and various Taekwondo demonstrations. The Kukkiwon was the bridgehead to promote Taekwondo as an international sport, now having made it an official sport of 2000 Sydney Olympic Games after participation in Seoul and Barcelona Olympic Games twice as a demonstration sport. It is also involved in technical research and development of Taekwondo, collection of related materials, public relations and publications, and training of coaches and students. The Kukkiwon accommodates : Stadium, Boarding rooms, Lecture rooms, Locker rooms, Shower rooms, Medical room, Computer room, Office rooms, Pavilion (Palgak-jung), Rest rooms, Restaurant, Guard house, and a Museum. |