The agreement, signed in Seoul on October 16, aims to strengthen Taekwondo’s presence in school sports through educational programs, teacher training, international cooperation, and cultural exchange opportunities for young people.

The signing ceremony took place on October 16, 2026, at Kukkiwon headquarters in Seoul, with the participation of Kukkiwon President Yun Ung-suk, ISF President Željko Tanasković, and ISF Secretary General Hasnae El Ayoubi, among other representatives.

The partnership seeks to combine the institutional expertise and international networks of both organizations to strengthen Taekwondo’s role in youth development, physical education, and international sporting cooperation.

Strengthening Taekwondo’s Role in School Education

The International School Sport Federation is an international nonprofit organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It promotes sports participation and educational opportunities for students through international competitions and development programs.

Through this agreement, Kukkiwon and ISF intend to establish a framework for integrating Taekwondo into school sports initiatives across different countries.

The cooperation will focus on several key areas:

• Development of Taekwondo educational programs within school sports systems worldwide.
• Expansion of training opportunities for physical education teachers and Taekwondo instructors.
• Strengthening connections between ISF international events and the World Taekwondo Hanmadang.
• Promotion of educational and cultural exchanges involving young Taekwondo practitioners.
• Support for youth development through the educational principles and values associated with Taekwondo.

These initiatives reflect a shared interest in positioning Taekwondo not only as a competitive sport but also as an educational discipline capable of contributing to students’ physical, social, and personal development.

ISF Highlights the Educational Value of Taekwondo

During the ceremony, ISF President Željko Tanasković emphasized the opportunities created by the new institutional partnership.

«Our cooperation with Kukkiwon will be a valuable opportunity to convey the educational value and spirit of Taekwondo to students around the world.»

Tanasković also expressed his expectation that both organizations would establish close cooperation to support the development of Taekwondo through school sports and contribute to the healthy growth of young people.

His remarks highlighted the potential of school-based programs to introduce Taekwondo to new generations through structured educational environments.

Kukkiwon Seeks Greater Integration into Public Education

Kukkiwon President Yun Ung-suk described the agreement as an important opportunity to strengthen Taekwondo’s presence within educational systems internationally.

«Cooperation with ISF, which represents school sports worldwide, will be an important turning point for Taekwondo to take root in public education around the world.»

Yun also reaffirmed Kukkiwon’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities for young practitioners and promoting Taekwondo’s educational values internationally.

The agreement provides an institutional framework for future cooperation, although specific implementation schedules, participating countries, and program targets have not yet been announced.

A New Opportunity for International Taekwondo Development

Beyond competitive achievements, the partnership highlights the growing importance of education as a pathway for Taekwondo’s international development.

By connecting Kukkiwon’s technical and educational experience with ISF’s international school sports network, the two organizations aim to create additional opportunities for young people to engage with Taekwondo through their educational institutions.

The signing ceremony also featured a special performance by the Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team, celebrating the establishment of the partnership.

The agreement represents another institutional initiative aimed at expanding Taekwondo’s global reach, with its practical impact depending on the educational programs and international cooperation initiatives developed in the coming years.

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