Taekwondo in Korea: Why Do So Many Children Learn It?
In the afternoon, it is common to see children in white uniforms walking through Korean neighborhoods or climbing into academy vans. To a first-time visitor, it may look as though a special taekwondo event is taking place. In reality, this is simply part of an ordinary weekday for many Korean children. Taekwondo may be Korea's best-known traditional martial art, but for children today, it is also one of the country's most familiar after-school activities. They go there to exercise, spend time with friends, learn discipline, and sometimes stay safely occupied until their parents finish work. So why do so many children in Korea learn taekwondo, and what actually happens inside a Korean taekwondo academy? Taekwondo in Korea at a Glance Many Korean elementary school children attend a taekwondo academy after school . Classes teach physical skills along with respect, discipline, confidence, and social skills . Children usually practice basic movements, ...