Training in Korea

[tkd_jen]

Has anyone ever trained in Korea? If so what was it like? How did you go about getting it set up?

 

[Miles]

I think the Korea Tourism and Culture Ministry will help arrange training and sight-seeing trips, especially for groups. See this site: http://tour2korea.com/

For instructors, every Summer there is a Foreign Instructor Course at the Kukkiwon. I can't say enough positive things about my experience there.

MSUTKD would be a good source for information about the culture and his experiences touring and training in Korea.

Miles

 

[Last Fearner]

Yes, tkd-jen, I have trained, and taught classes in Korea. All my career as an instructor (since 1978), I wanted to visit Korea, and study Taekwondo in the host country.

In 1996, I finally made the trip. It was a short visit (3 weeks), but it seemed like an eternity. We trained at a couple of schools, and I also taught some classes. The students didn't speak English, so I had to teach using Korean Terminology only. I worked with a few Korean Grandmasters. These Grandmasters also led the two of us on sight-seeing tours of Seoul, the Kukkiwon, the Korean countryside villages, restaurants, mountains, buddhist temples, and then we flew down to Cheju Island for a couple of days, then back to Seoul.

The experience was educational, but with many trials and tribulations. It was worth it, but just barely. One thing I learned was that Taekwondo outside of Korea, if received from good instructors, is no less of high quality than that which is in Korea. The authentic location made it unique, but the training is not beyond comparrison to the Western hemisphere. Many native Korean students take their Taekwondo for granted, while most foreigners view it as something much more special, and tend to be more dedicated (with rare excepetions).

While you could go with a standard "tourist group" to Korea, I would suggest you get connected with a Korean Taekwondo instructor in your area, who makes regular trips to Korea. They can lead you to the more authentic experience, and provide training sessions in Taekwondo schools, and perhaps the Kukkiwon (ask about that right up front, though, because some Korean instructors might not be "connected," or even plan to visit the Kukkiwon.

CM D. J. Eisenhart

 

[Miles]

These Grandmasters also led the two of us on sight-seeing tours of Seoul, the Kukkiwon, the Korean countryside villages, restaurants, mountains, buddhist temples, and then we flew down to Cheju Island for a couple of days, then back to Seoul.

Last Fearner-great post! You mentioned someone else went with you-was this person an instructor or student?

Miles

 

[tkd_jen]

Many native Korean students take their Taekwondo for granted, while most foreigners view it as something much more special, and tend to be more dedicated (with rare excepetions).

I never thought of this, but ya know Taekwondo does seem almost like a religion to me. I know that may sound weird, but it is so much more than a physical experience for me. It truly does invigorate my mind and spirit and I do feel a deep sense of responsibility to train with honor and respect for the art.

Great post Last Fearner! Thank you!!

 

[Last Fearner]

Great post Last Fearner! Thank you!!

Thanks Jen! I'm glad I could share my experience with you. Perhaps in another thread, I'll tell you about the hotel thief that I chased through the streets of Seoul, captured, and turned over to the Korean police. An article was written in the Seoul Newspaper the next day about the American Taekwondo Sabuhm who apprehended a hotel thief! :ultracool

Last Fearner-great post! You mentioned someone else went with you-was this person an instructor or student?

Miles

Thanks to you too Miles! The student of mine, who traveled with me to Korea, was a Chief Instructor at one of my schools. I trained her from white belt to 3rd Dan. We got back from Korea in January of 97, we got engaged on February 14, and married on July 26, 1997. Now we have three boys, a house, a cat, and a Dojang. :inlove: :inlove: :duel: :drink2tha

CM D. J. Eisenhart

 

[tkd_jen]

Thanks Jen! I'm glad I could share my experience with you. Perhaps in another thread, I'll tell you about the hotel thief that I chased through the streets of Seoul, captured, and turned over to the Korean police. An article was written in the Seoul Newspaper the next day about the American Taekwondo Sabuhm who apprehended a hotel thief! :ultracool

I would love to hear this story! You're a hero!!artyon:

 

[Kuk Sa Nim]

Greetings,

I also lived and trained in Korea. I was there for almost two years (approx 1 yr, 10 mo) My experience was pretty special, because I was in the military (US Air Force) and that in and of itself was full of challenges and rewards. Also the fact that I lived in Korea, day in and day out, I made it a point of going places that were not for tourist nor Americans/military.

After several months I met a wonderful lady from Seoul whom I started dating (she was not a "business woman"). She taught me how to read and write Korean, and exposed so much of the culture to me. My master in Korea also gave me so much in terms of sharing the culture. I also taught some Korean military personnel which was a wonderful experience as well.

One thing that also stuck out in my mind was that you can get good and bad training here and in Korea as well. I saw both sides, and I really appreciated the masters and great training facilities we have here in the USA. Many of the great Korean master came here. Remember, this is "the land of opportunity".

To live and train in Korea (the motherland) was always a dream to me. I paid the price and made it happen. As hard as it was on many levels, it was a once in a lifetime experience for me that I will always cherish.
With brotherhood,
Grand Master De Alba