Kukkiwon President Yoon Woong-seok, left, presents a certificate of appointment to Han Hye-jin, acting chair and secretary-general of the 2026 World Taekwondo Hanmadang organizing committee, at Kukkiwon, Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Kukkiwon
The World Taekwondo Headquarters, also known asKukkiwon, has launched the organizing committee for the2026 World Taekwondo Hanmadang, marking a key step in the preparations for the global event set for August.
The committee held its inaugural meeting on Wednesday, with fewer than 80 days remaining before the competition. The event will run Aug. 1-5 at Kukkiwon in Seoul in cooperation with the Gangnam District Office.
Organizers expect about 5,000 participants from 55 countries to compete in 15 disciplines across 143 divisions.
Kukkiwon President Yoon Woong-seok and organizing officials attended the meeting, where the event’s master plan was unveiled under the slogan, “Kukkiwon, A New Dawn for the World Taekwondo Hanmadang.” The plan focuses on redefining the event’s identity, restoring its authority, improving budget efficiency and compensation systems, expanding participation, staging a landmark opening ceremony and securing corporate sponsorships.
Han Hye-jin, a former Kukkiwon board member and CEO ofMookas PlayOn, will serve as acting chair of the organizing committee and secretary-general.
Yoon described the 2026 Hanmadang as a turning point for the sport.
“This year’s event will reestablish the foundations of taekwondo and serve as a springboard for its global expansion,” Yoon said. “We will work together to make it the largest festival for the taekwondo community.”
Han, meanwhile, noted the significance of the event returning to Kukkiwon for the first time in 10 years.
“Beyond its symbolic meaning, this Hanmadang will mark a turning point where the martial essence of taekwondo meets modern festival culture,” she said. “We will focus on creating an event where both participants and spectators can enjoy the experience, with participants taking center stage.”
Source: Korea Times News
