The Korean Cultural Center in Thailand demonstrated its commitment to promoting Korean martial arts and cultural exchange by participating in the opening ceremony of the 13th Royal Princess Cup International Taekwondo Competition. The event took place on September 27 at 10:00 AM at Mahidol University's Salaya Campus, drawing approximately 3,000 athletes and spectators from Thailand and various international locations.
Ms. Sunju Lee, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in Thailand, attended the prestigious ceremony alongside H.E. Mr. Yongmin Park, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Thailand. The competition was organized through a collaborative effort between the Korean Taekwondo Masters Association in Thailand and the Korean Association in Thailand, with sponsorship provided by the Korean Cultural Center.
The opening ceremony featured an impressive lineup of distinguished attendees, including several high-profile figures from the international taekwondo community. Mr. Sangjin Kim, President of the Asian Taekwondo Union, and Mr. Myong-sik Lee, President of the World Korean Taekwondo Master Association, were present to support the event. Additionally, Mr. Jet Chantharasanam, Advisor to the Minister of Defense of Thailand, attended the ceremony, highlighting the significance of the competition in strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations.
During his congratulatory remarks, Ambassador Park emphasized the global cultural impact of taekwondo, drawing parallels to the worldwide popularity of K-pop. "Taekwondo, like K-pop, has become a global cultural asset that is enjoyed and shared worldwide," Ambassador Park stated. "It is evolving beyond a mere martial art to become an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, embodying the values of peace and respect."
The opening ceremony showcased a rich blend of Korean and Thai cultural elements through various performances that captivated the audience. Traditional Thai performances provided a local cultural foundation for the event, while Korean soprano Shin Min-won delivered a memorable vocal performance that highlighted Korean artistic excellence. The Dynamic Taekwondo Demonstration Team further elevated the excitement with their impressive showcase, demonstrating the athletic prowess and artistic beauty of the martial art.
The large turnout of approximately 3,000 participants and spectators underscored the widespread popularity and appeal of taekwondo in Thailand and the broader Southeast Asian region. This significant attendance reflected the growing interest in Korean culture and martial arts, as well as the successful efforts of Korean cultural institutions in promoting these traditions abroad.
The event organizers and attendees expressed their hope that the shared spirit of taekwondo would continue to serve as a bridge for strengthening the enduring friendship between Korea and Thailand. The competition represents not only athletic excellence but also cultural diplomacy, fostering mutual understanding and respect between the two nations through the universal language of martial arts.
