Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

U.S. forces in Korea, attracted by Korea’s charm, learning Taekwondo

Five times since June … helpful for recognizing history, tradition and security circumstances

The Korean culture experience event “Friends Forever”, arranged by the Ministry of National Defense for U.S. forces in Korea to promote friendship between Korean and American soldiers, has come to an end.

Starting with “Taekwondo camp” on June 10 to 11, the event was held five times with various programs including a tour of ancient palaces and museums in Seoul, security tour of the 2nd Fleet and Suwon castle, and experience of a temple stay in Gyeongju and Haeinsa.

MND has held this kind of event since 1972 to introduce Korean history and culture to the U.S. Army soldiers in Korea, and so far around 18,500 people in total have participated.

Among them, Taekwondo camp with the squad, 3rd Army command, was in the best interest of soldiers.

The squad, the best winning team in the Defense Minister’s Cup Taekwondo competition, led the training program starting with the origin and history of the martial art of Taekwondo and fundamental standing position to self-defense and breaking roof tiles with American soldiers for two days at the gymnasium of the MND.

On July 2-3, about 50 U.S. soldiers engaged in a tour of an ancient palace in Seoul, visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace and then the National Folk Museum, and practiced the Dado(tea ceremony) at Bongeunsa Temple.

On July 16-17, another 50 U.S. soldiers took a look around the Sarang-Chae area of Cheongwadae, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the National Folk Museum. They also walked along the Cheonggyecheon stream.

The fourth event was held from September 17-18 in the Gyeonggido area outside of Seoul. Starting with the UN Forces First Battle Memorial in Osan, U.S. soldiers continued by visiting the western sea protection hall and Cheonan warship of the 2nd Fleet, exploring Hwaseong, watching Korean martial arts Muye 24ki, and touring a Korean Folk Village. They had a chance to have a different view of Korea’s security circumstances and traditional culture.

The last event was held in Gyeongju and Haeinsa for two nights and three days from September 23-25.

The program was composed of tours of Yangdong village, Daereungwon Ancient Tombs, Bulguksa Temple and Gyeongju National Museum to understand the value of Gyeongju, the historic millenium city, as well as understand Korean history.

During the temple stay at Haeinsa, Hapcheon, the soldiers had an opportunity to be introspective through a traditional Korean Buddhist ceremony and meditation, regardless of their respective religions.

“This event is to show appreciation for the efforts of the U.S. soldiers in Korea who carry out a huge role to protect peace in the Korean Peninsula. As they can understand Korea more, it will be helpful to build a strong, effective combined defense system in the world,” said the chief of the Cultural Policy Division, MND, Choi Hwan-chul.

By Seok-Jong, Lee < seokjong@dema.mil.kr >
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