Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles launches taekwondo program for 500 students

The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles is starting a 10-week taekwondo education program this fall for about 500 students at five Los Angeles-area elementary and middle schools. The effort blends martial arts training with Korean culture and ends with a contest at the center on Dec. 5.

Why it matters: - The program gives hundreds of local students direct exposure to taekwondo, a Korean cultural tradition, through school-based instruction. - The initiative pairs physical training with lessons in courtesy, respect, self-control and teamwork. - The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles has used taekwondo programs in LA-area schools since 2010 to promote Korean culture.

What happened: - The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles launched the 2026 Taekwondo Education Program on Aug. 26. - The 10-week program is reaching about 500 students at five elementary and middle schools in the Los Angeles area. - The program runs through Dec. 5, with participating schools and the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles involved.

The details: - Students are learning taekwondo basic movements, poomsae, breathing and training methods. - The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles is sending taekwondo instructors to each school. - Participating students are receiving uniforms and belts for training. - Top-performing students from each school will compete in the 2026 Taekwondo Contest on Dec. 5 at the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles. - Selected students from all five schools will showcase their skills and share each school's results at the contest. - Students and their families will also be able to take part in Korean culture programs at the center, including hanbok and Korean arts and crafts. - Director Haedon Lee said taekwondo is a unique Korean cultural heritage that teaches courtesy, respect, self-control and teamwork. - Lee said the program is meant to help students experience Korean culture directly and grow in both body and mind.

Between the lines: - The contest adds a competitive finish that can increase student motivation and give schools a public showcase. - The school-based format makes Korean cultural education accessible without requiring students to travel beyond their campuses. - The center is positioning taekwondo as both athletics and cultural education, not just a sports activity.

What's next: - The program will continue through Dec. 5, when the top students gather for the contest at the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles. - The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles plans to keep expanding opportunities for local American students to experience Korean culture through taekwondo and other programs. - Additional cultural activities for students and families are expected to continue alongside future education efforts.

The bottom line: - The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles is using taekwondo as a school-based bridge to Korean culture, fitness and character education for hundreds of LA-area students.