Findings from the new survey conducted by World Taekwondo Peace Corps with a sample of 1,750 current trainees say that 11.7 percent more respondents said they like Korea more compared to before they began learning the Korean martial art. (Image: Seoul Metropolitan Government)
SEOUL, Sept. 13 (Korea Bizwire) – A new survey has revealed non-Korean nationals who learn taekwondo are more likely to hold a favorable view of Korea than before.
Findings from the new survey conducted by World Taekwondo Peace Corps with a sample of 1,750 current trainees say that 11.7 percent more respondents said they like Korea more compared to before they began learning the Korean martial art.
The new survey was conducted in 19 countries where taekwondo ambassadors have been sent, including Russia, Fiji, Cambodia, Sweden, Bangladesh, Tanzania, and the U.S.
When the respondents were asked about their views on Korea, those who said they like the country ‘very much’ remained at 46.9 percent, but the figured went up to 58.6 percent when asked the same question after respondents received taekwondo training.
Over 9 in 10 respondents said they intended to visit South Korea at some point in the future, with over 95 percent saying taekwondo had a positive impact.
A new survey has revealed non-Korean nationals who learn taekwondo are more likely to hold a favorable view of Korea than before. (Image: Seoul Metropolitan Government)
“(The survey shows) the World Taekwondo Peace Corps’ activities have been contributing to the positive image of the country and culture,” an official from the group said.
Since it was established in 2009, the World Taekwondo Peace Corps has sent nearly 2,000 volunteers to over 110 countries around the world.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
