Korean Exchange Programme

Each year Caledonian Taekwondo runs a sporting and cultural exchange programme with Pung Saeng High School, Seongnam South Korea. The Lee Sung Lee programme commemorates the life of a young Pung Saeng student who died of cancer aged just 16. A tragic loss. Each year we remember his life and times. We pay tribute to the martial art that meant so much to Lee Sung Lee and too so many worldwide. In 2002, prior to his passing, Sung Lee provided his home for 6 weeks for one of our Scottish boys. The next year Lee Sung was supposed to come to Scotland and stay with us for 6 weeks, the programme is now an annual tribute.

 

In July we take 8 players to Korea to train for 6 weeks with the best Taekwondo athletes in Korea. Our athletes will train 3 times per day for a total of 7 hours, 5 days per week. They live with the families of the high school students, experiencing Korean culture, language and food. It is a life changing opportunity and to foster international relations between our two countries. They learn about the necessity of learning languages, the need for clear and simple communication and the joy that partnerships and associations with our international cousins bring.

 

Then in August we bring 6 Korean students to live and train with us in Glasgow.

Each student has an individual “home stay” family from our Gymnasium, and we ensure they return to Korea safely having learned some English, experienced some of Scotland’s culture and gained many friends. It‘s hard to measure the overall benefits of this programme but in 2007 our club had 5 British Champions training at our club, and we finished the year as the number one in Scotland. Much of this comes down to the exchange of ideas, principles and systems of learning we gain in Korea.

 

The reverse benefit is that of all our Korean brothers have good basic English, a motivation to study and people to practice with. These young men are the futures of our countries. They are hard working, disciplined and honest – qualities that any business strives for. The reason we seek your help is to ensure the long term viability and success of the programme.

 

The cost of running the exchange programme is not inconsiderable, with flights, food and entertainment being met by us in Scotland. And the reverse happening in Korea. We do it because we love it – because it makes a difference to the young peoples lives. The passing of Sung Lee provides us all with a timely reminder of how lucky we are and how we must share our strengths to provide a better future for all people we encounter.

A series of events will be held over the coming few months to facilitate this event that will benefit the club as a whole during the return leg.  If you have any ideas on how to help fund this event and if you are prepared to get involved in the process please contact John Cullen.