South Korea gov't wants to promote taekwondo via Rijeka as European culture capital

A five-member South Korean delegation, led by Shin Kinam, special envoy of the minister of culture, tourism and sports, visited the Croatian Olympic Committee (HOO) on Friday to promote taekwondo and strengthen cooperation with its fans in Croatia. Croatian Ambassador to South Korea Damir Kusen helped to organise the meeting, the main motive being the wish of World Taekwondo in Seoul to additionally promote the national sport in Rijeka next year, when that northern Adriatic city will be a European Capital of Culture.

World Taekwondo and the University of Rijeka signed a cooperation agreement three years ago and the South Korean government wants to utilise Rijeka's prestigious status in 2020 to promote taekwondo more strongly at the European level.

HOO president Zlatko Matesa, who received the delegation, supported the initiative and pledged that he would help in the realistion of another big wish, bringing Croatian footballers to South Korea as soon as possible.

Shin said that was a logical development given the popularity of the 2018 World Cup vice champions in his country.

(Hina)

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