In South Korea, Taekwondo is more than just a martial art.
Here’s why so many Korean parents choose to enroll their kids in Taekwondo classes!
Quick Summary
- Taekwondo is a staple in children’s after-school schedules and a trusted partner for busy parents.
- Taekwondo schools provide after-school pickup and drop-off services.
- Children train both the body and the mind through strict discipline of Taekwondo while making friends and having fun through extra activities.
- It’s also affordable at around $102 a month when they go five days a week.
1. After-School Pickup & Drop Off
Taekwondo is a lifesaver for working parents in Korea.
Many Korean working moms have to take a leave of absence once their kids enter elementary school as they finish earlier at 12:30 or 1:30 PM, instead of 6-7 PM from daycare or kindergarten.
This is where Taekwondo schools come in, offering a critical support system.
Taekwondo schools provide after-school pickup services, where kids are escorted directly from their schools to the Taekwondo dojang (school). Then, they’re safely dropped off at home after the class.
The flexibility of late pickup hours makes Taekwondo an ideal choice for dual-income households.
2. Socializing Made Easy
Taekwondo fosters a strong sense of community.
Children not only bond with peers but also with older students in the neighborhood.
By the time they enter elementary school, kids already have connections with sunbae (seniors) from their Taekwondo classes. It helps kids who feel anxious about school or worried about making friends.
These early friendships extend to playgrounds, schools, and beyond, creating a sense of belonging.
3. Boosting Physical Fitness
Parents often struggle to keep up with their kids’ endless energy, but Taekwondo takes care of that.
The classes are packed with physical activities, from practicing kicks to playing dodgeball.
Kids return home happily exhausted, making it easier for parents to manage their evenings.
4. Building Character and Discipline
Taekwondo is well-known for teaching life values like perseverance, patience, respect, and gratitude.
Korean parents notice changes in their children’s mindset and behavior.
Taekwondo trains both the body and the mind while developing moral character through strict discipline.
5. Affordable and Effective
Compared to other extracurricular activities, Taekwondo is cost-effective.
For around $102 (about 150,000 KRW) a month, kids can attend classes five days a week.
For parents, Taekwondo is a no-brainer.
6. Well-Rounded Activities Beyond Martial Arts
Taekwondo isn’t limited to punches and kicks.
Programs often incorporate additional physical activities like jump rope, gymnastics, and team sports like soccer and volleyball.
Some schools even go beyond athletics, offering baking, camping trips, and volunteer opportunities.
It’s common to see fleets of yellow Taekwondo vans at ski resorts, where kids enjoy group lessons during winter vacation.
As a kid, I used to go sledding at a ski resort with my Taekwondo school. Super fun memory!
7. Saturday Care Options
Some Taekwondo dojangs offer weekend care programs, even if it’s just for an hour or two.
This gives parents a much-needed break to run errands or enjoy some downtime while knowing their kids are in a safe, productive environment.
From its physical and mental benefits to its convenience, Taekwondo continues to play a vital role in Korean childhoods.
It helps Korean parents raise strong, disciplined, and well-socialized children.
