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Jeonbuk State launches full-scale sports diplomacy with five African countries – Guinea, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, and Kenya. This invitation was carried out as part of a strategy to expand the international network for hosting the Jeonju Summer Olympics.

On the 26th, Jeonbuk State held a welcome orientation at the Taekwondowon in Muju, inviting Taekwondo athletes from African countries and expanding the foundation for international sports exchange. Around 30 people, including Yu Hee-sook, head of the 2036 Summer Olympics Bidding Committee, and officials from the Taekwondo Promotion Foundation, attended the event, welcoming the athletes and promoting Jeonbuk’s status as an international sports city.

This invitation was organized in connection with the “2025 World Taekwondo Grand Prix Challenge”, which would be held at the Taekwondowon in Muju from August 28 to 31. Jeonbuk State covered all expenses, including airfare, accommodation, and meals, providing African athletes who would otherwise have trouble attending international competitions with the opportunity to participate. The invitees were 20 people from five countries, selected through recommendations from the Taekwondo Promotion Foundation, provided that they are athletes and officials from developing countries who have never won medals in major international Taekwondo competitions.

“2025 World Taekwondo Grand Prix Challenge” is a large-scale international competition with 534 athletes and officials from 35 countries worldwide. The competition will be held in a total of eight events, with four weight classes each for men and women. Athletes placing first to third in each weight class will earn the right to participate in the “Grand Prix Series 2” scheduled to take place in Muju in August 2026. This tournament is expected to strengthen Muju Taekwondowon’s stature as a global center of Taekwondo.

On Monday, September 1, following the conclusion of tournament, experimental programs showcasing Jeonbuk’s history and culture will also be offered. The African athletes will visit Jeonju Hanok Village and Mt. Deogyusan in Muju, experiencing the charm and flavors of Jeonbuk through a variety of programs, including a guided tour of the Hanok Village, traditional cultural activities, and tasting local foods.

Yu Hee-sook, head of the 2036 Summer Olympics Bidding Committee, stated, “This invitation provides African Taekwondo athletes with the opportunity to gain experience in international competitions and serves as a chance to expand Jeonbuk’s international sports exchange network, In particular, we will use this event as a chance to show the world that Jeonbuk is a capable city preparing to host the Summer Olympics.”