Grandmaster Kimsabu has been officially appointed by the Kukkiwon and the Government of the Republic of Korea to carry out the mission of spreading Taekwondo across the world since 2014.
After completing his long-term service in Tajikistan, a dispatch to Russia was planned, but it was later cancelled due to local circumstances following a short business trip for coordination.
He is now serving in Uganda, teaching the spirit and techniques of Taekwondo to soldiers, university students, and youth, inspiring positive change in their lives.
This page documents and introduces Grandmaster Kimsabu’s official missions as a Government-Dispatched Taekwondo Master and his journey of dedication abroad.
Kukkiwon Government-Dispatched Master Activities (2014–present)
Overview of Kukkiwon-Dispatched Masters
The Kukkiwon Government-Dispatched Master Program was established to promote Taekwondo, Korean culture, and character education worldwide.
Appointed masters serve locally by teaching, performing demonstrations, and officiating competitions.
Kukkiwon Master in Tajikistan
In October 2014, Kimsabu was appointed as a government-dispatched Taekwondo master by Kukkiwon and was sent to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan.
Three years after concluding his previous work there, he returned and settled once again in the capital region…
Kimsabu Becomes a Kukkiwon-Dispatched Master
Grandmaster Kim (Kimsabu) is currently serving in Uganda as a government-dispatched Taekwondo master from Kukkiwon, dedicated to character and leadership development through Taekwondo.
A Mission Halted by War – Three Weeks in Omsk
Three weeks spent in Omsk in preparation for a Taekwondo mission to Russia.
With growing anticipation through site visits and local meetings, the path was ultimately blocked by the outbreak of war.
Though the journey paused, the heart of the mission still faces that land.
Kimsabu Becomes a Kukkiwon-Dispatched Taekwondo Master
🎖 What Is a Government-Dispatched Taekwondo Master?
A Government-Dispatched Taekwondo Master is officially appointed and sent abroad under an agreement between Kukkiwon and the Government of the Republic of Korea.
Their mission is to promote Taekwondo and Korean culture around the world.
These masters serve as Taekwondo ambassadors by providing instruction, training local leaders, conducting evaluations and tournaments, and facilitating cultural exchange.
They carry out their duties as official representatives of the nation in their host countries.
🥋 Roles of a Government-Dispatched Taekwondo Master
-
Conduct Taekwondo instruction and manage training programs abroad
-
Provide structured training for military personnel, university students, and local youth
-
Train future instructors and enhance skills in Poomsae and Gyeorugi
-
Oversee and support Kukkiwon dan promotion tests
-
Expand Taekwondo outreach through local competitions and refereeing activities
-
Build cooperative networks with local Taekwondo associations, educational institutions, and government bodies
-
Serve as cultural diplomats, promoting Korean culture and the philosophy of Taekwondo
🕊 The Mission of a Government-Dispatched Taekwondo Master
Through Taekwondo, they seek to shape strong character and cultivate leaders with integrity and responsibility.
They carry the spirit of Kukkiwon and the identity of Korea to the world, serving at the forefront of martial arts diplomacy.
By overcoming cultural barriers and engaging with sincerity, they plant the values of hope, discipline, and perseverance through Taekwondo.
They walk the path not merely as instructors of technique, but as mentors who instill mindset and spirit, leaving a positive impact on youth around the globe.
As Taekwondo ambassadors representing Korea, they embody the dignity and character of a true martial arts leader.
“Taekwondo is not my occupation, but the path I was born to walk.”
On December 12, 1995, I arrived in Khujand, Tajikistan.
Together with my elder brother, I founded the Taekwondo Federation of Sughd Province
and began planting the seeds of Taekwondo in that land.
Those 17 years were the time of my youth— years of sweat, tears, and unshakable spirit,
growing side by side with local students through the way of Taekwondo.
After completing 17 years of service abroad, I returned to Korea and continued my journey as a referee in the University Federation and as a Taekwondo instructor at local elementary and middle schools.
That period became a time to readjust, reflect, and rediscover the essence of Taekwondo in my homeland.
In 2014, through a friend’s introduction, I learned about the Kukkiwon Government-Dispatched Taekwondo Master Program.
At that time, the only country open for application was Tajikistan— a land where I had once poured out my heart and vowed never to return.
For days, I wrestled with the thought.
But the words “to spread Taekwondo in the name of the nation”
stirred something deep within me.
This time, it was not a personal mission, but a challenge as a representative of the Republic of Korea.
It was not an easy decision, for I had a family to consider.
Yet I chose to follow my calling, resigned from my job, and took part in the government selection exam — and I passed.
On December 27, 2014, on a snowy winter day, I boarded a plane once again to Tajikistan,
this time with my daughter beside me.
Her quiet words remain in my heart:
“Dad, let’s go together.”
That single sentence erased all my fears.
Once again, I took the path of a Master — the path of mission through Taekwondo.
The first year was not easy.
Visa problems forced me to cross borders repeatedly, and the training environment remained challenging.
Yet I stood firm.
Because Taekwondo is not merely a technique — it is the path of building people.
A Master is not a teacher of movements, but a leader who shows the way of life.
Even today, I stand upon that mission — as a Government-Dispatched Taekwondo Master of Kukkiwon,
continuing the journey I began decades ago.
“Taekwondo is not about technique — it’s about building people.
A Master does not simply teach movements, but shows a way of life.”
Kimsabu Becomes a Government-Dispatched Taekwondo Master from Kukkiwon