[Global Newspaper] As of 2019, the Taekwondo industry in South Korea is facing a major crisis.

Due to low birth rates and various social difficulties, small businesses and educational enterprises have been hit hardest.

Amidst these challenges, a master who runs four Taekwondo schools right in the heart of Gangnam-gu, Seoul—not in a new town—is drawing attention as a remarkable figure.

Traditionally, franchise dojangs have operated by collecting franchise fees and monthly dues, with shared logos, programs, and equipment purchases.

As time passes, a new trend is emerging where dojangs are created with joint ownership involving masters, instructors, and external investors. However, the Taekwondo school introduced here is completely different.

Master Yun Yeongwan personally conducts highly focused classes. Beyond that, he is a rare wealthy figure in the Taekwondo world, holding personal investments and real estate assets.

The school introduced today is “Kyunghee Daehyo Taekwondo School” run by Master Yun Yeongwan, located in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu.

Interviewer: Hello, Master Yun. How did you manage to achieve success at such a young age, especially in these difficult times?

Master Yun: It feels a bit awkward to boast about myself, but I’ll take this opportunity to share my story.

I first opened a Taekwondo school in Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do, in 2005.

After securing a steady number of students there, I opened a second branch in Singil-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu.

Though I worked passionately, both locations were designated for redevelopment, so I had no choice but to sell the schools. That sale gave me the largest sum of money I’ve ever had in my life.

Without looking elsewhere, I immediately acquired a dojang near an elementary school in Gangnam-gu and started operating under a jeonse (key money lease) rather than a monthly rent.

At that time, I realized that for long-term success in the dojang business, owning your own building rather than renting is essential.

So I took out a bank loan to replace monthly rent payments with interest payments, thereby building my own assets.

Interviewer: We’re curious about your future plans and vision. Could you please share them?

Master Yun: My main focus has always been nurturing future talents through Taekwondo education.

While physical development through systematic Taekwondo instruction is important for sports education, many institutions offer healthy physical development.

What sets my school apart is the emphasis not only on physical growth but also on character development through Taekwondo education.

Photo description: Master Yun tailoring lessons to his students’ level.

My program goes beyond simple physical training to incorporate values and virtues that future leaders must cultivate, in an enjoyable and natural way during lessons.

This field is about educating the mind rather than intellectual subjects like math or English, teaching students to develop the right spirit and body to contribute positively to society.

Secondly, I am researching ways to expand the Taekwondo market in the context of declining population, including education for people with disabilities, seniors, stress relief specialized programs, Taekwondo media development, real estate and dojang transactions, and instructor training introduction businesses.

Interviewer: Master Yun, you have an impressive mindset. How many schools are you currently operating, and could you elaborate on your future plans for your dojang business?

Master Yun: Thank you. I currently operate four branches. Let me briefly introduce them:

I manage and oversee leadership education for Kyunghee Daehyo Taekwondo schools in Gangnam-gu, Seocho-gu, Banpo-dong (Seocho-gu), and Wirye New Town (Songpa-gu).

As the head master leading Kyunghee Daehyo Taekwondo School, I run four schools in Gangnam, Seocho, Banpo, and Songpa — areas considered the heart of education in Korea.

Currently, more than 1,200 students are enrolled, and about 12,000 students have earned Kukkiwon certificates through our institution since its founding.

Photo description: Master Yun explaining lessons to young students.

I majored in Taekwondo for four years at Kyunghee University, the most renowned Taekwondo school in Korea, and after graduation, I opened a Taekwondo school centered on character education. I have been growing this business for 15 years.

With a stable and solid business foundation, I am able to actively invest and expand into related areas such as educational app development.

Our education app development is currently under patent application in Korea and awaiting international patent approval.

Interviewer: Truly impressive. We look forward to your future challenges in the Taekwondo business. You’re a rare talent in the Taekwondo world. Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedule for this interview. Please share a closing message.

Master Yun: Yes! I always think about the next 30 years for my students at Kyunghee Daehyo Taekwondo School.

I will continue to be a philosophical leader who deeply values the sweat and effort earned through Taekwondo practice.

Thank you sincerely for taking the time to interview me despite your busy schedule.

Interviewer: That was an interview with young Gangnam leader Master Yun Yeongwan, who manages four Taekwondo schools in Gangnam, Seocho, and Songpa districts, rooting the educational value of Taekwondo.

The Global Newspaper will continue striving to be a transparent media company that brings fresh information and connects with readers by interviewing key figures across all fields, including Taekwondo and other sports. Thank you.

Kyunghee Daehyo Taekwondo School Main Branch – Dogok-dong, Gangnam-gu
Global Newspaper Reporter Woo Nae-hyung (wnh27@hanmail.net)

Source: Global Newspaper (http://www.globalnewspaper.co.kr)