Charity Event to synergize with 2018 Jeju Korea Open International Taekwondo Championships

GCS International, a Korea-based, UN-recognized NGO, together with World Taekwondo, will be holding the 2018JejuWorld Peace Walkathon on Jeju Island on July 17, 2018.

Organized by the Jeju Taekwondo Association, the GCS Korea JejuJungang Club, and the 2018 Jeju Korea Open International Taekwondo Championships Organizing Committee,the eventwill take place the day before the 2018 Jeju Korea Open tournament commences – offering competing athletes and officials the opportunity to take part.

The aim of the 2.3km walk between the Jeju Seaside Art Center and Yongduam Rock, which takes place along the island’s scenic coastline, is to raise funds which will be disbursed to orphans, refugees and victims of natural disasters in developing countries. Walkers are requested to pay a fee of 10,000 Korean won (U.S.$10) toward this cause, though this is optional.

“Jeju is known as the ‘Island of Peace’ and we will reinforce this brand by holding a walkathon, which will benefit disadvantaged and vulnerable people overseas,” said GCS International President ChungwonChoue, who is also president of World Taekwondo. “The timing synchronizes with the JejuKorea Open, reinforcing the message that taekwondo is a combat sport, which aims not at victory or defeat, but at building international fellowship and solidarity as well as promoting world peace.”

Choue added that he plans to make the walkathon an annual one – with the next one most likely on Sept. 21 2019, the UN “International Day of Peace.” GCS International promoted the establishment of the “UN International Day of Peace” in 1981.

Athletes and officials can register for the walkathon when they register for the championships. Other interested parties can sign up for the walkathon from 3 p.m. on July 17, two hours prior to its start,both at registration boothsat the Jeju Seaside Art Center and in the lobby of the Jeju Oriental Hotel, the headquarters hotel of the Korea Open.