Chinese Envoy Visits North Korean Taekwondo Facility to Promote Sports Exchanges

China's top envoy to North Korea visited a key taekwondo facility in Pyongyang on May 2, 2026, according to the Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang. The visit aimed to underscore the importance of sports exchanges involving taekwondo, a traditional Korean martial art, between the two countries.

During the visit, the envoy received a briefing from the North Korean taekwondo governing body on the development of the sport and watched a demonstration performance. The envoy was accompanied by several officials from the North Korean foreign ministry.

The Chinese Embassy reported that North Korea has approximately 5,000 expert taekwondo athletes nationwide, with each province featuring dedicated universities for the martial art. The envoy acknowledged taekwondo's long history and its spiritual similarities to traditional Chinese martial arts.

The envoy expressed hope that taekwondo would contribute to the ongoing development of relations between China and North Korea by fostering emotional connections among their peoples. The facility, which opened in 1992, spans 18,000 square meters and has hosted various domestic and international competitions.

2018, a South Korean demonstration team performed at the facility. The site serves as a central venue for taekwondo in North Korea, supporting training and events that promote the sport.