Greetings from ICM's Secretary General

We welcome you to UNESCO ICM,

a stage for world martial artists to fulfill your dreams!

19 November 2020, ICM’s New Building has widely opened its doors in Chungju City (Republic of Korea), home of Taekkyeon, the first martial arts to be inscribed as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

The ‘International Centre of Martial Arts for Youth Development and Engagement under the auspices of UNESCO (UNESCO ICM, or ICM)’ was established in December 2016 upon an Agreement between the government of the Korea and UNESCO. Since its establishment ICM has been operating diverse projects such as martial arts research, education, and exchange that contribute to the realization of UN and UNESCO goals through martial arts.

Projects such as the International Youth Martial Arts Camp, Martial Arts Research Initiative for Experts, International Martial Arts Academic Seminar, African Regional Martial Arts Congress, etc. that had been held in external spaces will now be held at the new building constructed within the World Martial Arts Park, Chung ju City. And for that ICM will become a space that enables exchange between world martial artists, and a stage for youth, the future generation, to cultivate their dreams.

The new building, as a centre for martial arts is, as its name, home to not only ICM, but also the WoMAU (World Martial Arts Union), KMAF (Korea Martial Arts Federation), WMC(World Martial Arts Masterships Committee), and the Korea Taekgyeon Association, etc. Additionally, if a stadium exclusive for traditional martial arts is established in the future, the World Martial Arts Park will become the center of world martial arts.

The new building includes a Multipurpose Hall for matches, events, and performances, an International Conference Room, Seminar Rooms, a Special Library, additional facilities that can be used variously by residing organizations and other organizations.

The new building as an impetus, ICM will continuously strive for the establishment of martial arts values, development and engagement of humanity through martial arts, and the well-being and communication of more people. We ask for your continuous support and interests. We hope for the COVID-19 pandemic to come an end and wish to greet you in person soon, at ICM’s new building. Thank you.

UNESCO ICM Secretary General

Changhyun PARK