Before you depart in your limousine bus toward Incheon International Airport, there is one activity that will ensure that you sleep on the flight home. Taekwondo, Korea’s traditional martial art, is an internationally recognised sport which has become popular around the world. It was designated as a demonstration sport during the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games and adopted as a medal sport during the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Tourists have the opportunity to take part in a full day course or just 90 minutes. I chose the short sharp shock of a 90 minute lesson. Dressed in my Taekwondo suit and with Korea emblazoned on my back, I was ready to enter the Dojang area. The Master took me through a light warm-up session before telling me the meaning of Tae-Kwon-Do. If you break down the word Taekwondo you realize the meaning; ‘Tae’ translates as ‘foot, leg or to step on’; ‘Kwon’ translates as ‘fist or fight’; and ‘Do’ means ‘way or discipline’. With this in mind I began a series of blocks, punches and kicks, all of which was in preparation for a sparring session with the Master. Having sparred for two minutes I was ready for a break, but the interlude was followed by the final activity of my lesson and that was to break a thick board of wood with my bare hand. The master asked me to write three wishes on the piece of wood and then he held it with both hands ready for me to smash it. Using my hand like a knife, I focused and thrust my body and arm through the wood which snapped easily under the pressure. I left the Dojang soon afterwards having been presented with a certificate, Taekwondo suit, my two-pieces of wood and plenty of good memories.