A Study on the Experience Process of Overseas Dispatch of Taekwondo Instructors Based on Grounded Theory

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the experience process of Taekwondo instructors dispatched overseas by Kukkiwon and analyze various problems experienced by Korean instructors in each country based on ground theory to identify the competence, strategic direction, and orientation of Taekwondo instructors. Methods Data were collected through in-depth interviews to investigate the theoretical approach based on the experiences of overseas dispatch of Taekwondo instructors. Results The causal situation affecting the central phenomenon was derived as 'lack of verbal communication, difficulty in forming human relationships', and the contextual situation between the causal situation and the central phenomenon was 'lack of support for Taekwondo education and living conditions.' Limitations and central phenomena included 'high-rise social adaptation'. The central phenomenon appeared to be a high level of social adaptation, which is an important concept mentioned in problem-oriented theory, and it explains from the research participants' perspective what the biggest concerns were as they experienced Taekwondo instructors' overseas dispatch experience. The mediating situations were 'public diplomacy with strong influence, 'education for social adaptation' as an action/interaction strategy, 'understanding the country's unique culture', and 'a positive sense of mission gained through Taekwondo'. This is understood as a social structural or cultural condition that affects action and interaction strategies. Action/interaction refers to a practical strategy that solves the central phenomenon, that is, the main concern. Conclusions Self-reflection through a sense of accomplishment as a leader and satisfaction through patriotism were derived. 'Complete settlement' was derived as the core category through selective coding of grounded theory. The process of 'complete settlement' can be seen as a 'result of a series of personal response strategies' taken as actions or perceptions in response to changes in environmental phenomena and social structural awareness.