By Na Jeong-ju
Staff reporter

World Friends Korea, the local version of the Peace Corps of the United States, unveiled a plan Wednesday to use taekwondo, a traditional Korean martial art, to promote peace and friendship in underdeveloped countries around the world.

The measure reflects a growing interest in Korean culture in Asia and Africa and the country's strengthening economic and cultural ties with the regions.

In a report to President Lee Myung-bak at Cheong Wa Dae, the organization, run by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), said its top priority this year is to enhance mutual understanding of culture and lifestyles between Korea and countries in need.

One of the ideas is to teach taekwondo to the younger generation. It has formed a group of young martial artists to demonstrate their abilities in the countries.

The organization said it will also open the door to senior citizens who are interested in goodwill activities overseas.

"It is very meaningful to help less-developed nations fight poverty and promote economic growth. It is our obligation and it is our privilege," President Lee said in a congratulatory message. "I hope you will become good friends of the countries and help them better understand Korean culture and people."

The expansion of overseas volunteering is one of the 10 projects the Presidential Council on Nation Branding adopted last year to help the country become a more responsible member of the international community.

The council, headed by former Korea University President Euh Yoon-dae, was created in January last year at the instruction of President Lee.

World Friends Korea was launched in May last year as the unified organization for the country's overseas volunteer activities. Until then, ministries and government agencies organized their own volunteer programs.

This year, Korea plans to send about 2,500 volunteers around the globe. Including those who belong to civic and religious groups, the number of Korean volunteers overseas is expected to surpass 3,000.

They will work with governments, schools, non-profit organizations and business people in various areas, including education, the environment, agriculture and information technology.

Currently, the U.S. is the only country that sends more than 3,000 volunteers abroad annually.