Grandmaster Kwan Pil Kim is a 7th degree black belt in Taekwondo and a 7th degree in Hapkido. He is a National Taekwondo Champion and received 1st place in 1992 and 1993. In 2008 and 2012, he received the Presidential Sports Award. He is the founder of the Woori Taekwondo & Hapkido Academy schools, and we are very happy to have him as the father of the Woori Family and our Martial Arts guiding example!

In 2012, Master Kim received his very own personalized license plate from Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, to honor his community and youth education efforts. He is also a proud recipient of a special commendation resolution from the Cook County Board of Commissioners for his philosophical efforts.

Master Kim is not only dedicated to our Martial Arts schools, but also to building our communities. Under his guidance, Woori Academy has participated in parades, school events, festivals, fairs, fundraising events, and so much more. One of Grandmaster Kim’s proudest accomplishments is the organization of "Kick for the Cure," an annual fundraiser created especially for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. St. Jude is a world leader in understanding, treating, and defeating childhood cancer and other deadly diseases. Over the last 12 years, Woori has been able to donate over $152,000 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through our fundraising efforts.