King Philippe of Belgium tried out taekwondo during a visit to Kukkiwon ©Getty Images

The King of Belgium paid a visit to World Taekwondo headquarters during a state visit to South Korea.

King Philippe, accompanied by Belgian Government officials, watched a taekwondo performance, after which he changed into a taekwondo outfit and smashed a pine board to celebrate his visit to the headquarters known as Kukkiwon.

The acting head of Kukkiwon Kim Young-tae presented King Philippe with an honorary taekwondo certificate and asked for continued cooperation between the two countries in expanding the sport. 

During the visit King Philippe watched a special taekwondo performance ©Getty Images
During the visit King Philippe watched a special taekwondo performance ©Getty Images

“There are many people training in taekwondo not only in Korea, but also in Belgium,” King Philippe said.

“My son is one of them.

“My son is in Belgium, but he will be very jealous to learn that I have received a certificate of honour in Kukkiwon.”

Three athletes from Belgium took part in Taekwondo at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro but won no medals.

The country also failed to win any medals at the 2017 World Championships in Muju in South Korea.