The University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) graduate student Hesamaddin (Sam) Rezaei recently won the Grand Prize at the 2025 Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) Korean Speech Contest for Foreigners, an annual competition that celebrates language learning, cultural understanding, and the experiences of international residents living in Korea.
Originally from Iran, Sam’s journey with Korea began long before his time at UAC. He first visited the country in 2007 at the age of 13, representing Iran as a member of the national Taekwondo team. The trip left a lasting impression on him.
I was deeply moved by the kindness, warmth, and hospitality of the Korean people. That experience made me decide, even as a teenager, that I wanted to come back to Korea to study and live among these amazing people.”
The theme of his winning speech, “The Impact of Taekwondo on My Personal and Social Life,” perfectly reflects his lifelong connection with the martial art.
“Taekwondo isn’t just about competition or fighting,” he explained. “It’s about unity, peace, and bringing people together to become better mentally, physically, and spiritually. It’s not about hitting others—it’s about humbling yourself by improving your own strength.”
Sam’s relationship with Taekwondo began when he was just four years old, encouraged by his father to learn discipline and respect through the sport. What’s especially meaningful to him is how deeply Taekwondo is rooted in Korean culture.
“It’s a prominent part of the culture that promotes peace and brings people from different nations together,” he said.
He also shared an interesting piece of history: Taekwondo was first introduced to Iran in the 1960s by the Korean Air Force, which trained members of Iran’s Imperial Army.
“That’s how Taekwondo first came to Iran,” he explained. “It started with the soldiers and eventually spread throughout society.”
It’s incredible how one cultural exchange can grow into something so meaningful for generations.
Just like Taekwondo, learning Korean has been a long and rewarding journey for Sam. He began studying the language when he was 14, right after returning from his first trip to Korea.
“Back then, there were no Korean classes available in Iran,” he said. “But in 2008, I found out through a book exhibition hosted by the Korean Embassy that the first Korean language school had opened in Iran. I immediately registered, and there were only five or six of us at first. Now, I can proudly say there are thousands of Iranians learning Korean, and I’m so happy to see that.”
Beyond his achievements in Taekwondo and language, Sam is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Communication at the University of Utah Asia Campus, where he explores how intercultural communication shapes understanding across inclusive communities.
The Communication program at UAC has given me the opportunity to think critically about how people from different backgrounds connect and share their stories. It’s also helped me appreciate the power of language—not only in speech contests like this, but in everyday interactions.”
For him, the IFEZ Korean Speech Contest wasn’t just about showcasing language skills—it was about connection and shared experience.
“Rather than seeing it as a contest, I see it as an amazing gathering of people from all over the world,” he said. “It’s a chance to hear others’ experiences and share our love for the Korean language and culture.”
When he found out he was selected as one of the ten finalists, he felt nothing but gratitude.
“I was so happy,” he said. “But to me, it wasn’t really about getting first place. I told everyone at the end that every single person there was a winner because each one of us worked hard and shared something valuable.”
Sam also offered advice for other foreign students who might be thinking about joining a Korean speaking contest in the future.
“Do it,” he said with a smile. “It’s such a great experience. You get to learn, hear other people’s stories, and gain new perspectives. It’s a platform for growth—not just in language, but in life.”
From Taekwondo to language mastery, Sam’s journey is a reminder of how far passion and cultural appreciation can take someone. His story reflects the values of perseverance, respect, and connection—the same values that inspire students at the University of Utah Asia Campus.
– Written by Lauren Tran, Fall 2025 Communications Intern at Marketing & Communications Center, University of Utah Asia Campus (Reviewed & edited by Yoonji Kim, Senior Communications specialist, University of Utah Asia Campus)
