Tenerife Names 'Master Shin' Adoptive Son of the Island for 50 Years of Cultural and Sports Diplomacy

The Tenerife Island Council has unanimously voted to name Daniel Shin—widely known as "Master Shin"—an Adoptive Son of the Island. This honor recognizes his 50-year career, which has been defined by his deep cultural integration and his role in fostering sports exchanges. Since arriving in the late 1970s, Shin has acted as a vital bridge between Tenerife and the Republic of Korea.

Shin’s influence on the island goes well beyond sports. While he was instrumental in introducing and developing taekwondo in Tenerife, training generations of high-level athletes, he also made significant contributions to local healthcare. He was one of the first practitioners to introduce acupuncture in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, serving the community for decades.

A key part of his legacy is his work in sports diplomacy. Since 1991, Shin has been the driving force behind an exchange program that connects Canarian wrestling with the traditional Korean sport of ssireum. By acting as an organizer and interpreter, he has facilitated communication and travel for sports delegations, helping to build a stronger mutual understanding between the two cultures.

This new honor adds to a long list of accolades, including the Gold Medal for Sports Merit from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the Silver Medal from the Royal Spanish Taekwondo Federation, and official recognition from the South Korean government. His work with the World Taekwondo Federation and the Commission for the Unification of the Two Koreas further highlights his significant role in international cooperation.