Park was born in Jeollado, Korea, during World War II. He was a member of the South Korean National Team from 1959–1966, and served as team captain from 1964–1966. He was the South Korean National Champion from 1962–1966. Park moved to Thailand in 1966 at the personal request of King Bhumibol of Thailand to teach taekwondo to the Thai royal family and US military forces.