Taekwondo whereas traditional taekwondo tends to emphasize power and

self-defense. The two are not mutually exclusive, and the

Taekwondo ( 태 권 도 ; 跆 拳 道 ; Korean
distinctions between them are often blurred.
pronunciation: [tʰɛkwʌndo]) is a Korean martial art and the
national sport of South Korea. In Korean, tae ( 태 , 跆 ) means Although there are doctrinal and technical differences between
"to strike or break with foot"; kwon ( 권, 拳) means "to strike or the two main styles and among the various organizations, the
art in general emphasizes kicks thrown from a mobile stance,
break with fist"; and do ( 도 , 道 ) means "way," "method," or
employing the leg's greater reach and power (compared to the
"art." Thus, "taekwondo" may be loosely translated as "the way arm). The greatest difference between various styles, or at
of the foot and fist" or "the way of kicking and punching." least the most obvious, is generally accepted to be the
Taekwondo is the world's most popular martial art in terms of differing styles and rules of sport and competition. Taekwondo
the number of practitioners.[1] Its popularity has resulted in the training generally includes a system of blocks, kicks, punches,
varied development of the martial art into several domains: as and open-handed strikes and may also include various take-
with many other arts, it combines combat techniques, self- downs or sweeps, throws, and joint locks. Some taekwondo
defense, sport, exercise, meditation and philosophy. instructors also incorporate the use of pressure points, known
Taekwondo is also used by the South Korean military as part as jiapsul, as well as grabbing self-defense techniques
of its training.[2] Gyeorugi (pronounced [ɡjʌɾuɡi]), a type of borrowed from other martial arts, such as Hapkido and Judo.
sparring, has been an Olympic event since 2000.
•
Formally, there are two main styles of taekwondo. One comes
from the Kukkiwon, the source of the sparring system sihap History
gyeorugi which is now an event at the summer Olympic
Games and which is governed by the World Taekwondo The history of taekwondo has been a matter of contention.
Federation (WTF). The other comes from the International Taekwondo organizations officially state that taekwondo was
Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). There is also a more recent derived from earlier Korean martial arts.[4][5][6][7][8][9] Others state
form called Songham Taekwondo or the American Taekwondo that taekwondo is derived from native Korean martial arts with
Association (ATA) and other variations of it such as STF influences from neighboring countries[10][11][12][13][14] or that it was
(Songham Taekwondo Federation) and WTTU (World partially affected by karate during the Japanese occupation.[15]
[16][17]
Traditional Taekwondo Union).[3]
Separate from the various taekwondo organizations, there The oldest Korean martial art was an amalgamation of
have been two general branches of taekwondo development: unarmed combat styles developed by the three rival Korean
traditional and sport. The term "traditional taekwondo" typically kingdoms of Goguryeo, Silla and Baekje,[18] where young men
refers to the martial art as it was established in the 1950s and were trained in unarmed combat techniques to develop
1960s; in particular, the names and symbolism of the strength, speed, and survival skills. The most popular of these
traditional patterns often refer to elements of Korean history. techniques was subak, with taekkyeon being the most popular
Sport taekwondo has evolved in the decades since then and of the segments of subak.
has a somewhat different focus, especially in terms of its Those who demonstrated strong natural aptitude were
emphasis on speed and competition (as in Olympic sparring), selected as trainees in the new special warrior corps, called
the Hwarang. It was believed that young men with a talent for forced to take Japanese names and to worship at Shinto
the liberal arts may have the grace to become competent shrines; Korean-language newspapers and magazines were
warriors. These warriors were instructed in academics as well banned; and during the war, hundreds of thousands of
as martial arts, learning philosophy, history, a code of ethics, Koreans were forced into service to support Japanese war
and equestrian sports. Their military training included an efforts.[21] Martial arts such as taekkyeon (or subak) were also
extensive weapons program involving swordsmanship and prohibited during this time;[22] however, taekkyeon survived
archery, both on horseback and on foot, as well as lessons in through underground teaching and folk custom.[4][23][24][25] During
military tactics and unarmed combat using subak. Although the occupation Koreans who were able to study in Japan were
subak was a leg-oriented art in Goguryeo, Silla's influence exposed to Japanese martial arts in some cases receiving
added hand techniques to the practice of subak. black belts[26]. Others were exposed to martial arts in China
During this time a few select Sillan warriors were given training and Manchuria.[12][27][28]
in taekkyeon by the early masters from Koguryo. These When the occupation ended in 1945, Korean martial arts
warriors then became known as the Hwarang. The Hwarang schools (kwans) began to open in Korea under various
set up a military academy for the sons of royalty in Silla called influences. [12][29] There are differing views on the origins of the
Hwarang-do, which means "the way of flowering manhood." arts taught in these schools. Some believe that they taught
The Hwarang studied taekkyeon, history, Confucian martial arts that were based primarily upon the traditional
philosophy, ethics, Buddhist morality, social skills and military Korean martial arts taekkyon and subak[4][6][29][30], or upon a
tactics. The guiding principles of the Hwarang warriors were variety of martial arts such as taekkyon, kungfu and karate.[31]
based on Won Gwang's five codes of human conduct and Others believe that these schools taught arts that were almost
included loyalty, filial duty, trustworthiness, valor and justice. entirely based upon karate.[32][33]
Taekkyeon was spread throughout Korea because the In 1952, at the height of the Korean War, there was a martial
Hwarang traveled all around the peninsula to learn about the arts exhibition in which the kwans displayed their skills. In one
other regions and people. demonstration, Nam Tae Hi smashed thirteen roof tiles with a
In spite of Korea's rich history of ancient and traditional martial forefist punch. Following the demonstration, South Korean
arts, Korean martial arts faded into obscurity during the President Syngman Rhee instructed Choi Hong Hi to introduce
Joseon Dynasty. Korean society became highly centralized the martial arts to the Korean army.[34]
under Korean Confucianism and martial arts were poorly By the mid-1950s, nine kwans had emerged. Syngman Rhee
regarded in a society whose ideals were epitomized by its ordered that the various schools unify under a single system.
scholar-kings.[19] Formal practices of traditional martial arts The name "taekwondo" was either submitted by Choi Hong Hi,
such as subak and taekkyeon were reserved for sanctioned or Song Duk Son of Chung Do Kwan and was accepted on
military uses. However folks practice of taekkyeon as a kicking April 11, 1955. As it stands today, the 9 kwans are the
game still persisted into the 19th century.[18] founders of taekwondo. [35] The Korea Taekwondo Association
Modern development (KTA) was formed in 1959/1961 to facilitate the unification.[6][26]
[36][37][38]
During the Japanese occupation of Korea, all facets of Korean Shortly thereafter, taekwondo made its début
identity including folk culture, language and history were worldwide. Standardization efforts in South Korea stalled, as
banned in an attempt to erase Korean culture.[20] Koreans were the kwans continued to teach differing styles. Another request
from the Korean government for unification resulted in the Although each taekwondo club or school will be different, a
formation of the Korea Tae Soo Do Association, which taekwondo student can typically expect to take part in most or
changed its name back to the Korea Taekwondo Association all of the following:
in 1965 following a change of leadership. • Learning the techniques and curriculum of taekwondo
Currently, taekwondo is practiced in 188 countries with over 70 • Both anaerobic and aerobic workout, including
million practitioners and 4 million individuals with black belts stretching
throughout the world. [39] It is now one of only two Asian martial
arts that are included in the Olympic Games; it became a • Self-defense techniques (hosinsul 호신술)
demonstration event starting with the 1988 games in Seoul, • Patterns (also called forms, pumsae 품 새 , teul 틀 ,
and became an official medal event starting with the 2000 hyeong 형)
games in Sydney.
• Sparring (called gyeorugi 겨루기 , or matseogi 맞서기
Feature
in the ITF), which may include 7-, 3-, 2- and 1-step
sparring, free-style sparring, arranged sparring, point
Stretching to increase flexibility is an important aspect of sparring, and other types
taekwondo training. • Relaxation and meditation exercises
See also: List of Taekwondo techniques and Kick
• Throwing and/or falling techniques (deonjigi 던 지 기
Taekwondo is known for its emphasis on kicking techniques, and tteoreojigi 떨어지기)
which distinguishes it from martial arts such as karate or
southern styles of kung fu. The rationale is that the leg is the • Breaking (gyeokpa 격파 or weerok), using techniques
longest and strongest weapon a martial artist has, and kicks to break boards for testing, training and martial arts
thus have the greatest potential to execute powerful strikes demonstrations. Demonstrations often also incorporate
without successful retaliation. Historically, the Koreans thought bricks, tiles, blocks of ice or other materials. Can be
that the hands were too valuable to be used in combat. separated into three types:
Taekwondo as a martial art is popular with people of both ○ Power breaking - using straightforward
genders and of many ages. Physically, taekwondo develops techniques to break as many boards as
strength, speed, balance, flexibility, and stamina. An example possible
of the union of mental and physical discipline is the breaking of ○ Speed breaking - boards are held loosely by
boards, which requires both physical mastery of the technique one edge, putting special focus on the speed
and the concentration to focus one's strength. required to perform the break
A taekwondo student typically wears a uniform (dobok 도복 ), ○ Special techniques - breaking fewer boards but
often white but sometimes black or other colors, with a belt (tti using jumping or flying techniques to attain
띠) tied around the waist. The belt indicates the student's rank. greater heights, distances, or to clear obstacles
The school or place where instruction is given is called the
• Exams to progress to the next rank
dojang 도장.
 • A focus on mental and ethical discipline, justice, worldwide. The Kukkiwon has its own unique physical building
etiquette, respect, and self-confidence that contains the administrative offices of Kukkiwon (World
Some schools teach the use of the "sine wave" when Taekwondo Headquarters) in Seoul, South Korea and is the
performing patterns; this involves raising one's center of system of taekwondo. The WTF is a tournament committee
gravity between techniques, then lowering it as the technique and is not technically a style or a system.
is performed, producing the up-and-down movement from There are many other private organizations, such as, for
which the term "sine wave" is derived. Other schools teach instance, the World Traditional Taekwondo Union promoting
that one's center of gravity should remain generally constant the Songahm style of Taekwondo. Events and competitions
throughout the performance of a pattern except where the held by private organizations are mostly closed to other
pattern's description states otherwise. taekwondo students. However, the WTF-sanctioned events
Organizations allow any person, regardless of school affiliation or martial arts
style, to compete in WTF events as long as he or she is a
Two of the most popular systems of taekwondo are named member of the WTF Member National Association in his or her
solely after their respective organizations, the International nation, which is open to anyone to join. The major technical
Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) and the World Taekwondo differences among these many organizations revolve around
Federation WTF (Kukkiwon). The ITF was founded in 1966 by the patterns, called hyeong 형 , pumsae 품새 , or teul 틀 , sets
General Choi Hong Hi. After his death in 2002, a number of of prescribed formal sequences of movements that
succession disputes splintered the ITF into three different demonstrate mastery of posture, positioning, and technique,
groups, all claiming to be the original. These three sparring rules for competition, and philosophy.
organizations are private. Two are located in Austria, and one
in Canada. The unofficial training headquarters of the In addition to these private organizations, the original schools
International Taekwon-Do Federation is located at the (kwans) that formed the organization that would eventually
Taekwondo Palace in Pyongyang, North Korea and was become the Kukkiwon continue to exist as independent
founded in the mid-1990s. fraternal membership organizations that support the WTF and
the Kukkiwon. The official curriculum of the kwans is that of
our concrete paving bricks broken with a knife-hand strike. the Kukkiwon. The kwans also function as a channel for the
Breaking techniques are often practiced in taekwondo. issuing of Kukkiwon dan and pum certification (black belt
The Korea Taekwondo Association Central Dojang was ranks) for their members.
opened in South Korea in 1972. A few months later, the name Ranks, belts and promotion
was changed to the Kukkiwon. The following year, the World
Taekwondo Federation was formed. The International Olympic Taekwondo ranks are typically separated into "junior" and
Committee recognized the WTF and taekwondo sparring in "senior" or "student" and "instructor" sections. The junior
1980. section typically consists of ten ranks indicated by the Korean
word geup 급 (also Romanized as gup or kup). The junior
Although the terms "WTF" and "Kukkiwon" are often ranks are usually identified by belts of various colors,
mistakenly used interchangeably, the Kukkiwon is a depending on the school, so these ranks are sometimes called
completely different organization which trains and certifies "color belts". Geup rank may be indicated by stripes on belts
instructors and issues official dan and pum certificates rather than by colored belts. Students begin at tenth geup
(often indicated by a white belt) and advance toward first geup degree until three years have passed. Some organizations
(often indicated by a red belt with a black stripe). also have age requirements related to dan promotions, and
The senior section is typically made up of nine ranks. These may grant younger students pum 품 (junior black belt) ranks
ranks are called dan 단 , also referred to as "black belts" or rather than dan ranks until they reach a certain age. Black belt
"degrees" (as in "third dan" or "third-degree black belt"). Black ranks usually have titles associated with them, such as
belts begin at first degree and advance to second, third, and "master" and "instructor". Taekwondo organizations have their
so on. The degree is often indicated on the belt itself with own rules and standards when it comes to ranks and the titles
stripes, Roman numerals, or other methods; but sometimes that go with them.
black belts are plain and unadorned regardless of rank. Philosophy
To advance from one rank to the next, students typically Since taekwondo developed in several different kwans, there
complete promotion tests in which they demonstrate their are several different expressions of taekwondo philosophy. For
proficiency in the various aspects of the art before a panel of example, the tenets of the ITF is said to be summed up by the
judges or their teacher. Promotion tests vary from school to last two phrases in the ITF Student Oath: "I shall be a
school, but may include such elements as the execution of champion of justice and freedom," "I shall build a better and
patterns, which combine various techniques in specific peaceful world".[40] Alternatively, the Kukkiwon philosophy, the
sequences; the breaking of boards, to demonstrate the ability Han Philiosophy, is based on Eastern principles of samje ( 삼
to use techniques with both power and control; sparring and 제 , three elements), eum ( 음 , yin; negative or darkness) and
self-defense, to demonstrate the practical application and yang ( 양 , positive or brightness) with samjae referring to
control of techniques; and answering questions on cheon ( 천, sky or heaven), ji (지, the earth), and in ( 인, a man
terminology, concepts, history, and so on, to demonstrate or a person). The origins of these concepts originate from the
knowledge and understanding of the art. For higher dan tests, Chinese classic "Book of Changes" which is considered to be
students are sometimes required to take a written test or to one of the main canons of East Asian Philosophy.[41]
submit a research paper in addition to taking the practical test.
Competition
Promotion from one geup to the next can proceed fairly rapidly
in some schools, since schools often allow geup promotions Taekwondo competition typically involves sparring, breaking,
every two, three, or four months. Students of geup rank learn patterns, and self-defense (hosinsul). However, in Olympic
the most basic techniques first, then move on to more taekwondo competition, only sparring is contested; and in
advanced techniques as they approach first dan. Many of the Olympic sparring WTF competition rules are used.[42]
older and more traditional schools will often take longer to earn WTF
rank than newer, more contemporary schools as they may not
Under WTF (World Taekwondo Federation) and Olympic rules,
have standard testing intervals.
sparring is a full-contact event and takes place between two
In contrast, promotion from one dan to the next can take competitors in an area measuring 10 meters square. Each
years. The general rule is that a black belt may advance from match consists of three semi-continuous rounds of contact
one rank to the next only after the number of years equivalent with rest between rounds. 14-17 and 18 and over black belt
to the current rank. For example, a newly-promoted third- fighters fight in 2-minute rounds with a one minute break.
degree black belt may not be allowed to promote to fourth- Points are awarded for permitted, accurate, and powerful
techniques to the legal scoring areas; light contact to a scoring ITF
area does not score any points. In most competitions, points The ITF sparring rules are similar, but differ from the WTF
are awarded by four corner judges using electronic scoring rules in several respects. Hand attacks to the head are
tallies. However, several A-Class tournaments are now trying allowed; kicks to the body gives two point and kicks to the
out electronic scoring equipment contained within body head give three; the competition area is slightly smaller (9
protectors, thus eliminating the need for corner judges. Recent meters square instead of 10 meters); and competitors do not
controversy concerning judging decisions has prompted this to wear the hogu used in Olympic-style sparring (although they
an extent, but this technology is still not universally preferred. are required to wear approved foot and hand protection
A kick or punch that makes contact with the opponent's hogu equipment). A continuous point system is utilized in ITF
(The body guard that functions as a scoring target) scores one competition, where the fighters are allowed to continue after
point; a kick to the head scores two points. Valid attacks that scoring a technique. Full force blows are not allowed and will
knock an opponent down are awarded an extra point. Punches result in deduction of points. Knock out is not allowed. At the
to the head are not allowed. If a competitor is knocked down end of 2 minutes (or specified time) the competitor with the
by a scoring technique and the referee counts down, then an most scoring techniques wins. The ITF competition rules and
additional point is awarded to the opponent. regulations are available at the ITF information website.[44]
At the end of three rounds, the competitor with the most points
wins the match. In the event of a tie at the end of three rounds,
a fourth "sudden death" overtime round will be held to
determine the winner after a one minute rest period. Safety
Until 2008, if one competitor gains a 7-point lead over the Although taekwondo competitors have a substantial risk of
other, or if one competitor reaches a total of 12 points, then injury, most injuries appear to be minor. The leg is the most
that competitor was immediately declared the winner and the common location for injuries, and bruising is the most common
match ended. These rules were abolished by the WTF at the injury type. A 2008 meta-analysis reported that an average of
start of 2009. [43] about 8% of competitors are injured, per exposure to
Blows are full force and if one player is knocked out by a legal competition; age, gender, and level of play did not significantly
attack, the attacker is declared the winner as the WTF allows affect the injury rate.[45]
knockouts in sparring competition. But there are certain rules Korean commands
that they must follow. Some rules condemn name calling,
punches to the head, grabbing, and more.

students count in Korean during their class, and during tests

Official WTF trunk protector (hogu), forearm guards and shin they are usually asked what certain Korean words used in
guards class mean.
In taekwondo, Korean language commands are often used. Romanization Hangul Hanja Meaning
For words used in counting, see Korean numerals. Often, Charyeot 차렷 Attention
Gyeong rye 경례 敬禮 Bow Taekwon-Do, a trained martial artist could easily kill a person
Baro 바로 Return in unarmed close combat.) [7][8][9]
Swieo 쉬어 At ease, relax I shall be a champion of freedom and justice.
Kihap 기합 氣合 Yell The 4th line, “I shall be a champion of freedom and justice”
Junbi 준비 準備 Ready can apply to many areas of life and although many may think
one would have to do something amazing to achieve this, this
Sijak 시작 始作 Begin, start
part of the oath can be respected by even the littlest things in
Gallyeo 갈려 Break (separate) ones daily activity. If one becomes more open-minded to
Gyesok 계속 繼續 Continue understanding others ideologies or the way others go about
Guman 그만 Finish (stop) their lives instead of being quick to judge, then maybe the
뒤 로 world would be a more understanding and accepting place.
Dwiro dora Turn around (about turn) Thus allowing people to have the freedom they deserve. By
돌아
accepting this belief one is bringing justice to this world and
Haesan 해산 解散 Dismiss therefore being a champion of justice. [8][9] As we often see,
conflicts can occur over common misconceptions of
information. One must understand the full story and have all
the facts before he can truly make a proper judgement. [8][7]
I shall build a more peaceful world.
The final line of the oath is “I shall build a more peaceful
Taekwon-Do oath world”. One can also easily obtain this goal by going about
I shall observe the tenets of Taekwon-Do. their daily lives in a more peaceful manner. If everyone did
this, the world would obviously become a more peaceful place.
All students must swear to carefully observe, acknowledge [9]
As we often see, conflicts can occur over common
and live by each one of the taekwon-do tenets. Here is a brief misconceptions of information. One must understand the full
and basic explanation of each:[8][7] story and have all the facts before he can truly make a proper
I shall respect the instructor and seniors. judgement. [8] However, this does not mean a student cannot
defend themselves against aggression directed towards
A student vows to respect their instructors and those senior to
themselves as that would defeat some of the purpose of
them (both in age and rank). An instructor must also act
taekwondo, an art of unarmed self-defence. That does not
respectfully to all students and persons in order to be
mean though however a student can provoke aggression
respected and therefore not misusing Taekwon-Do. [8]
towards another individual, as that would breaking the oath. [9]
I shall never misuse Taekwon-Do. As we often see, conflicts can occur over common
One will never misuse Taekwon-Do to harm other, for their misconceptions of information. One must understand the full
own personal gain or for any other manner that is unjust. (This story and have all the facts before he can truly make a proper
one is particularly important in any martial art, not just judgement. [8][7]
[edit] Taekwon-Do tenets
There are five tenets defined in the ITF.[7]
Courtesy (Ye Ui / 예 의 ) Showing courtesy to all, respecting
Chon-Ji Tul (19 movements)
others, having manners as well as maintaining the appropriate
etiquette at all times, both within and outside the dojang (도장) Literally means heaven and earth. It is in the orient interpreted
(designated training area). [8] as the creation of the world or the beginning of human history,
therefore it is the initial pattern played by the beginner. This
Integrity (Yeom Chi / 염 치 ) Although it may be similar, this
pattern consists of two similar parts; one to represent the
form of integrity takes on a more wider role then defined in the Heaven and the other the Earth.
common dictionary. In taekwondo, integrity means not only to
determine what is right or wrong but also having the Dan-Gun Tul (21 movements)
conscience to feel guilt if one has done wrong and to have the Dan Gun is named after the Holy Dan Gun, the legendary
integrity stand up for what is right. [7] founder of Korea in the year 2333 B.C..
Perseverance (In Nae / 인 내 ) One will persevere time and Do-San Tul (24 movements)
time again until they have achieved a result which is adequate
towards what one was trying to achieve. [7] Do-San is a pseudonym of the patriot Ahn Chang-Ho (1876 -
1938). The 24 movements represent his entire life which he
Self-control (Geuk Gi / 극 기 ) This means to not only have devoted to furthering education in Korea and the Korean
control over one's physical acts, but also their mental thoughts independence movement.
and actions. [7]
Won-Hyo Tul (28 movements)
Indomitable spirit (Baekjeol Bulgul / 백 절 불 굴 ) To have
Won-Hyo was the noted monk who introduced Buddhism to
indomitable spirit means to have the courage to stand up for
the Silla Dynasty in the year 686 AD.
what you believe in [7], no matter what odds you are up
against, and to always give 100% effort in whatever you do. Yul-Gok Tul (38 movements)
International Taekwondo Federation Yul-Gok is a pseudonym of a great philosopher and scholar Yi
I (1536 - 1584) nicknamed the "Confucius of Korea". The 38
movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on 38 degree
The International Taekwon-Do Federation was founded in latitude and the diagram of the pattern represents scholar.
March 22, 1966 by General Choi Hong Hi ( 최홍희 ) in Seoul, Joon-Gun Tul (32 movements)
South Korea.[1] The International Taekwon-Do Federation, or Joong-Gun is named after the patriot Ahn Joong-Gun who
(ITF), exists to promote and encourage the growth of the assassinated Hiro Bumi Ito, the first Japanese governor-
Korean martial art of taekwondo. Its main functions are to general of Korea, known as the man who played the leading
part in the Korea-Japan merger. There are 32 movements in
coordinate and approve tournaments and seminars, set
this patter to represent Mr Ahn's age when he was executed at
standards for teaching (patterns, sparring, destruction), Lui-Shung in 1910.
collaborate with affiliated member organizations, and service
Toi-Gye Tul (37 movements)
members in regards to rank and certifications.[1]
Toi-Gye is the pen name of the noted scholar Yi Hwang (16th Ge-Baek is named after Ge-Baek, a great general in the Baek-
century) an authority on neo-Confucianism. The 37 Je Dynasty (660AD). The diagram represents his severe and
movements of the pattern refer to his birthplace on 37 degree strict military discipline.
latitude, the diagram represent "scholar". Eui-Am Tul (45 Movements)
Hwa-Rang Tul (29 movements) Eui-Am is the pseudonym of Son Byong Hi, leader of the
Hwa Rang is named after the Haw Rang youth group which Korean independence movement on March 1, 1919. The 45
originated in the Silla Dynasty in the early 7th century. The 29 movements refer to his age when he changed his name of
movements refer to the 29th infantry Division, where Dong Hak (oriental Culture) to Chondo Kyo (Heavenly Way
Taekwondo developed into maturity. Religion) in 1905. The diagram represents his indomitable
Choong-Moo Tul (30 movements) spirit, displayed while dedicating himself to the prosperity of
his nation.
Choong-Moo was the name given to the great Admiral Yi
Soon-Sin of the Yi Dynasty. He was reputed to have invented Choong-Jang Tul (52 Movements)
the first armored battleship (Kobukson) in 1592, which is said Choong-Jang is the pseudonym given to General Kim Duk
to be the precursor of the present day submarine. This pattern Ryang who lived during the Yi Dynasty, 14th century. This
ends with a left hand attack, to symbolize his regrettable pattern ends with a left hand attack to symbolise the tragedy of
death. He was noted for his unrestrained loyalty to the King. his death at 27 in prison before he was able to reach full
Kwang-Gae Tul (39 movements) maturity.

Kwang-Gae is named after the famous Kwang-Gae-Toh- Juche Tul (45 Movements)
Wang, the 19th king of the Koguryo Dynasty, who regained all Juche is a philosophical idea that man is the master of
the lost territories including the greater part of Manchuria. The everything and decides everything, in other words, the idea
diagram represent the expansion and recovery of lost territory. that man is that master of the world and his own destiny. It is
The 39 movements refer to the first two figures of 391 AD, the said that this idea was rooted in Baekdu Mount which
year he came to the throne. symbolise the spirit of the Korean people. The diagram
Po-Eun Tul (36 movements) represents Baekdu Mountain.

Po-Eun is the pseudonym of a loyal subject Chong-Mong-Chu Sam Il Tul (33 Movements)
(1400) who was a famous poet and who's poem "I would not Sam Il denotes the historical date of the independence
serve a second master though I might be crucified a hundred movement of Korea which began throughout the country on
time" is know to every Korean. He was also a pioneer in the march 1, 1919. The 33 movements in the pattern stand for the
field of physics. The diagram represent his unerring loyalty to 33 patriots who planned the movement.
the king and country towards the end of the Koryo Dynasty. Yoo-Sin Tul (68 Movements)
Ge-Baek Tul (44 Movements) Yoo Sin is named after General Kin Yoo Sin, a commanding
general during the Silla Dynasty. The 68 movements refer to
the last two figures of 668 AD the year Korea was unified. The
ready posture signifies a sword drawn to the right rather than According to his will, the body was placed in the sea "Where
the left side, symbolizing Yoo sin's mistake of following his my soul shall forever defend my land against the Japanese". It
king's orders to fight with foreign force against his own nation. is said that the Sok Gul Am (Stone Cave) was built to guard
Choi Yong Tul (46 Movements) his tomb. The Sok Gul Am is a fine example of the culture of
the Silla Dynasty. The 61 movements in this pattern symbolize
Choi Yong is named after General Choi Yong, Premier and the last two figures of 6612 AS when Moon Moo came to the
Commander-in Chief of the armed forces during the 14th throne.
century Koryo Dynasty. Choi Yong was greatly respected for
his loyalty, patriotism, and humility. He was executed by So-San Tul (72 Movements)
subordinate commanders headed by General Yi Sung Gae, So San is the pseudonym of the great monk Choi Hyong Ung
who later became the first king of the Yi Dynasty. (1520 - 1604) during the Lae Dynasty. The 72 movements
Yon Gae Tul (49 Movements) refer to his age when he organised a corps of monk soldiers
with the assistance of his pupil Sa Myung Dang. The monk
Yon Gae is named after a famous general during the Koguryo soldiers helped repulse the Japanese pirates who overran
Dynasty. Yon Gae Somoon. The 49 movements refer to the most of the Korean peninsula in 1592.
last two figures of 649 AD the year he forced the Tang
Dynasty to quit Korea after destroying nearly 300,000 of their Se Jong Tul (24 Movements)
troops at Ansi Sung. Se-Jong is named after the greatest Korean King, Se-Jong,
UL-JI Tul (42 Movements) who invented the Korean alphabets in 1443, and was also a
noted meteorologist. The diagram represents the king, while
UL-JI is named after general UL-JI Moon Dok who the 24 movements refer to the 24 letters of the Korean
successfully defended Korea against a Tang's invasion force alphabet.
of nearly one million soldiers led by Yang Je in 612 AD, Ul-JI
employing hit and run guerilla tactics was able to decimate a Tong Il Tul
large percentage of the force. The diagram represents his Tong Il denotes the resolution of the unification of Korea which
surname. The 42 movements represent the author's age when has been divided since 1945. The diagram symbolises the
he designed the pattern. homogenous race.
Moon-Moo Tul (61 Movements)
Moon Moo honors the 30th king of the Silla Dynasty. His body
was buried near Dae Wang Am (Great King's Rock).