Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Norway

Taekwondo – Korea’s National Sport

Sidrah Shaheen

Perhaps one of Korea’s most recognized exports is its national sport – taekwondo. It originated as a form of self-defence, however, is now also an established sport worldwide. Practiced today by millions of people, in over 200 countries, taekwondo is among one of the world’s most renowned martial arts. (Source: https://www.olympic.org/taekwondo)

The term “taekwondo” (태권도) consists of the Korean words for “foot” (태), “fist” (권) and “way” or “art” (도). Hence, taekwondo literally translates to “the way of the foot and the fist” or “the art of kicking and punching”.

An instructor or master of taekwondo is called "sabeom” (사범). “Nim” (님) is added as an honorific suffix when addressing the instructor directly, making “sabeomnim” (사범님) the formally correct way to address an instructor.

A student may be referred to by the general term for student; “hakseng” (학생) or for taekwondo students specifically; “jeja” (제자).

A “dojang” (도장) is the formal gathering place for training, examinations and graduation.

Taekwondo as we know it today, is often referred to as a modern martial art, having evolved and developed during the early 20th century. Its roots, however, can be traced back over 2000 years to the ancient Korean martial arts “taekkyeon” (태껸) and “subak” (수박), both considered to be predecessors to taekwondo. (Source: Taekwondo: From a Martial Art to a Martial Sport)

Taekwondo was first introduced by the Koreans to the international community as a demonstration sport during the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. It then became a medal sport for the 2000 summer Olympics in Sydney. Since then, participants from an increasing number of countries have participated. (Source: https://www.olympic.org/taekwondo)

A taekwondo match has two participants. The aim is to kick and punch the opponent’s torso and head in order to gain points, while avoid being kicked and punched yourself. Matches consist of the three rounds of two minutes each and there is a one-minute break between each round. Points are awarded based on how advanced the kicks and punches are. Challenging techniques (for example spinning kicks to the head) are awarded higher than basic punches and kicks. Also, targeting the head gives more points than targeting the torso. Players who fall or exit the matted area are penalised. (Source: http://www.worldtaekwondo.org/aboutwt/taekwondo/)

See full video: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=672452456639922​​

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Internet sources:
http://www.worldtaekwondo.org/about-wt/taekwondo/

https://www.olympic.org/taekwondo

Books:
Taekwondo: From a Martial Art to a Martial Sport By Udo Moenig, Routledge (2015)
Tae Kwon Do By Yeon Hee Park, Yeon Hwan Park and Jon Gerrard, Facts on File (2009)
Tae Kwon Do: The Korean Martial Art By Richard Chun, YMAA Publication Center (2007)
Official Taekwondo Training Manual By Soon Man Lee and Gaetane Ricke, Sterling (2005)