Taekwondo in Korea: Kicks, Belts and A Way of Life

If you’ve ever watched a taekwondo match and thought, “Wow, that’s some impressive footwork,” you’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg. In Korea, taekwondo isn’t just a sport—it’s a cultural cornerstone. It’s practiced in schools, military bases, and neighborhood dojangs. It’s etched into childhood memories, national celebrations, and even daily routines. Taekwondo in Korea isn’t something you do; it’s something you live (1).

The Legacy of Taekwondo in Korea: More Than a Modern Sport

While taekwondo in Korea officially became the national sport in 1971, its roots stretch back over 2,000 years to martial traditions like Taekkyon and Subak (2). During the Japanese occupation (1910-1945), masters kept it alive in secret, passing on knowledge like precious heirlooms. After liberation, taekwondo in Korea surged, becoming not just a means of self-defense but a proud symbol of unity and national resilience (2).

Today, you’ll find taekwondo taught in classrooms where kids learn to kick—but more importantly, to respect. It’s often a mandatory subject in Korean schools. The values of taekwondo in Korea—humility, self-control, and responsibility—are seen not just in schools and dojangs, but in the way people interact on the street, at home and in the working environment (1,3). Think of it like a cultural operating system.

Where the Community Meets the Mat

Dojangs, or training halls, are community pillars in Korea. Children as young as four begin their taekwondo journey, often continuing into adulthood and even after entering the workforce or fulfilling mandatory military service. For every South Korean male, taekwondo forms a key part of military training, instilling not just combat skills but a deep sense of national spirit (1). 

Public festivals, demonstrations, and competitions celebrating taekwondo in Korea will draw enormous crowds. Public performances have teams executing gravity-defying kicks and perfectly synchronised forms. They are a testament to both athletic skill and artistic expression. These events are entertainment and a communal celebration of Korean heritage and pride (1).

What It’s Really Like to Train Taekwondo in Korea

Sure, taekwondo is practiced globally—from Sydney to São Paulo. But the experience of taekwondo in Korea? It’s on another level. Several of our instructors at Mozhdeh Martial Arts have trained in Korea, and we do our best to bring some of that experience into our club by using Korean commands, practicing traditional cultural customs, and even organising trips to Korea for keen athletes. 

Imagine yourself heading to Korea to train. You may start alongside middle school students who are already kicking high and moving with razor-sharp precision. At this pre teen age, it’s all about improving flexibility and fine-tuning footwork. Think: think drills and stretches that would make a gymnast wince. Yep—five hours a day, every day.

Fast forward to high school, and the intensity ramps up. We're talking eight hours of training split into four sessions, everyday. There’s a major focus on fitness and speed kicking drills that in the Korean heat, would leave even the best gasping for breath.

And then, finally, university. The training shifts again—this time toward strategy. The hours ease up (thank goodness), and the focus sharpens. Additional studies in taekwondo theory, history, pedagogy, sports science, and event management are undertaken. The best of the best might land spots on corporate-sponsored teams like Samsung and KOGAS, or go on to represent Korea in their official National Team (4).

Taekwondo in Korea carries layers of history, and a national respect that is near impossible to recreate around the world. Successful fighters are highly regarded as ambassadors for their country and its sport. 

The Olympic Spotlight and the Heart of It All

When taekwondo made its Olympic debut in 2000, the world paid attention. But in Korea—the birthplace of taekwondo—it’s always been more than a sport. National champions are revered like celebrities. The Kukkiwon in Seoul (the global taekwondo headquarters) stands as a cultural landmark where philosophy meets discipline, and where taekwondo’s true spirit is kept alive.

Training taekwondo in Korea offers something unique. It’s not just about perfecting technique and improving fitness. Research shows it supports both physical and psychological development in young people (3,5). Strength, yes—but also resilience, laser-sharp focus, and a strong sense of self.

Curious about the Kukkiwon? Dive into this video:

Why Taekwondo in Korea Still Matters

No matter where you practice—whether in a Seoul dojang or a suburban gym—taekwondo teaches us valuable life lessons. But taekwondo in Korea? It adds something deeper. Every kick, punch and bow carries the weight of centuries. It’s tradition, cultural pride, and personal growth all wrapped into one. At Mozhdeh Martial Arts, we remember this with every class as we pass on the rich philosophy of taekwondo to all of our students.

As the martial art continues to evolve and inspire across the globe, its Korean heart remains strong—reminding all fighters of the rich heritage from which taekwondo in Korea was born.

References

1. Eclipse. (2024). The Cultural Significance of Taekwondo in South Korea. https://eclipsemartialartsupplies.com/blogs/news/the-cultural-significance-of-taekwondo-in-south-korea

2. Sun Bae Korean Martial Arts. (n.d.) Taekwondo History. https://www.sunbae.net/about-more/korean-martial-arts/taekwondo-history

3. Nam, S. S., & Lim, K. (2019). Effects of Taekwondo training on physical fitness factors in Korean elementary students: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of exercise nutrition & biochemistry, 23(1), 36–47. https://doi.org/10.20463/jenb.2019.0006

4. Korean National Sport University. (n.d.). Taekwondo. https://www.knsu.ac.kr/eng/academic/taekwondo.do

5. Jeong, G., Jung, H., So, W. Y., & Chun, B. (2023). Effects of Taekwondo Training on Growth Factors in Normal Korean Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Children (Basel, Switzerland), 10(2), 326. https://doi.org/10.3390/children10020326