The History of Taekwondo: From Korea to Your Community

How taekwondo traveled from Korea and into your neighborhood.

Did you know that taekwondo is a fairly new form of martial art? It’s not as old as karate or kung-fu, but that is part of what makes it unique. The name Taekwon-Do was adopted in 1955, and the first global bodies formed in the 1960s–70s. 

But just because taekwondo is newer than the rest doesn’t mean it doesn’t have old roots. It grew from older Korean fighting traditions like taekkyeon and subak, absorbed new ideas during the 1900s, and then spread worldwide through schools, soldiers, and sport. 

Today, it’s both a traditional art and an Olympic sport you can practice down the street. This guide gives you the history of taekwondo and what it means for you as a student or parent. 

Read on to see how taekwondo went from Korea…to your local dojang.

Key Takeaways

• Taekwondo is newer than karate or kung fu. The name Taekwon-Do began in 1955.
• After WWII, Seoul’s kwans and new federations in the 1950s–60s pulled training under one banner.
• Kukkiwon (1972) and World Taekwondo (1973) set global standards; the ITF (1966) kept its own system.
• Taekwondo became an Olympic medal sport in 2000 and now offers beginner-friendly classes in communities worldwide.

Ancient Roots and a 20th-Century Revival

The techniques trace back to the Korean peninsula (before the North/South split), with arts like taekkyeon and subak. Those roots influenced the idea and even the name of Taekwondo.

Scholars point out that clear, written references to taekkyeon appear from the 18th century (Joseon era) onward. So while people sometimes link it to much earlier times, the documentary trail we actually have starts later. This is why it’s important to separate heritage and influence from claims of a direct, unbroken lineage.

You’ll also see the older term subak in history notes. Think of subak as a historical label for bare-hand combat/contests in Korea; details of techniques and continuity are still debated to this day, and reliable sources are thinner than for taekkyeon. 

Most mainstream references discussing modern taekwondo’s roots highlight taekkyeon and karate influence in the 20th century rather than presenting subak as a straight line into today’s curriculum.

After the early 1900s, Korean teachers also drew from karate and Chinese arts. The result was a distinctly Korean style with fast footwork and dynamic kicking. The kicks are what most people associate with taekwondo today.

This blend of old and new set the stage for modern schools to open after World War II.

The Post-War Kwans: the Dojangs That Started it All

Kwans (관) are the original Taekwondo schools/lineages. In the 1940s and early 1950s, several kwans (schools) opened in Seoul, South Korea. You’ll often see names like Chung Do Kwan (1944) and Moo Duk Kwan (1945) in history timelines. These schools helped rebuild training and shape up the early curriculum.

Each kwan leaned a bit differently; some emphasized powerful basics, some broader self-defense, but all fed into the movement that later unified under one name.

When people say “old-school Taekwondo,” they’re usually thinking of this era of hard training, simple uniforms, and small, tight-knit classes.

A Name Takes Hold: “Taekwon-Do” and the First Federation

In 1955, Korean leaders adopted the name Taekwon-Do to describe the unified art. That name stuck and spread quickly through the military and civilian schools.

To organize internationally, the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) was formed in 1966. It promoted the martial art abroad, published technical standards, and ran the tournaments.

Many early demos and teams traveled the world in the 1960s, which is why you can find taekwondo schools in almost any country in the world today.

Kukkiwon and World Taekwondo: Setting a Global Standard

In 1972, Korea established Kukkiwon in Seoul, which is the World Taekwondo Headquarters. It develops curriculum, certifies black belts, and runs the World Taekwondo Academy for instructor education.

In 1973, the sport’s global governing body called World Taekwondo (WT) was founded. WT oversees international sport rules and championships, and today has 200+ member nations (213 as of WT’s stats).

Taekwondo became an Olympic demonstration sport in 1988 and 1992, then an official medal sport in 2000. That Olympic path turbo-charged growth in local communities worldwide.

So what’s the difference you’ll notice between WT and ITF in class?

Two Big Families Today: WT and ITF

WT (World Taekwondo) governs the Olympic-style sport most people see on TV with the full-contact sparring, electronic scoring, and a standardized set of poomsae (forms).

ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation) traces back to 1966 and uses tul (patterns), step-sparring, breaking, and point-style sparring under its own rules. It publishes its technical standards and hosts world events.

Both of these share the same spirit that focuses on developing discipline, self-control, and respect. Most beginners can start at any reputable school and do well. If you compete, your ruleset will follow your organization.

Now let’s explore what you can expect from a modern-day taekwondo class.

What You’ll Learn in a Modern Class

Classes have a mix of the basics (stances, blocks, strikes), kicking drills, forms, partner work, and safe sparring as you advance. You’ll also see flexibility and conditioning built into the warm-ups.

You can expect a clear belt path and regular testing. Kukkiwon-affiliated schools certify poom/dan ranks; ITF schools certify through their federation. Either way, your progress is recorded and portable, no matter where you decide to train.

Something that is just as important is etiquette. Bowing, lining up, and helping lower belts are all part of the strong martial arts culture that makes training welcoming for families.

Here’s how this art managed to reach where you are.

From Seoul to Your City: Why Communities Love Taekwondo

Taekwondo’s global bodies support national associations in 200+ countries, so there are lots of quality schools that are starting up almost everywhere. That makes it easy to start, travel, and continue training without losing any of your momentum.

And age doesn’t matter; the art fits kids, teens, and adults. Parents love the structure and self-confidence their kids develop, and adults enjoy the fitness and stress relief. Demos at schools, festivals, and charity events keep the community spirit front and center.

Wherever life may take you, you’ll see that same mix, traditional values, modern coaching, and a friendly on-ramp for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Taekwondo Korean or Japanese?
Taekwondo is Korean. It draws from Korean traditions like taekkyeon and integrated outside influences during the 20th century, then unified under the Taekwon-Do name in 1955.

When did Taekwondo become an Olympic sport?
It was a demonstration sport in 1988 (Seoul) and 1992 (Barcelona) and became an official medal sport at Sydney 2000.

What’s the difference between WT and ITF?
WT governs the Olympic-style sport and poomsae; ITF runs its own ruleset with tul patterns and point-style sparring. Both share core values and similar fundamentals.

Conclusion

Taekwondo’s story is a bridge that spans from old Korean footwork and discipline all the way to modern, family-friendly classes, right in your neighborhood.

The 1950s–1970s created the framework that we use today, with a shared name, global organizations, and clear standards that make it easy to learn from anywhere in the world.

Follow your dreams of obtaining a black belt, getting in better shape, or providing an amazing skill for your child. Taekwondo meets you where you are and then helps you level up.

Ready to see it up close? Find a local taekwondo dojang near you. If you’re in or visiting Burbank, CA, stop by Beyond Martial Arts for a free trial class and a tour. Bring your questions, and we’ll help you find the right program and get started with Taekwondo.