When Was Taekwondo Created? Key Facts & History

By Sarah Miller · April 27, 2052

Taekwondo was officially created in 1955, when Korean martial arts masters unified various traditional fighting styles into a single system under the name “Taekwondo.” The sport evolved from ancient Korean martial arts like Taekkyeon and was further shaped by Japanese and Chinese influences during the 20th century.

The Origins of Taekwondo

Taekwondo's roots stretch back over 2,000 years to ancient Korea, where early forms of hand and foot combat were practiced. The earliest known form, Taekkyeon, was a popular folk martial art during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE–668 CE), particularly among soldiers in the Silla Dynasty. This system emphasized fluid, dance-like movements and kicking techniques.

Historical Influences on Development

Three Kingdoms Period: Murals in Goguryeo tombs depict figures in fighting stances resembling modern Taekwondo.
Silla Warriors (Hwarang): Elite youth trained in combat, ethics, and discipline, forming a moral foundation for modern practice.
Japanese Occupation (1910–1945): Suppressed native Korean arts; many Koreans trained in Japanese Karate, which later influenced Taekwondo's structure.
Post-WWII Revival: After liberation, Korean martial artists sought to reclaim cultural identity through unified national martial art.

The Modern Creation of Taekwondo

In the mid-20th century, nine martial arts schools (known as “kwans”) operated independently in Korea, each teaching variations of empty-hand combat. To unify these styles, a committee led by General Choi Hong Hi and other masters convened and formally named the new system “Taekwondo” on April 11, 1955.

Key Milestones in Institutionalization

1955: Official naming and recognition of Taekwondo by the Korean government.
1961: Establishment of the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA).
1966: Founding of the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) by Choi Hong Hi.
1973: Creation of the World Taekwondo Federation (now World Taekwondo) to promote Olympic inclusion.
2000: Taekwondo debuts as a full medal Olympic sport at Sydney Games.

Taekwondo Styles and Organizations

Two major branches dominate global practice: World Taekwondo (WT) and International Taekwondo Federation (ITF). They differ in rules, sparring focus, and patterns (called “poomsae” or “tul”).

Organization	Founded	Headquarters	Global Reach	Olympic Affiliation	Sparring Rules
World Taekwondo (WT)	1973	Seoul, South Korea	216 member nations	Yes (since 2000)	Full contact, electronic scoring, emphasis on head kicks
International Taekwondo Federation (ITF)	1966	Vienna, Austria	Approx. 120 countries	No	Light to semi-contact, manual scoring, continuous sparring
Kukkiwon	1972	Seoul, South Korea	Dan certification for WT practitioners	N/A (technical standard body)	Same as WT

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that World Taekwondo has broader global representation and Olympic legitimacy, while ITF maintains a strong traditional presence with distinct technical standards. Kukkiwon serves as the official dan-ranking authority for WT-style practitioners, reinforcing standardization across nations.

Evolution as a Global Sport

Since its Olympic debut in 2000, Taekwondo has grown rapidly in popularity. It is now practiced by over 80 million people in more than 200 countries. The sport’s dynamic kicking techniques, emphasis on speed, and structured belt system have made it appealing for self-defense, fitness, and competitive athletics.

Technological advancements such as electronic hogus (body protectors) and digital scoring systems have increased fairness and transparency in competition. WT continues to refine rules to enhance spectator appeal and athlete safety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taekwondo

When was Taekwondo officially named?

Taekwondo was officially named on April 11, 1955, by a committee of Korean martial arts leaders, unifying various kwans under one national system.

Who invented Taekwondo?

No single person invented Taekwondo, but General Choi Hong Hi is widely regarded as a founding father due to his role in unifying styles and promoting the art globally through the ITF.

Is Taekwondo an Olympic sport?

Yes, Taekwondo became an official Olympic medal sport at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, governed by World Taekwondo.

What does the word “Taekwondo” mean?

“Tae” means foot or kick, “Kwon” means fist or punch, and “Do” means way or discipline. Together, it translates to “The Way of the Foot and Fist.”

How is Taekwondo different from Karate?

Taekwondo emphasizes high, fast kicks and jumping/spinning techniques, while Karate focuses more on hand strikes, blocks, and linear movements. Taekwondo also features more dynamic footwork and is generally more sport-oriented today.