Kukkiwon
South Korean taekwondo governing body
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kukkiwon (Korean: 국기원; Hanja: 國技院; lit. 'National Sport Headquarters'), also known as World Taekwondo Headquarters, and home of the World Taekwondo Academy, is where the official taekwondo governing organization was established by the South Korean government.[1] It is supervised by the International Sports Division of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.[2]
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- Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea
국기원 | |
Kukkiwon headquarters in Seoul | |
| Formation | 1972/1973 |
|---|---|
| Type | GO |
| Purpose | Martial art and sport |
| Location |
|
Official language | Korean |
President | Ung Suk Yun |
Parent organization | Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism |
| Website | www.kukkiwon.or.kr/ |
Kukkiwon is based at 635 Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea. Construction of the main building commenced on 19 November 1971, and was completed on 30 November 1972, with the organization being officially named on 6 February 1973[3][4]. In May 1973, the Korea Taekwondo Association and Kukkiwon hosted the first World Taekwondo Championships, with 200 taekwondo competitors from 17 countries in attendance.[5][6] Kukkiwon has had a permanent taekwondo demonstration team since September 1974[1][3]. The current president is Grandmaster Ung Suk Yun, elected on November 1, 2025.
History
The Kukkiwon was established within the framework of the KTA with the aim of unifying the various martial arts styles practiced in the post-war Korean dojangs (called Kwan). In this sense, it serves as the birthplace of modern taekwondo and functions as the global reference for the style and technical standards of the discipline.
Historical Background
Following Korea’s liberation from Japan in 1945, leading masters from the major martial arts schools (kwan) began discussions aimed at consolidating the diverse systems that had developed independently during and after the Japanese occupation. Early efforts were disrupted by the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, which scattered many masters and temporarily halted unification initiatives. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, renewed attempts at organizational unification led to the creation of several bodies, culminating in the foundation of the Korea Taesoodo Association in 1961. Renamed the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) in 1965, the organization played a central role in standardizing techniques, terminology, and governance, laying the institutional and technical foundations that would later lead to the establishment of the Kukkiwon as the world headquarters of taekwondo.
Establishment of the Kukkiwon
In January 1967, following the conclusion of Byung Jick Ro’s term as president of the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA), the presidency passed to Yong Chae Kim, a prominent figure within the ruling political party of the time. During his tenure, Kim initiated plans for the creation of a centralized training hall dedicated to taekwondo, intended to serve as a national focal point for the art. Through his political connections, he secured approximately 28 million won in government funding—equivalent to about US$30,000 at the time—for the construction of what became known as the Central Dojang. The project assumed its definitive form after the appointment of Un Yong Kim as the seventh president of the KTA and first president of Kukkiwon, in January 1971. Under his leadership, the scope of the Central Dojang was significantly expanded. Plans called for the construction of a large-scale facility covering more than 4,000 square metres, designed to function not only as a training center but also as a symbolic institution representing national strength and identity. The selected site was located on the Yeoksam-dong plateau in Seoul, which at the time was largely undeveloped, allowing the building to visually dominate the surrounding area. Construction of the main building began on 19 November 1971 and was completed on 30 November 1972. Upon its completion, the Central Dojang was officially designated as the Kukkiwon, marking the establishment of a permanent world headquarters for taekwondo and providing an institutional foundation for the art’s subsequent technical standardization and international expansion.
Committee for the Unification of the Kwan
Parallel to the establishment of the Kukkiwon, the KTA acted as a mediator to reconcile the different traditions of the Kwan, which, between the late 1960s and early 1970s, were still divided into multiple factions. After several unsuccessful attempts, the KTA finally succeeded in 1974 in consolidating them into nine major groups. In the same year, the Committee of Kwan Directors, an organ affiliated with the KTA, agreed to abolish the notion of the Kwan as separate entities, aiming to present the movement as a single, unified origin of Taekwondo. The process was formally completed on 20 May 1976, with the elimination of the traditional names of the Kwan, replaced by a numbering system used solely for administrative purposes. On 23 February 1976, the Committee for the Unification of the Kwan was established within the KTA, composed not only of representatives from the ten then-recognized Kwan but also of the directors of the Central Dojang. By that time, the Chong Bon Kwan had been created—an organization (not a true Kwan) responsible for coordinating the transition to a unified Taekwondo and for reforming aspects considered fragmented or problematic in the previous system, laying the foundation for a more coherent and modern governance of the discipline. On 5 August 1978, the ten remaining Kwan were officially dissolved as autonomous entities, and their directors signed a formal declaration establishing their integration into a single administrative structure. This marked a decisive moment in Taekwondo history, providing the foundation for overcoming internal divisions and centralizing technical management, including the regulation of examinations and promotions to higher ranks.
Signatories of the Declaration for the Unification of the Kwan
The declaration of 5 August 1978 was signed by representatives of the major Kwan existing at the time, along with the directors of the Central Dojang. The signatories included:
- Promoters of the Kukkiwon Foundation:
- Yong Chae Kim (b. 1932): 8th Dan black belt of the Kang Duk Won, served as president of the KTA for two consecutive terms (5th and 6th president). He promoted the unification of the Kwan, the creation of a unified Poomsae system, and the establishment of a central institution. A prominent figure in South Korea, he was later appointed Minister of Labor.
- Un Yong Kim (1931–2017): 7th president of the KTA, reappointed for eight consecutive terms. Founder and first president of the Kukkiwon, he worked to have Taekwondo recognized as an Olympic sport by the IOC.
- The Nine Kwan and their representatives:[7]
- Song Moo Kwan (1st Kwan) – Won Sik Kang (b. 1938)
- Han Moo Kwan (2nd Kwan) – Kyo Yoon Lee (1930–2017)
- Chang Moo Kwan (3rd Kwan) – Nam Suk Lee (1925–2000)
- Moo Duk Kwan (4th Kwan) – Chong Soo Hong (1930–1998)
- Oh Do Kwan (5th Kwan) – Jong Myung Hyun (1925–?)
- Kang Duk Won (6th Kwan) – Kum Hong Lee (1935–2010)
- Jung Do Kwan (7th Kwan) – Yong Woo Lee (1928–2006)
- Ji Do Kwan (8th Kwan) – Chong Woo Lee (1928–2015)
- Chung Do Kwan (9th Kwan) – Woon Kyu Uhm (1929–2017)
- Promoters of the Unification of the Kwan:
- Won Sik Kang (b. 1938): Economics and Commerce graduate from Kyung Hee University, 8th Dan of Song Moo Kwan, founder of its central dojang in Seoul, and main representative of the Kwan from the mid-1970s. As KTA director, he launched the Committee for the Unification of the Kwan.
- Byung Ro Lee (1928–1982): Political Science graduate from Chung-Ang University, 8th Dan of Ji Do Kwan, master at its central dojang in Seoul. He executed the Koryo Poomsae for the KTA’s first manual in 1972 and played a key role in the unification process.
- Promoters of Poomsae Unification:
- Young Sup Lee (1927–2001): Began practicing Song Moo Kwan in 1947 in Incheon. In 1965, he became a member of the Poomsae Development Committee and served as the first Poomsae instructor in the training session preceding the Kukkiwon’s opening. He executed Sipjin and Jitae Poomsae for the KTA manual in 1972.
- Soon Bae Kim (1931–2014): As a member of the Poomsae Development Committee, he worked on the design and implementation of the Taegeuk Poomsae for beginners and intermediate practitioners. 8th Dan of Chang Moo Kwan, he served as assistant to the grandmaster of his Kwan.
- Hae Man Park (b. 1933): Began martial arts training in 1947 at a Kwan in the Jongno District, later incorporated into Chung Do Kwan. In 1967, he joined the Poomsae Development Committee and was appointed head of the Kukkiwon demonstration team, traveling internationally to teach the Poomsae developed by the committee.
Kukkiwon as a Sporting Organization
During the National Assembly session on 18 February 2010, the Taekwondo Promotion Act was passed, transforming the Kukkiwon from a foundation into a formal sporting organization incorporated under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea (MSCT).
List of Presidents
The President of Kukkiwon is the head of the institution and determines its overall direction and policies. In carrying out official duties, the president is supported by an executive committee and cooperates with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea (MCST). Originally established as a foundation, Kukkiwon was reorganised as a sports organisation and incorporated in the MCST in February 2010; as a result, official chronologies include two separate numerical sequences: one for Kukkiwon as a foundation and another as Kukkiwon Incorporated[8]. Over the years, the method for electing the president has evolved. Initially, the appointment was made by a small group of designated officials; later, a more democratic electoral system was introduced, granting voting rights also to non-Korean representatives holding a high dan rank.
| No. | President | Term of office | Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | Kukkiwon Foundation |
Kukkiwon Incorporated |
Start | End | Length | ||
| 1 | 1 – 8 | – | Un Yong Kim (1925–2017) |
7 August 1974 | 9 January 2004 | 29 years, 5 months | Seventh president of the KTA; founder and main architect of the World Taekwondo Federation and of the Kukkiwon Demonstration Team. |
| 2 | 9 – 10 | – | Woon Kyu Uhm | 2 March 2004 | 17 September 2009 | 5 years, 6 months | Unanimously elected president of Kukkiwon; worked to heal internal divisions left by his predecessor. |
| 3 | 11 | – | Seung Wan Lee | 16 January 2010 | 3 June 2010 | 5 months | Strongly opposed the incorporation of Kukkiwon into the MCST and advocated for the institution’s independence. His stance led to internal tensions, and he resigned in protest. |
| 4 | 12 | 1 | Won Sik Kang | 4 June 2010 | 27 May 2013 | 2 years, 11 months | Faced tensions arising from Kukkiwon’s incorporation into the MCST, which marked its transition from a foundation to a corporation. Despite this, he succeeded in reconciling internal factions and restoring unity. |
| 5 | 13 | 2 | Kyu Hyung Lee | 28 October 2013 | 31 December 2013 | 2 months | At the time of his election, he was still an active Taekwondo master and a professor at Keimyung University. The national and international Taekwondo community deemed him unsuitable for the role, leading to his resignation. |
| 6 | 14 | 3 | Man Soon Jeong | 6 February 2014 | 26 May 2016 | 2 years, 2 months | Focused on improving fairness in Dan/Poom promotion examinations and strengthening the Taekwondo education system by establishing international referee and instructor certification exams. He also worked to foster a more cohesive community in Korea and abroad. |
| 7 | 15 | 4 | Hyun Duk Oh | 3 June 2016 | 8 January 2019 | 2 years, 7 months | His election drew criticism, particularly from America Taekwondo United, as he held the rank of fifth dan, whereas previously only Grand Masters had served as Kukkiwon president. Further controversy stemmed from internal conflicts and his role in introducing the accelerated Dan promotion test. He remained in office until his arrest for violating the Political Funds Act. |
| 8 | 16 – 17 | 5 – 6 | Dong Sup Lee | 29 January 2021 | 31 October 2025 | 4 years, 9 months | First president elected through general elections. He actively pursued reforms within Kukkiwon and worked to restore unity. Due to his passion and dedication, he was nicknamed “Mister Taekwondo.” |
| 9 | 18 | 7 | Ung Suk Yun | 1 November 2025 | – | – | Second president elected through general elections; current head and legal representative of Kukkiwon. |
Promotion examinations
Promotion examination for Dan and Poom ranks in Taekwondo is the process through which a practitioner’s technical skills, physical preparedness, and mental discipline are evaluated. Achieving a rank represents a mark of prestige within the art. The current system includes four Poom levels (for practitioners under 15 years old) and nine Dan levels (for adult practitioners).
Standardization of Examinations
Following the unification of the Kwan, the Kukkiwon faced the complex challenge of standardizing Dan and Poom promotion systems. While all members agreed on the need for a unified system, they had to reconcile differing technical standards and traditions. With the founding of the Korea Taekwondo Association in September 1961, the association took over the issuance of Dan certificates, which had previously been issued by individual kwans. The first official promotion examination under the new unified system was held on 11 November 1962 at the KTA, establishing a schedule of six annual examination sessions. With the opening of the Kukkiwon in 1972, the administration of rank examinations was transferred to the new institute. In 1980, the KTA delegated the issuance of Dan and Poom certificates to the Kukkiwon, effective from 1 March that year.
The international spread of Taekwondo created the need to hold examinations outside Korea. Initially, only Korean masters —holders of high Dan ranks — could serve as examiners; later, this role was extended to foreign masters holding at least a 4th Dan. This expansion, however, led to some local deviations from Kukkiwon’s technical standards. Furthermore, in July 1984, the issuance of foreign (non-Korean) Dan certificates was temporarily delegated to World Taekwondo, resulting in a period when certificates were issued by two different organizations. At the end of 1987, it was established that the Kukkiwon would become the sole authority responsible for issuing ranks, effective 1 January 1988. To ensure uniformity of examinations, rules were introduced to strengthen the central role of the Kukkiwon in evaluation procedures, both nationally and internationally. In this context, the Master Education program (International Taekwondo Master Course – ITM) and the Examiner Education program (Taekwondo Poom/Dan Examiner – TPE) were established and continue to be organized by the Kukkiwon. Completion of these courses is required for official recognition by the Kukkiwon as a certified examiner for Dan and Poom promotion tests.
Poom Rank: Examinations for Children
In 1970, starting from the 38th promotion examination, the KTA introduced separate tests for children. In February 1973, the Kukkiwon hosted the first official examination exclusively for children, and from that point onward, examinations for those under 15 were organized monthly. The Taegeuk poomsae were integrated into promotion tests in 1975. From 1 March 1983, Dan ranks for practitioners under 15 were officially designated as Poom, while the fourth Poom level (the highest among Poom ranks) was only introduced in 1999 following a regulation revision. Abroad, Poom examinations are typically held alongside Dan tests and generally feature slightly simplified requirements. Poom ranks are automatically converted to Dan once the practitioner reaches the appropriate age.
Modern Examinations
Promotion tests typically include several core components: poomsae performance, sparring (Gyeorugi), breaking (Gyeokpa), self-defense (Hosinsul), and theoretical knowledge. Examinations may be conducted in local dojangs, but for Dan and Poom ranks, examiners must have completed the Kukkiwon’s Master Education (ITM) and Examiner Education (TPE) programs.
Current promotion rules are as follows:
- 1st – 3rd Dan: Examination in front of a local technical committee, including at least one examiner certified according to Kukkiwon standards.
- 4th – 7th Dan: In addition to the local committee examination, a video recording of the test must be submitted to the Kukkiwon for final evaluation. Promotion is confirmed by the Kukkiwon once technical requirements are met. Depending on the rank, a written thesis and a martial and athletic curriculum may also be required.
- 8th – 9th Dan: The exam must be conducted directly at the Kukkiwon before the Technical Deliberation Committee, which also evaluates the candidate’s career.
Dan and Poom Certificates
As of February 2026, the Kukkiwon has issued over 12.3 million certificates,[9] cementing its central role in this martial art. These certificates are recognized worldwide as the most prestigious ranks in Taekwondo. Only holders of Kukkiwon-issued Dan and Poom certificates are eligible to participate in international competitions organized by World Taekwondo.
Over the years, the Kukkiwon has redesigned the Dan and Poom certificates. To ensure the highest quality, surveys were conducted, the issuance system restructured, new color schemes developed, various types of paper researched, and different printing techniques tested. A distinctive feature of the new design is the clear graphical differentiation between the rank levels, divided into five categories:
- 1st to 4th Poom, for youth practitioners;
- 1st to 3rd Dan, for instructors;
- 4th and 5th Dan, for masters (Sabum);
- 6th and 7th Dan, for high-ranking Dan holders (Godanja);
- 8th and 9th Dan, for grandmasters (Dae-Sabum).
Global Distribution of Dan and Poom Certificates
As of February 2026, the total number of Dan and Poom ranks worldwide exceeds 12.3 million, with Poom holders (around 6.7 million[9]) outnumbering Dan holders (around 5.6 million[9]), reflecting the significant growth of the discipline in recent years especially among younger generations. Most holders are South Koreans: 84% of Poom holders and 82% of Dan holders. The remaining 16% of Poom and 18% of Dan are distributed globally. Among foreign countries, the most represented are in order the United States (25% of foreign certificates), followed by China (21%), and then Taipei, India, Canada, Vietnam, Australia, and Indonesia.
Distribution of Poom Ranks
Approximately half of all Poom certificates are 1st Poom, followed by 2nd Poom at just over 30%. 3rd Poom accounts for around 14%, and 4th Poom about 6%. All Poom ranks are converted to Dan upon reaching the age of 15, except for 4th Poom, which is converted to Dan upon reaching the age of 17. Despite its relatively recent introduction in 1999, the number of holders has now stabilized, with over 98% of 4th Poom holders being South Korean.
Distribution of Dan Ranks
Among Dan ranks, 1st Dan is the most common among adult practitioners, comprising about 25% of Dan holders. Including Poom ranks, it is the most common rank overall in Taekwondo. 2nd Dan accounts for 17% and 3rd Dan for 8%. From 5th Dan onward, the number of holders decreases sharply, down to only 1,600 9th Dan holders, the vast majority of whom are South Koreans (1,210)[9].
Dan and Poom Rank Distribution by Country
The table below shows the number of Kukkiwon certificates issued in the most populous and most represented English-speaking countries as of March 2026[9]. Certificates issued to individuals registered under a different country (including residents) are excluded; this notably omits many Korean masters living in these countries.[9]
| Country | 1° Poom | 2° Poom | 3° Poom | 4° Poom | 1° Dan | 2° Dan | 3° Dan | 4° Dan | 5° Dan | 6° Dan | 7° Dan | 8° Dan | 9° Dan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 18,445 | 3,730 | 730 | 117 | 12,450 | 5,084 | 2,583 | 1,192 | 567 | 240 | 154 | 48 | 14 |
| Canada | 30,298 | 6,285 | 1,034 | 249 | 20,815 | 7,748 | 3,666 | 1,605 | 774 | 236 | 147 | 41 | 13 |
| United Kingdom | 6,485 | 1,495 | 206 | 40 | 6,830 | 2,875 | 1,451 | 667 | 339 | 132 | 46 | 16 | 3 |
| United States | 258,553 | 47,514 | 8,130 | 1,983 | 117,827 | 43,716 | 23,501 | 9,880 | 4,177 | 1,719 | 1,141 | 331 | 129 |
Honorary and Posthumous Dan Ranks
The Kukkiwon may award honorary Dan ranks, up to 10th Dan, to individuals who have made significant contributions to Taekwondo, including those who are not practitioners. The 10th Dan exists solely as an honorary title and does not require an examination. The first award of this type was presented on 18 September 1986 to Juan Antonio Samaranch, then President of the International Olympic Committee. Since then, numerous international figures have received this title, including Pope Francis in May 2017. Posthumous 10th Dan awards have also been given to individuals who significantly contributed to the development and spread of Taekwondo, such as Woon Kyu Uhm, the second Kukkiwon president, and Chong Woo Lee, former president of World Taekwondo. Recipients of honorary 9th Dan include several U.S. presidents, such as Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. Similar awards have been granted to heads of state from the Philippines, Uzbekistan, Peru, Turkey, and Nepal[10].
Events
World Taekwondo Hanmadang
The World Taekwondo Hanmadang (originally Taekwondo Hanmadang) is one of the largest international Taekwondo competitions, bringing together thousands of practitioners from over 50 countries each year. The event hosts more than 5,000 participants who compete in various disciplines, including Poomsae, breaking techniques (Gyeokpa), and self-defense. It does not include sparring (Gyeorugi), as this discipline is already featured in the olympic program and governed by World Taekwondo. The festival was established on 9 December 1992 by the Korea Taekwondo Association with the slogan “Unifying the World through Taekwondo.” Since 1999, the event has been jointly organized by the Kukkiwon and the KTA, and since 2000 it has been held regularly at the Kukkiwon headquarters. The World Taekwondo Hanmadang is distinguished from other official competitions because it allows participation for anyone holding a Kukkiwon-issued Dan or Poom certificate, without additional competitive requirements. Beyond the sporting aspect, the event promotes the spread of Taekwondo culture and Korean heritage, emphasizing spiritual values and the shared cultural identity among practitioners worldwide.
- No Year Period Place
- 1 1992 9th Dec.~11th Dec. The 2nd Olympic Gym
- 2 1993 9th Dec.~11th Dec. KBS 88 Gym
- 3 1994 26th Nov.~28th Nov. Jamsil Students Gym
- 4 1995 26th~28th Aug. KBS 88 Gym
- 5 1996 29th Nov.~1st Dec. KBS 88 Gym
- 6 1997 27th~30th Nov. Jamsil Students Gym
- 7 1998 31 Jul~2nd Aug. The 2nd Olympic Gym
- 8 1999 16th Dec. Kukkiwon
- 9 2000 13th~15th Dec. Kukkiwon
- 10 2001 13th~15th Nov. Kukkiwon
- 11 2003 26th~29th Nov. Kukkiwon
- 12 2004 4th~7th Nov. Kukkiwon
- 13 2005 1st~4th Nov. Kukkiwon
- 14 2006 1st~4th Nov. Muju County, Jellabukdo
- 15 2007 1st~4th Nov. Suwon, Gyeonggi
- 16 2008 16th~20th Jul. Anaheim, U.S.A
- 17 2009 12th~15th Aug. Dangjin ChoonNam
- 18 2010 8th~11th Dec. kukkiwon
- 19 2011 10th~13th Dec. Namyangju City, Physical Education Culture Center
- 20 2012 28th~31st Aug. kukkiwon
- 21 2013 28th~31st Aug. Daejeon Chung-Moo Sports Hall
- 22 2014 28th~31st Aug. Pohang Gymnagium
- 23 2015 30th Jul ~ 2nd Aug. Pyeong Taek Ichung Cultural
- 24 2016 3rd ~ 6th Aug. KUKKIWON
- 25 2017 29 July ~ 1st Aug AnYang Gymnasium
- 26 2018 28 July ~ 31 July Halla Gymnasium
- 27 2019 26 July ~ 30 July YongPyong-Dome
- 2020, 2021 and 2022 Not Held.
- 28 2023 Seongnam World Taekwondo Hanmadang Contest Outline 2023.05.21 15:26
- 29 2024 Mungyeong World Taekwondo Hanmadang Contest outline 2024.04.29 16:56
- 30 2025 Kukkiwon World Taekwondo Hanmadang Thursday, July 17 to Saturday, July 19[14][15]
