What is Korea’s national sport?

Taekwondo is Korea’s national sport and a prominent martial art with a rich history and global significance. Originating in Korea, taekwondo combines elements of traditional Korean martial arts with modern techniques, making it both a sport and a means of self-defense.

Origin of Taekwondo

Taekwondo’s roots can be traced back over 2,000 years to the ancient Korean martial art of taekkyeon and other traditional Korean fighting styles. The modern form of taekwondo began to take shape in the early 20th century when Korean martial artists sought to formalize and standardize their techniques. The sport was officially named “taekwondo” in 1955, which translates to “the way of the foot and fist.” This name reflects its focus on high, fast kicks and powerful hand techniques.

Taekwondo was influenced by various martial arts, including karate from Japan and Chinese martial arts, but it maintains its distinctive Korean characteristics. It gained international recognition and popularity, especially after being included as an official Olympic sport in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Rules of Taekwondo

Taekwondo matches are fought in a protected ring where competitors aim to score points by landing controlled, accurate strikes. Here are the key rules:

• Scoring: Points are awarded for successful kicks and punches. A head kick scores more points than a body kick, and kicks delivered with the heel or the ball of the foot are awarded higher points than those with the toes.
• Protective Gear: Competitors wear protective gear, including helmets, gloves, chest protectors, and shin guards, to ensure safety during matches.
• Duration: Matches are typically divided into three rounds, each lasting two minutes, with one-minute breaks between rounds.
• Penalties: Fighters can be penalized for illegal moves such as hitting below the belt, using excessive force, or engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct.

Interesting Facts About Taekwondo

• Olympic Sport: Taekwondo became an official Olympic sport in 2000, and it is practiced by millions worldwide. It is known for its spectacular and acrobatic kicking techniques.
• Global Popularity: Taekwondo is practiced in over 200 countries, and it has a global following, with numerous international competitions and tournaments held annually.
• World Championships: The World Taekwondo Championships are held every two years, attracting top taekwondo practitioners from around the globe.

The Best Taekwondo Athletes

• Steven Lopez: An American taekwondo athlete, Steven Lopez is a multiple-time Olympic medalist and World Champion. His achievements have significantly contributed to the sport’s popularity in the United States.
• Lee Dong-min: A prominent South Korean taekwondo practitioner, Lee Dong-min won gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His success has made him a national hero in South Korea.
• Jade Jones: A British taekwondo athlete, Jade Jones is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, having won at both the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Her achievements have brought significant attention to taekwondo in the UK.

Conclusion

Taekwondo is Korea’s national sport, renowned for its powerful kicks, strategic techniques, and rich history. Originating from traditional Korean martial arts, it has evolved into a globally recognized sport with a strong presence in the Olympics. With a set of unique rules and the presence of elite athletes like Steven Lopez, Lee Dong-min, and Jade Jones, taekwondo continues to captivate and inspire martial artists around the world.