Neolithic settlements came into existence in Korea about 6000-7000 years ago. People lived by fishing, hunting, gathering wild fruits, and grinding acorns and wild grains. These settlements were built on hills, fields, and beside rivers. Amsa-Dong, the largest Neolithic settlement in Korea, is located in southeastern Seoul dating back to 4,000- 3,000 B.C. This site was discovered when a flood in 1925 swept away sand from hills, unearthing many stoneware artifacts. The residents of Seoul today, 6,000 years and over 10 million people later, can look back over the long and proud continuum of their hsitory. These early settlers developed techniques of survival, enabling them to co-exist with and protect themselves from the relentless powers of nature. The basic instinct for self protection and the preservation of life gave birth to unarmed foot and hand defensive techniques.

The Mural Painting in the Royal Tomb of Koguryo presumably built in the period between 3 and 427 A.D.

TKD Instructor Seminar in Seoul 1977

TKD Referee Seminar  in Seoul 1978

   Three kingdoms reigned in Korea 2,000 years ago: Koguryo (37 B.C.-688 A.D.), Baekje (18 B.C.-661 A.D.), and Silla (57 B.C.-825 A.D.) The most powerful and largest of these kingdoms was Koguryo. Evidence of Taekwondo first appeared in the Koguyo kingdom, a kingdom marked by constant warfare and conflict with Han China. It is possible that the martial art Taekkyon, first practiced in Koguryo, was influenced by the Chinese. The culture of Koguryo was a martial one. The warriors from the north were known for their bravery, and even the aristocracy were a class of warriors.

The south of the Korean peninsula saw the rise of Baekje in the southern end and Silla in the southeast. Kaya, a small city-state was a wedge between them. Silla was the weakest, smallest, and had the least developed civilization. Baekje went on the attack, and decided to conquer Silla with the enlistment of Kaya and Japan. King Naemul of Silla asked for assistance, and thousands of trained warriors came to drive out the Japanese. The peaceful life of Silla was over, and it became necessary to instill Taekkyon as a formal training. The warring nobility of Silla are to be credited with the development of Taekyyon throughout the Korean peninsula. Serving in the military was considered a great honor for the young, elite Hwarangdo. These bands of young men were found in all Kingdoms, yet those of Silla were unique. Not only were the Hwarangdo to serve the state in a military capacity, but also to exemplify a high code of ethics and moral behavior. The Hwarangdo trained in many martial disciplines, including Taekkyon, all in harmony with the five commandments taught by Buddhist Master Wongwang. A way of life was established for young men, so that body, mind and spirit would come together. The five priciples, from an ancient time and a far away place, appear in the modern tenets of Taekwondo, which continue to guide students of Taekwondo world-wide.

Unified Silla did not last, and the Koryo Dynasty (918-1392) arose amid uprisings and armed conflict. At this time, Taekkyon was described as Subak. A book promoting Subak among the general public was published during the Chosun Dynasty (1392-1910). The general public kept the art alive, as less emphasis was given to military activities. The art of Subak was handed down from one generation to the next, The Japanese invasion of Korea in 1909 sparked a revival of Subak/Taekkyon, which was kept alive by great masters, who risked prison and death. After Korea was liberated from the Japanese in 1945, martial art emerged with several styles. The first dojang to teach a native Korean martial art opened in Seoul in 1945. After the Chung Do Kwan, numerous schools followed. There was great dissention between the various Kwans. In 1945, the Korean Armed Forces made Taekkyon training part of regular military training. During the Korean War, specially trained forces known as the Black Tigers went on special missions into hostile territory. Two year after the Korean War, in 1955, several kwans merged for the benefit of all. The name chosen was Taekwondo. In Korea, dojangs became numerous, and instruction spread to schools and universities. the Korean Tae Kwon Do Association formed in 1961, and demonstrators and masters dispersed to reach a global community.

The World Tae Kwon Do Federation was formed in 1973. The WTF oversees and regulates events around the world, and is oficially recognized by the Korean Government as Taekwondo's regulating organisation.

Today Taekwondo has over 30 million practitioners, and is the most widely practice martial art in the world.