Resources > Taekwondo Pattern Meanings

The name, the number of movements and the diagrammatic symbol of each pattern symbolises either heroic figures in Korean History or instances relating to historic events.

Chon-Ji (19 movements)

Means literally the "Heaven and Earth". It is, in the Orient, interpreted as the creation of the world or the beginning of human history, therefore, it is the initial pattern played by the beginner. This pattern consists of two similar parts, one to represent the Heaven and the other the Earth.

Dan-Gun (21 movements)

Is named after the Holy Dan-Gun, the legendary founder of Korea in the year 2333 B.C.

Do-San (24 movements)

Is the pseudonym of the patriot Ahn Ch'ang-Ho (1876-1938) who devoted his entire life to furthering education in Korea and its Independent movement.

Won-Hyo (28 movements)

Was the noted monk who introduced Buddhism to the Silla Dynasty in the year 686 A.D.

Yul-Gok (38 movements)

Is the pseudonym of a great philosopher and scholar Yi I (1536-1584 A.D.) nicknamed the "Confucius of Korea". The 38 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on 38 and the diagram represents "scholar".

Joong-Gun (32 movements)

Is named after the patriot An Joong-Gun who assassinated Hiro-Bumi Ito the first Japanese Governor-General of Korea, known as the man who played the leading part of the Korea-Japan merger. There are 32 movements in this pattern representing Mr An's age when he was executed at Lui-Shang prison in 1910.

Toi-Gye (37 movements)

Is the pen name of the noted scholar Yi Hwang (16th A.D.), an authority on Neo-Confucianism. The 37 movements of the pattern refer to his birthplace on 37 latitude and the diagram represents "scholar".

Hwa-Rang (29 movements)

Is named after the Hwa Rang youth group which originated in the Silla Dynasty about 1350 years ago. This group became the driving force for the unification of the three Kingdoms of Korea. The 29 movements refer to the 29th Infantry Division, where Taekwondo developed into maturity.

Choong Moo (?? movements)

This was the name given to the Yi Dynasty admiral, Yi Sun-Sin. In 1592 AD, he is reputed to have invented the world's first armoured ship which was the precursor of today's submarine. The reason this pattern ends with a left hand attack is to symbolise his regrettable death, having no chance to show his full potential through the constraints of his loyalty to the king.