Kukkiwon
The Kukkiwon (국기원; 國技院) is the style-defining organization for the style of taekwondo known as Kukkiwon -, Olympic -, or WT - Style Taekwondo. For people who practice this style of taekwondo, the Kukkiwon is the organization that issues Dan (black belt) certificates and ID cards. To compete in national level and international tournaments sponsored by World Taekwondo, generally speaking one must hold a Kukkiwon-issued dan certificate. Until the signing of the Protocol of Accord in August 2014, a person had to hold a black belt certificate issued by the Kukkiwon in to compete in the Olympic games.
Colloquially, terms "Kukkiwon" and "World Taekwondo" (WT) are used almost interchangeably, though technically they are entirely separate bodies. The Kukkiwon is a government-sponsored national academy for taekwondo, while the WT is the international sports federation for Kukkiwon-style taekwondo. Both being headquartered in Seoul, however, it is not uncommon for the two organizations to collaborate closely. For a short time in the early 1970s, the WT issued its own dan certificates as well (essentially equivalent to Kukkiwon-issued dan certificates), though this practice was eventually depricated.
Both the building itself and the organization therein are colloquially referred to as the Kukkiwon. The Kukkiwon is the official governing body established by the South Korean government for taekwondo; the Kukkiwon is supervised by the International Sports Divisionwithin the South Korean Ministry for Culture, Sports, and Tourism. The word Kukkiwon literally means "national academy".
The Kukkiwon is also known as World Taekwondo Headquarters; it is the home of the World Taekwondo Academy (WTA). The WTA is responsible for maintaining the Kukkiwon-style curriculum, promoting taekwondo education, training taekwondo instructors, and performing research related to taekwondo
Colloquially, terms "Kukkiwon" and "World Taekwondo" (WT) are used almost interchangeably, though technically they are entirely separate bodies. The Kukkiwon is a government-sponsored national academy for taekwondo, while the WT is the international sports federation for Kukkiwon-style taekwondo. Both being headquartered in Seoul, however, it is not uncommon for the two organizations to collaborate closely. For a short time in the early 1970s, the WT issued its own dan certificates as well (essentially equivalent to Kukkiwon-issued dan certificates), though this practice was eventually depricated.
Both the building itself and the organization therein are colloquially referred to as the Kukkiwon. The Kukkiwon is the official governing body established by the South Korean government for taekwondo; the Kukkiwon is supervised by the International Sports Divisionwithin the South Korean Ministry for Culture, Sports, and Tourism. The word Kukkiwon literally means "national academy".
The Kukkiwon is also known as World Taekwondo Headquarters; it is the home of the World Taekwondo Academy (WTA). The WTA is responsible for maintaining the Kukkiwon-style curriculum, promoting taekwondo education, training taekwondo instructors, and performing research related to taekwondo
Physical Facilities
The main building of the Kukkiwon accommodates up to 3,000 people for events. Standing at three stories in height, the building's roof features kiwa (blue Korean tiles), the same type of roofing as the Blue House (the official residence of the President of South Korea). The style of the architecture is intended to evoke traditional Korean architecture.
The Kukkiwon facility includes:
The Kukkiwon facility includes:
- the main stadium
- locker rooms with showers
- a medical clinic for sports injuries
- a pavilion (palgakjeong)
- a board room
- two classrooms
- management offices
- a restaurant
- and a museum (see below)
Kukkiwon Museum
The Kukkiwon's Taekwondo Memorial Hallmuseum is located on the second floor of Kukkiwon auxiliary building and boasts an exhibition room and a data library. Inside the museum are are historical records of taekwondo and as many 2,500 commemorative items on display, such as taekwondo Dobok (uniform), Hogu (chest protector), various Kyorugi (sparring) equipment, trophies from major competitions, plaques, championship flags, badges, pendants, photographs, books, newspaper and magazine articles, and audio-visual clips. There are 360 photographs and posters, 40 trophies, 155 medals, 147 plaques, 270 souvenirs, 400 films and videotapes in the museum. Publications on display include 171 taekwondo-related periodicals, 58 newspaper articles, and 355 books on taekwondo.