Korean martial arts encompass a wide range of ancient indigenous fighting systems as well as adapted and hybrid styles. Many are still actively practiced today, not only in Korea but increasingly worldwide. Here is an overview of the most prominent Korean martial arts:

Gongkwon Yusul

Gongkwon Yusul is a Korean martial art founded in the 1950s that combines elements of punching, kicking, throwing and grappling. Strongly emphasizing spiritual discipline and mental focus alongside physical technique, it was created by Grandmaster Park Jong-kee. Gongkwon Yusul is not as widely practiced outside of Korea compared to arts like Taekwondo or Hapkido.

Haidong Gumdo

Haidong Gumdo is a Korean sword martial art that originated in the 1960s, heavily influenced by Japanese kendo. Practitioners use bamboo swords and are trained in mounted sword forms and sparring matches. Good balance, coordination and awareness are essential when wielding the long sword.

Hapkido

Hapkido is a comprehensive Korean self-defense system using a mix of joint locks, throws, kicks, and hand strikes. It is based on Japanese aikido but adapted into a uniquely Korean style. Hapkido requires suppleness to control an opponent’s motion and use their force against them. It employs both hard and soft techniques.

Hwa Rang Do

Hwa Rang Do is a well-rounded Korean martial art integrating punching, kicking, throwing and grappling techniques. It was established in the 1960s by Dr. Joo Bang Lee and his son Joo Sang Lee, with a holistic approach and emphasis on discipline and ethical behavior. Hwa Rang Do utilizes a colored belt ranking system.

Kuk Sool Won

Kuk Sool Won is a traditional Korean martial art founded in the 1950s and is one of the most comprehensive systems. Its diverse curriculum includes hand and foot techniques, grappling, joint locking as well as practice with various weapons like sticks, swords, ropes and knives. Kuk Sool Won has a strong foundation in throwing and off-balancing methods.

Kumdo

Kumdo is a Korean martial art adapted from Japanese kendo that uses bamboo swords and protective armor. Competitors attempt to score points by striking specific target areas on the head, wrist or torso. Practicing kumdo develops discipline, focus and strategic thinking skills.

Sipalki-Do

Sipalki-Do is an indigenous kicking-based Korean martial art from the coastal regions. Executing kicks from a horse stance in fluid, dance-like sequences, conditioning the legs and feet is critical. Sipalki-Do has been adopted by some South Korean special forces units as part of training.

Ssireum

Ssireum is a traditional Korean wrestling style that relies on strength, technique and outmaneuvering your opponent. Similar to Mongolian wrestling or judo without the gi, the goal is to throw or trip your opponent so their knee, back or elbow touch the floor. Ssireum emphasizes grip fighting skills and off-balancing your opponent.

Subak/Hwa Soo Do

Subak or Hwa Soo Do is an ancient unarmed fighting system that served as a foundation for later Korean martial arts. Its techniques involved hand and foot strikes, joint locks and throws. Subak focused on developing timing, power and speed to create openings against an enemy. It went on to influence arts like Taekkyon and Taekwondo.

Taekkyon

Taekkyon is a traditional Korean martial sport withfluid footwork and kick-based gameplay. Two competitors play on a court and attempt to kick each other while bobbing, weaving and employing precise attack and defense. Taekkyon is considered an intangible cultural asset of Korea.

Taekwondo

Taekwondo is undoubtedly the most widely practiced Korean martial art in the world today. It emphasizes kicking, punching and mental discipline. Taekwondo was developed in the mid 1900s from earlier arts like Subak combined with karate influences. Taekwondo is now a major part of global sports culture as an Olympic medal event.

Tang Soo Do

Tang Soo Do is a hybrid Korean martial art incorporating techniques from Subak, karate and Chinese systems. Its signature side kick was adopted from karate. Tang Soo Do’s curriculum includes forms, sparring matches, and self-defense. It stresses both mental and physical discipline in its training.

Conclusion

In summary, Korean martial arts encompass a rich variety of indigenous and adapted fighting systems, from weapon-based arts to grappling to eclectic self-defense. While some like Taekwondo have achieved widespread international popularity, others remain little known outside Korea. Together they form an integral part of the cultural heritage of Korea.