Loading...

Essential Korean Terms

KOREAN TERMINOLOGY IN TAEKWON-DO

Understanding Korean terminology is an integral part of TaeKwon-Do training. These terms connect us to the Korean heritage of our martial art and are used during every class for commands, counting, and techniques.

Numbers

COUNTING IN KOREAN

English Korean
One hana
Two dool
Three set
Four net
Five daset
Six yasot
Seven ilgop
Eight yodul
Nine ahop
Ten yol

Core Values

THE FIVE TENETS OF TAEKWON-DO

English Korean
Courtesy ye-ui
Integrity yom-chi
Perseverance in-nae
Self Control guk-gi
Indomitable Spirit baek-jul bool-gool

Rank Classifications

BLACK BELT TITLES

Rank Title Korean
1st-3rd Dan Novice/Assistant Instructor boo sa-bum
4th-6th Dan Expert/Instructor sa-bum
7th-8th Dan Master sa-hyung
9th Dan Grand Master sa-sung

Class Protocol

OPENING CEREMONY

The following commands are given at the beginning of every class. The highest ranking class member gives the command while the instructor faces the class at the head of the classroom (do-jang). Students line up according to rank.

Korean Command English Meaning
charyot Attention stance
kuk-ki-yea tae-hae Face the flags
kyong-ye Salute
baro Return to attention stance
anj-oh Kneel
muk-nyom Meditate
baro Return to attention stance
charyot Attention stance
sa-bum nim gae * Face the instructor
kyong-ye Bow

* Replace sa-bum with the appropriate title based on the instructor's rank

Class Protocol

CLOSING CEREMONY

The closing ceremony follows a similar structure to the opening ceremony with additional elements.

Korean Command English Meaning
charyot Attention stance
kuk-ki-yea tae-hae Face the flags
kyong-ye Salute
baro Return to attention stance
anj-oh Kneel
muk-nyom Meditate
baro Return to attention stance
charyot Attention stance
sa-bum nim gae * Face the instructor
kyong-ye Bow
boo sa-bum nim gae * Face the assistant instructor
kyong-ye Bow
ee-sang Dismissed
ko-map sum-nee-da ** Thank you very much

* Replace sa-bum with the appropriate title based on the instructor's rank
** In our class, we respond with a spirited "EE-SANG"

Common Commands

ESSENTIAL VOCABULARY

These are the words most commonly used in commands during classes. Commands are given in Korean (and repeated in English if needed for newer students).

Commands & Positions
Attention charyot
At ease swiyo
Begin si-jak
Bow/salute kyong-ye
Ready position junbi
Return to ready baro
Sit/kneel anj-oh
Stop guman
Turn around tui-tora
Yell ki-ap
Finished ee-sang
Meditate muk-nyom
Titles & Terms
Assistant instructor boo sa-bum
Instructor sa-bum
Instructor, sir sa-bum nim
Master instructor sa-hyun
Grand Master sa-sung
Degree (black belt) dan
Grade (color belt) gup
Gymnasium do-jang
Pattern tul
Uniform do-bak
Face the flags kuk-ki-yea tae-hae
Thank you ko-map sum-nee-da