Sport in South Korea - Sports Originating From Korea

Sports Originating From Korea

Taekwondo, a popular martial art originated in Korea. Taekwondo means technique of kicking and punching, although the emphasis lies on the kicks. Even though it was practiced for centuries—its origins have been traced as far back as the 1st century BC—it only became popular after World War II. It became standard military training in Korea, and in 1961 the rules were standardized(Also surprisingly StarCraft 2 is a gaming sport, Showed on TV for major events).

Taekkyeon is a traditional martial art that originated in Korea during the Goguryeo period in the 4th century. It uses open hands and the feet, where as the use of clenched fists is not permitted. The motions are smoother and more curvilinear than Taekwondo.

Hapkido is another martial art from Korea, although not as popular as Taekwondo outside the peninsula. Hapkido developed during the Three Kingdoms and shares many characteristics with the Japanese Aikido..