| Description |
[Inscribed in 2011 (6.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity]
Taekkyeon is a traditional Korean martial art that makes use of fluid, rhythmic dance-like movements to strike or trip up an opponent. The fluid and curvy movements, wriggling and writhing slowly, would evoke laughter. Some may even wonder whether it is a dance or a martial art. But the inherent energy of the performer can explode with enormous flexibility and strength. Apparently static and dignified but fundamentally dynamic and even fatal, taekkyeon is an indigenous Korean martial art with a history stretching back thousands of years.
Taekkyeon is a rare martial art in that it teaches consideration for the opponent to the very moment one gains control. It teaches more skills for defense than offense. A skilled taekkyeon practitioner can rapidly dominate the opponent with a smooth wavy motion, but a true master knows how to make the opponent withdraw without incurring damage. These are unthinkable concepts in a combat sport. But taekkyeon makes all these possible.
Taekkyeon is a marvelous sport teaching how to consider the opponent more than oneself, and the group instead of individuals. The motions are gentle and circular rather than straight and rigid, but they have the power to entice the performer slowly but intensively. The graceful movements of a well-trained taekkyeon performer resemble those of a crane, but the elastic offensive skills can be as speedy and powerful as those of a hawk.
Taekkyeon has a few distinctive characteristics. First, it is an outwardly gentle but inwardly tough martial art featuring circular motions. Second, it is a natural and spontaneous martial art stressing elegance and dignity. Third, it is a practical and comprehensive martial art harmonizing offense and defense through various locking and kicking techniques. In spite of its gentle impression, taekkyeon is an effective martial art highlighting a broad variety of offensive and defensive skills employing all available fighting methods. The origin of all traditional Korean martial arts, taekkyeon represents confluence and totality, the two outstanding characteristics of Korean culture.
Taekkyeon is believed to have been practiced since before the Three Kingdoms period (57 B.C. - A.D. 676). In Joseon (1392-1910), it was practiced among a broader public, including people at the grassroots. The basic spirit of taekkyeon is ‘truth’. The martial art inherits the thought of Joseon scholars who considered upholding integrity and obeying the rules of nature was the utmost virtue.
Currently, the Korean Taekkyeon Association is playing a significant role in the transmission and promotion of this traditional martial art. 85 education centres spreading across the country are the main venue for taekkyeon practitioners. Ordinary Koreans have an easy access to the practice of taekkyeon thanks to those education centres. |
| Social and cultural significance |
In Korean history, taekkyeon has played a role as a martial art supporting national defence based on indomitable spirit and high morale. Since the Joseon Dynasty period, it has been handed down as a folk martial art that reflects the essence of Korean culture and the joys and sorrows of the people.
From the past to the present, taekkyeon has performed strong social and cultural functions.
Firstly, taekkyeon promotes social integration among concerned members. It was originally developed as a martial art for survival and as leisure activity within a village unit, and was further popularized as part of the seasonal traditions of farming culture to be conducted on special folklore occasions such as the first full moon of the lunar year, the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, and the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (Korean Thanksgiving Day). Generally, public matches between villages took place seasonally. Therefore, over the course of transmission, taekkyeon naturally served a social-integration function by encouraging solidarity among community members and promoting collective spirit.
Secondly, taekkyeon contributes to improving public health as an everyday sport. Relevant studies show that practicing taekkyeon enhances both physical and mental well-being and is highly effective for the holistic character-building required by modern society, thereby helping people become healthier members of society. Above all, men and women of all ages can practice taekkyeon with little difficulty due to its smooth and curvilinear movements. |
| Transmission method |
Currently, the Korean Taekkyeon Association is playing a significant role in the transmission and promotion of this traditional martial art. 85 education centres spreading across the country are the main venue for taekkyeon practitioners. Ordinary Koreans have an easy access to the practice of taekkyeon thanks to those education centres.
Taekkyeon is also transmitted through apprenticeship. Master Jeong Gyeong-hwa and his teaching assistants have been training practitioners, and up to date about 50 practitioners have obtained a certificate for taekkyeon and more than 120 people are learning from the master. Many of those who were trained under the master are heading each of the 85 education centres and try to expand the number of practitioners.
Chungju City, home to the headquarters of the Korean Taekkyeon Association, has also provided systematic and diverse forms of support for taekkyeon transmission, dissemination and public relations. As an example, the Chungju Municipal Taekkyeon Group was founded based on the city’s Ordinance on the Establishment and Operation of the Taekkyeon Group, which was designed to support transmission and dissemination activities and promote the city and the Chungju World Martial Arts Festival. The group presents over one hundred performances per year, both at home and abroad, and offers free training courses to the public.
In Korea, taekkyeon training can be recognized as academic credits according to the Act on Recognition of Credits, etc., Presidential Decree No. 6434. |
| Community |
The Korean Taekkyeon Association and the World Martial Arts Union are the major groups concerned. Particularly, the Korean Taekkyeon Association has 85 taekkyeon education centres throughout the country.
Master Jeong Gyeong-hwa, or living human treasure, with the mission of transmitting the traditional martial art, teaching assistants who help the master to carry out his mission, and bearers who practice taekkyeon for more than three years are all individuals concerned. |
| Type of UNESCO List |
Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity |
| Incribed year in UNESCO List |
2011 |
