Korean Language for Taekwondo
Korean is an integral part of Taekwondo training. This guide covers the essential Korean you'll need, including two different counting systems, belt colours, and common phrases.
Two Counting Systems
Korean has two different number systems:
- Native Korean (순우리말) - Used for counting exercises, repetitions, and objects (up to 99)
- Sino-Korean (한자어) - Used for pattern names, dates, phone numbers, and formal counting
In Taekwondo, you'll primarily use Native Korean numbers when counting kicks or exercises (hana, dul, set...) and Sino-Korean numbers for pattern names (Il Jang, Ee Jang, Sam Jang...).
Native Korean Numbers (For Counting Exercises)
Use these when counting repetitions in class: "Hana, dul, set, net..."
| Number | Korean | Romanised | Pronunciation Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 하나 | Hana | ha-na |
| 2 | 둘 | Dul | dool |
| 3 | 셋 | Set | set |
| 4 | 넷 | Net | net |
| 5 | 다섯 | Dasut | da-sut |
| 6 | 여섯 | Yosut | yo-sut |
| 7 | 일곱 | Ilgop | il-gop |
| 8 | 여덟 | Yodol | yo-dol |
| 9 | 아홉 | Ahop | a-hop |
| 10 | 열 | Yol | yol |
Sino-Korean Numbers (For Patterns & Formal Use)
These are used in pattern names: Taegeuk Il Jang, Taegeuk Ee Jang, etc.
| Number | Korean | Romanised | Used In |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 일 | Il | Taegeuk Il Jang |
| 2 | 이 | Ee (Yi) | Taegeuk Ee Jang |
| 3 | 삼 | Sam | Taegeuk Sam Jang |
| 4 | 사 | Sa | Taegeuk Sa Jang |
| 5 | 오 | Oh | Taegeuk Oh Jang |
| 6 | 육 | Yuk | Taegeuk Yuk Jang |
| 7 | 칠 | Chil | Taegeuk Chil Jang |
| 8 | 팔 | Pal | Taegeuk Pal Jang |
| 9 | 구 | Gu | 9th Dan |
| 10 | 십 | Sip | 10th, etc. |
Belt Colours in Korean
Learn the Korean names for belt colours used in the grading system.
| Colour | Korean | Romanised | Belt |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 흰 | Huin | Huin-tti (White belt) |
| Yellow | 노랑 | Norang | Norang-tti (Yellow belt) |
| Green | 초록 | Chorok | Chorok-tti (Green belt) |
| Blue | 파랑 | Parang | Parang-tti (Blue belt) |
| Red | 빨강 | Ppalgang | Ppalgang-tti (Red belt) |
| Black | 검정 | Geomeun | Geomeun-tti (Black belt) |
Note: "Tti" (띠) means "belt" in Korean.
Common Phrases
| Korean | Romanised | English | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 감사합니다 | Kamsahamnida | Thank you | After receiving instruction or help |
| 안녕하세요 | Annyeonghaseyo | Hello | Greeting at the start of class |
| 네 / 예 | Ne / Ye | Yes | Acknowledging an instruction |
| 알겠습니다 | Algesseumnida | I understand | After receiving an explanation |
| 죄송합니다 | Joesonghamnida | I'm sorry | Apologising for a mistake |
| 수고하셨습니다 | Sugohasyeosseumnida | Well done / Good work | Said at the end of training |
Important Taekwondo Terms
Training Terms
- Dobok (도복) - Training uniform
- Dojang (도장) - Training hall
- Sabom (사범) - Instructor
- Kwan (관) - School/style
Rank Terms
- Gup (급) - Colour belt rank
- Dan (단) - Black belt degree
- Poom (품) - Junior black belt
Pattern Terms
- Poomsae (품새) - Pattern/form
- Taegeuk (태극) - Pattern series name
- Jang (장) - Chapter/section
The Five Tenets of Taekwondo
The philosophical principles that guide Taekwondo practice:
| Korean | Romanised | English |
|---|---|---|
| 예의 | Ye-ui | Courtesy / Etiquette |
| 염치 | Yeom-chi | Integrity / Modesty |
| 인내 | In-nae | Perseverance |
| 극기 | Geuk-gi | Self-Control |
| 백절불굴 | Baekjeol-bulgul | Indomitable Spirit |