The Korea Taekwondo Association needed a Central Dojang (Chung Ang Dojang) to help popularize and globalize Taekwondo and also to help unify the Kwans. Taekwondo was to be a symbol of Korea, and because of this, the Central Dojang needed to be built on a mountain top rather han on flat ground to show its spirit.

The Central Dojang was finally built through the efforts of a lot of people, especially Kim Yong Chae and Kim Un Yong. It was located in Yuk Sam Park, at 635 Yuksam-dong, Kangnam-gu in Seoul and named the Kukkiwon.

The Kukkiwon was known as the Korea Taekwondo Association Central Dojang (Dae Han Taekwondo Hyop Hwe Chung Ang Dojang) until February 6, 1973, when the name was changed to the World Taekwondo Headquarters (Sae Gye Taekwondo Bon Bu).

Section 1: Early Steps in Building the Central Dojang

Initiation of the building of the Central Dojang began when Kim Un Yong became KTA President. However, the planning started when Kim Yong Chae (Vice Chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party "LDP" or Jaminryu in 1999) was KTA President, and he raised 30 million won for the building fund.

From 1970, the KTA began to plan building the Central Dojang for its 1.3 million members. An architect was retained to come up with the initial perspective views and blueprints, with the idea that the central dojang would symbolize Korea in its image to the world.

Lee Kwang No, who was a Professor at Seoul National University, took charge of the architectural plans and Bosung Industrial Company, Ltd became the general contractor. Construction began on November 19, 1971 at San 76, Yuksam-dong, Seongdong-gu in Seoul. Kangnam-gu was called Seongdong-gu at the time. The government contributed 150 million won for he initial building costs.

Many famous people attended the groundbreaking ceremony on November 19, 1971, including Min Kwan Sik (ROK Minister of Education), Son Yo Chan (President of Inchon Steel Industries, Ltd.), Won Kyong Soo (President of Pyung Jip - News Office), Yoon Ik Kyun (Executive Director of he Seoul Newspaper Company), various Korea Amateur Sports Association officials as well as officials from the US.

During his congratulatory speech, Min Kwan Sik said: "Taekwondo is already a famous sport in the world and soon we will have the Central Dojang, so please work hard and put all your efforts into promoting Taekwondo."

The KTA Central Dojang was completed in one year and ten days and consisted of grounds space of 2300 pyong (of which 1189 pyong was used for the building). There were three floors above ground, as well as a basement level, 227 pyong devoted to the competition area, as well as an additional 2000 pyong for spectator seating, lecture rooms, clerical offices, restaurants, shower rooms, and locker rooms.

The Kukkiwon opening ceremony was held on November 30, 1972 at 2:00 pm. Those in attendance included Kim Jong Pil (ROK Prime Minister and Honorary Chairman of the Jaminryu LDP Party), Yang Tae Sik (Mayor of Seoul City), Shim Chang Yu (Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Education), Kim Tae Soo (President of the Korean Amateur Sports Association) and Kim Un Yong (President of the Korea Taekwondo Association).

In a special speech, Kim Jong Pil said: "Korea is now the best in Taekwondo in the world, and now we have the Central Dojang. I would now ask that all 1.3 million Taekwondo-in unite to develop everyone's health so that we can popularize and globalize Taekwondo."

Kim Un Yong added: "I will invite 40 foreign Taekwondo teams in May 1973 to compete at the 1st World Taekwondo Championships. The central dojang will function as the unifying force for Taekwondo throughout the world so that instructors (Sabum) from all over can come and train hard."

The Kukkiwon's purpose is as follows: (1) To develop techniques (Ki Sool), (2) For Poom and Dan promotion and to train Sabum in terms of techniques so that they can be strong leaders, (3) To promote the quality of Sabum inside and outside of Korea, (4) To host tournaments and events nationally and internationally, and (5) To promote the health of all Koreans and promote the spirit of Taekwondo.

The Kukkiwon had several special features. It has a traditional Korean type roof, an exterior of the building symbolizing the traditions of Korea, a statue of a martial artist, and the symbolic Pagoda which shows the Korean spirit and philosophy. In addition, the color of the Kukkiwon is Yang (Yang as in Um & Yang), with the blue color of the roof symbolizing the East, and the set of eight poles in the front of the building symbolizing the Palgue.

Since 1996, the Kukkiwon has undergone additional construction, which included one additional shower facility, three clerical rooms, two lecture rooms, two locker rooms, one file room, and three conference rooms. The Kukkiwon President's office was also renovated.

The front gate of the Kukkiwon was built on September 2, 1974 through the support of Song Yo Chan (President of Inchon Steel Industries, Ltd.). The hanging board with the calligraphy characters "Kukkiwon" on the front gate was written by Kim Jong Pil. The front gate's special characteristics show the beauty of Korean traditions with the Korean images of circles.

The Korean traditional eight sided resting place (Palgakjung) was built by Chang Ik Ryong (President of Jinro, Ltd.) on August 20, 1975. The Palgakjung was named "Yoon Gok Jung", which is a pen name of Kim Un Yong. This place became famous through its use by foreigners who take pictures there.

In the Kukkiwon building itself, there are administrative offices, the International Taekwondo Academy, and the WTF administrative offices. It has been 26 years since the Kukkiwon was born and it has been the venue for many Events and tournaments during that time. There were about 2000 Events held there so far, including the 1st and 2nd World Taekwondo Championships, the 1st Asian Taekwondo Championships, Training Courses for foreigners, International Referee courses, and Leadership courses. In addition, the Kukkiwon was the site for the organizing discussions for the GAISF and CISM in 1975 as well as the Asian Games in 1986.

The Kukkiwon Demonstration Team was created on September 6, 1974, with approximately 700 performances since then, promoting Taekwondo and performing for various people, including the Presidents of any foreign countries as well as several committees of the IOC.

The Kukkiwon logo was changed on February 1, 1976. The new logo was created by Lee Chong Woo, Vice President of the WTF. The ideal of the logo come out of the concepts of Heaven, Earth and Man in relationships to one another. The meaning of this is that Taekwondo, through the Kukkiwon, will spread throughout the world to all the different races and languages, with the round earth having the position of Santul Makki. The official english name of the Kukkiwon is World Taekwondo Headquarters.

Section 2: Producing Elite Taekwondo-in

The first official Korea Taekwondo Association Dan Promotion Test was held on November 11, 1962. Up until 1979, the Korea Taekwondo Association was responsible for conducting Dan Promotion Tests. However, on December 28, 1979, at the Korea Taekwondo Association General Assembly meeting held at the Korea Amateur Sports Association conference room, it was suggested and agreed that the responsibility for conducting Poom and Dan Promotion Tests as well as the issuing of Poom and Dan certificates would be transferred to the Kukkiwon. On February 5, 1980, the Kukkiwon officially took over responsibility for the issuance of Poom and Dan certificates from the Korea Taekwondo Association.

There are approximately 3.6 million Poom and Dan holders throughout the world. The primary mission of the Kukkiwon today is to work in coordination with the World Taekwondo Federation, functioning as the center of Taekwondo worldwide.

The objective of the Kukkiwon is to promote Taekwondo as a means of general exercise for the benefit of public health as well as to spread Taekwondo as a symbol of Korea and its traditions.

Those who possess the instructor's license (ja kyok jung) can issue guep, poom and dan rank. Originally, an instructor could promote students up to the rank of 4th Dan within the dojang, but for 5th Dan and above, candidates were required to test at the Kukkiwon. Later, this was amended so that 6th Dan or above candidates were required to test at the Kukkiwon.

In the case of instructors in foreign countries, Sabum who possess the Kukkiwon 4th Dan or higher can promote students to Kukkiwon Poom and Dan ranks. The Promotion Test Committee meets twice a month to review and approve promotion recommendations. Candidates who serve in he ROK Army must also have the recommendation from someone in their chain of command.

The Kukkiwon Promotion Regulations have been amended seven times since its adoption by the Korea Taekwondo Association on March 1, 1972. For example, candidates who wish to be promoted to 8th and 9th Dan are required to go to Korea and test at the Kukkiwon in person.

On November 4, 1996, the Kukkiwon received an upgraded information and computer system from Samsung Industries, and can now process 4000 Poom and Dan certificates per day, up from its previous capacity of 1000 Poom and Dan certificates per day.

Section 3: The International Taekwondo Academy

Since 1972, the Korea Taekwondo Association was responsible for conducting educational programs. These training programs were held at he Kukkiwon starting on November 1, 1976. The Kukkiwon assumed responsibility to teach these educational programs from the Korea Taekwondo Association in 1980, starting with the 28th Instructor Course. The Taekwondo Academy at the Kukkiwon was sanctioned through the Ministry of Culture and Sports, pursuant to Chapter 22, Section 2 of the Law of Public Health (Kuk Min Che Yuk Huel Bup) on November 29, 1983. Previously, the Coach Academy at Han Kuk Chae Yuk Dae Hak Gyo (Korean National Physical Education University, Chae Dae for short) taught these courses for 44 sports, but Taekwondo requested and was granted an exception, so that it could teach its courses at the Kukkiwon.

On February 24, 1990, the Ministry of Culture and Sports changed the name of the education programs to "Sahoe Che Yuk Jidoja Yonsuwon" and unified the Instructor Course with the 3rd Class Coach Course. Those candidates who complete the 9 day training course at the Kukkiwon Jidoja Yonsuwon receive the Instructor License and 3rd Class Coach certification, and then they are able to open their own dojang or Cheyukkwan in Korea. The unified training was started at the 72nd Instructor Course and presently there have been more than 100 such courses taught.

The following is a sample of the areas of study covered by the Instructor Course: Theory of physical education, taking care of health, the role and discipline of a leader, biology of physical education, methods of training, sports psychology, sociology of sports, theory of recreation, safety and evacuation, and theory of Taekwondo techniques.

More than 25,000 Taekwondo instructors have been trained through these courses, which are open to those who possess the Kukkiwon 4th Dan or higher. The name of the institution that conducts these courses used to be "International Taekwondo Academy", but since 1996, the name was changed to "World Taekwondo Academy" in order to globalize Taekwondo.

Section 4: The Taekwondo Museum

The Taekwondo Museum opened on November 19, 1991, commemorating the Kukkiwon's 19th birthday. Present at the opening ceremony were Kukkiwon President Kim Un Yong, United States Taekwondo Union President Ahn Kyong Won, Jewoo Industries President Kim Hyon Woo, and 150 other people associated with Taekwondo. The museum has been open to the public since that day, allowing people to view the many items related to Taekwondo and the Olympic Movement. Included are items from Kim Un Yong's personal collection relating to his IOC activities. More than 50,000 people have visited the museum, including IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch, many IOC Committee members, GAISF President Thomas Kelly, and many ambassadors from foreign countries. The museum is located behind the corner of the Kukkiwon, with a floor size of 50 pyong, in a two story building. It took one year and ten months to build the museum, with a budget of 50 million won.

The museum contains 364 posters, 40 trophies, 155 medals, 147 plaques, 270 other souvenirs, 400 video tapes, 171 periodicals, 28 official newspaper articles, 30 other newspaper articles, 250 official books, and 335 other books. In addition, there is a system where anyone can watch WTF international competitions. There is also a display dedicated to Guiness Book of World Record holder Chung Kuk Hyun's dobok and pictures.

Section 5: Kim Un Yong's Efforts in Retrospect

Kim Un Yong, who is an IOC Executive Committee member, President of Korea Amateur Sports Association, President of the Korean Olympic Committee, President of the World Taekwondo Federation, and President of the Korea Taekwondo Association, talks about the situations and atmosphere of the time when the Kukkiwon was built in his book:

Every organization needs a headquarters, such as the Blue House for Korea or for the legislature it is the National Assembly Building. Taekwondo's headquarters is the Kukkiwon.

The Kukkiwon had to be built. We needed a central gymnasium for Taekwondo training and also for the development, management and unification of all Taekwondo gyms throughout the world. Building a Central Dojang was the goal of all Taekwondo-in at the time.

Before the Kukkiwon was built, our Dan Promotion Tests were held in the gym of the Hansung Women's High School and our National Championships were held on the volleyball court at Seoul Stadium. It was really shameful that we did not have a Central Dojang at the time that foreigners could visit and train in, while other countries already had many gyms. In my first interview right after I became President of the Korea Taekwondo Association, I let my idea be known to the people, not only in Korea, but throughout the world. This was part of my interview:

Press: "We heard that you are planning to build a Central Dojang for Taekwondo. Is that true?
Kim Un Yong: "Yes."

Press: "How much do you think it will cost?"

I suddenly got confused. I had always thought that "where there is a will there is a way" and if I wanted to do something, I could, but I did not give much thought about the budget at all. This might have been because I came from a rich family, but I couldn't let this affect me. So I quickly glanced over at Lee Chong Woo and he handed me a note under the desk which said "300,000,000 won".

I said "I think we need no more than 200,000,000 won."

I gave a smaller amount than what Lee Chong Woo told me. I did this because people did not understand the potential of Taekwondo, and if I gave such a large number, the public might oppose the project.

The next day, the newspapers reported in their headlines that 200,000,000 won would be needed to build the Kukkiwon. However, we only had a plan but no specifics about how to make it work. First, we needed a place to build it, and after looking at every place in Seoul that was owned by the government, I went to see the mayor of Seoul. The mayor of Seoul at that time was YANG Taek Shik, who was one of my closest friends.

Kim Un Yong: "We need about 2000 pyong to build the Kukkiwon. If possible, please rent us a site."

YANG Taek Sik: "How about the Chamsil area?"

Kim Un Yong: "I think that a mountain top would be better."

I took out a map to explain the results of our research.

Kim Un Yong: "Chamsil would be a magnificent place for a stadium, but only 2000 pyong would be enough for us to build the Central Dojang."

YANG Taek Sik: "I do not understand why you would want to build on a mountain top, and not on good land on a perfect plain."

Kim Un Yong: "Well, because I want to see if a miracle can happen."

The mayor seemed suspicious. It might be a coincidence, but the site the Mayor preferred was the very place in Chamsil that the Olympic Stadium was later built.

My idea was that the Kukkiwon would be a monumental symbol of the Nation, as the Central Dojang for Taekwondo. In order to do that, it would be better if the Kukkiwon were built on a mountain top that could be seen from anywhere, instead of on low flat ground. My plan for the perfect location was someplace that did not have skyscrapers.

The construction for the Kukkiwon came mostly from non-government sources. Samsung, Oriental Express (Tongyang Gosok), Taenong, OB, Jinro, and Tongyang Textile (Tongyang Bangjik) all supported the project. Thanks to these businesses and corporations, we were able to raise enough money to build the Kukkiwon.

Another problem was securing the necessary building materials. However, Ssan Yong helped us with the cement, Inchon Steel with the ferro-concrete, Dong A with the lumber, Pyoksan with the roofing material, Hankuk Yuri and Dongkwan Yuri with the glass.

I wanted to build the Kukkiwon in the traditional Korean style as much as possible so that it would look familiar and to give the impression of tradition, like the Korean Palaces for instance, or the magnificent homes of the Confucian high officials. Because of this, I had the roof covered with the Korean traditional roofing tiles (Kiwa), especially the blue Kiwa.

While the Kukkiwon was being built, the Oil Crisis began. In the early 1970's, we had the most severe economic crisis and it seemed like we might not be able to continue construction. We had originally planned to finish construction within one year, but there were some people who suggested that we should proceed in a slower fashion and delay if for about 2 years. But I felt that it would be more difficult to finish the construction if we let the process go loose and slow. So instead, I tightened up the plan to proceed.

"Opportunity knocks only once."

I was determined to proceed as firmly as possible. I encouraged the people around me to not give up and to continue to work hard. We put the mobile telecommunication system to full use and dug wells and laid the electrical power lines. The electricity did not work until the day before the Opening Ceremony, and when the electricity finally kicked in, everyone who participated in the construction shouted for joy and was yelling like crazy.

The Kukkiwon was finally completed on November 30, 1972. The building bore every drop of sweat and every bit of effort from all of the people who had taken part in its construction. In the end, the Central Dojang stood magnificently on a mountain top south of the quiet city. The whole construction might have gone to nothing if we had delayed construction due to the Oil Crisis. "Everything is done in its own time." I think this saying is definitely true. We often understand this saying as meaning only waiting, but I think that it also means the we are better off if we achieve our goals within the specified planned time.

Once the Kukkiwon was built, I set upon another goal, which was the globalization of Taekwondo. Over the last 25 years, the Kukkiwon has hosted various types of events such as tournaments, educational programs and Promotion Tests for Koreans and foreigners.

One of the first things we did at the Kukkiwon was the formation of the World Taekwondo Federation, which has been playing the most significant role in Taekwondo's globalization. The Kukkiwon has also hosted the World Championships, Asian Championships, WTF International Referee Courses, Instructor and Leadership Courses, Promotion Tests, various types of domestic events, special training courses for foreigners, Yun Moo Shibum (Military Exercises) every year. These events have all helped to develop Taekwondo throughout its history.

In addition, the Kukkiwon helped get the WTF affiliated with the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) in 1975, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) in 1974 and the Counsel International Sportive Militaire (CISM) in 1976. More than that, it also played a main role in helping Taekwondo be chosen as an official sport in the 1986 Asian Games and 1987 Pan American Games, as a Demonstration Sport at the 1998 Seoul Olympic Games and 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, and finally as an official medal sport at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Vice Presidents Lee Chong Woo, Uhm Woon Kyu and Hong Chong Soo willingly helped me every time I ran into problems, to which I am grateful.