Kukkiwon

November 19, 1971 groundbreaking ceremony signalled the start of Kukkiwon construction. Kukkiwon was able to be built where it is located now by getting donations from corporations and renting 6,900㎡ of city land in Yeoksam-dong Gangnam-gu.

December 7, 1971. Many had visited the land to attend groundbreaking ceremony. They were dropped at the entrance by bus, but had to walk unpaved road on the mountain.

Construction was initiated with the scarce budgets, but helps with financial supports from everywhere. According to the Un Yong Kim, the first president of Kukkiwon, Lee Byung Chul Samsung CEO donated ￦3,000,000, Chung In Young Hyundae Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd Vice President donated ￦2,000,000, Poonghan paper manufacturer donated ￦2,000,000, and Daenong donated ￦2,000,000. In addition, it is recorded that Ssangyong cement Co., Incheon Steel Col., Hanglass Co., and Dongkwang Co., supplied constructive material, manufactured by their own factories.

Iljumun (One Pillar Gate) indicating one soul. When construction of Iljumun was initiated. Majestic Iljumun, the gateway of Kukkiwon, was standing at the entrance. Taekwondo practitioners were staring at the uncompleted Iljumun which only had frame.

Kukkiwon building located at cleared and flattened hill in Yeoksam-dong. The outside of the external walls of the Kukkiwon came to finish and ready for completion of construction. Field around the building appeared to be desolated.

While the building has not changed significantly, surroundings with bush and tree tell that many years have passed.

Kukkiwon is a building in modern style. However, if you look at the entire building, you will see Hanok which retains a traditional Korean style and sentiment. Kukkiwon is reminiscent of curved line of Korean traditional house including external round pillars and the roof that reminds of Hanok. It is characterized by emphasizing asian values such as covering the roof with Cheonggiwa and placing eight conical pillars, which indicate Bagua, on the floor.

One year after opening Kukkiwon, monument was erected to commemorate foundation of World Taekwondo Federation and successful hosting of the 1st World Taekwondo Championships in May 1973. Some historical events were carved on the monument in English and Korean; "The 1st World Taekwondo Championships. May 25 ~ 27, 1973 A.D. Establishment of World Taekwondo Federation (WTF). May 28, 1973 A.D. World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) President Un Yong Kim."

Taekwondo became an official sport in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. After it was selected to be a demonstration sport in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Taekwondo became an official a sport in 1994 and 2000. The monument was donated by Cheil Communications, one of Korea's largest advertising agency, for celebrating first anniversary of becoming an official sport. Both World Taekwondo Federation logo and the Olympic flag are on the monument.

Yoongok-Jung was named after Un Yong Kim's pen name which is Yoongok. He was the first president of Kukkiwon. The elegant and concrete Octagonal Pavilion, about 10 pyung (33㎡), is located between the wooded path in the Kukkiwon front yard. It was built by Jinro Incorporate in August 20, 1975.