Various Korean forms of martial arts have existed but in the early 20th century, taekwondo became the dominant form. In 1955 a group of Korean martial arts leaders chose taekwondo as the definitive Korean martial art in an attempt to promote its development internationally.

韩国一直存在多种武术形式，但在20世纪初期跆拳道逐渐成为主要流派。1955年，一批韩国武术的领军人物选择跆拳道作为韩国的国术，努力推动其国际化发展。

In 1973, the Korean government recognised the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) as the legitimate governing body of the sport, and the first World Championships were held in that year.

1973年，韩国政府认可世界跆拳道联合会(WTF)作为跆拳道运动的合法管理机构，同年举行了首届世界跆拳道锦标赛。