도복의 다양화와 태권도의 정체성

Abstract

In this study, we reviewed the diversification of Taekwondo uniforms in the history of modern Taekwondo and related this with the identity of Taekwondo. We aim to provide basic information on the direction of future Taekwondo uniform and Taekwondo itself. First, Taekwondo uniforms can be classified by their purposes – uniforms for training, official match, exhibition, instructor, and so forth. Training uniforms was first introduced in 1978, which include a uniform with black collar for the master level (i.e. black belt), a uniform with black and red collar for expert level, and a uniform with white collar for the beginner level. Recently colored uniforms, female uniforms, summer uniforms and so forth have been introduced. Uniforms for official match can be divided into two – for Kyorugi (sparring) and for Poomse (forms). In cases of Poomse, uniforms can be further separated into the master and expert levels with gender differences. Even uninforms for grandmasters exist. Exhibition uniforms are usually adapted from existing training uniforms. Instructor uniforms have made differences by employing high-quality cloth or adapting modernized hanbok (traditional Korean dress). Among the uniforms introduced, colored uniforms or tight uniforms have become provocative, and it may cause controversy over the identity of Taekwondo. We infer that Taekwondo embraces ‘Do(way)’ – the basis of orientalism, on the contrary of other sports, and always prioritizes “educational” purposes.