The Gukgiwon - a symbol of Korea's Taekwando heritage
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The construction of the Gukgiwon building began in November 1971. It took one year and ten days to complete, and cost around 12,500,000 dollars.
Covering an area of 2,300 pyeong (unit of area), Gukgiwon contains three floors and one basement, a 227 pyeong sport gym, seats for 3000 people, classrooms, offices, a restaurant and locker rooms.
As the Gukgiwon building was specially designed with Taekwondo in mind, the roof of the building is of traditional Korean style, although the main body of the building remains more modern.
The main function of the Gukgiwon building is the judging of competitions, and many national and international events have been held here, such as the first and second World Taekwondo Championships, promotion tests and training for foreign countries and international referees seminars, to name a few.
The role of the building grew when Taekwondo was recognised as an official sport in the 1986 Asian Games and the 2000 Sydney Olympics. A Taekwondo demonstration team, who have now performed over 700 demonstrations both in and out of the country, was formed on September 6th 1974. This team have also displayed their talents to important foreign visitors such as presidents, prime minsters and IOC members.
Kukiwon is also the site of the Taekwando examinations. Although the first five lowest grades can be tested and decided in private Taekwando gyms, all grades above them must be tested in Gukgiwon only. Therefore, those who live in other countries are required to take their tests in Gukgiwon if they want to achieve high grades, such as grades 8 or 9.
In conclusion, it is clear that Gukgiwon is truly a part of Korea's national culture - it proves Taekwondo's existence as a worldwide sport.
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