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Top 10 Korean Martial Arts to Know
From Olympic taekwondo to ancient ssireum, Korea's martial arts tradition spans striking, grappling, weapons, and philosophy. These ten styles show the range of Korean combat heritage, from folk wrestling still practiced at village festivals to modern sword systems organized in the 1980s. Vote for the one you think deserves the top spot.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Martial Arts
### What is the oldest Korean martial art on this list? Subak is the oldest style listed, with references in Goryeo and early Joseon court records.
### Is taekwondo a Korean martial art? Yes. Taekwondo originated in Korea and is listed first because of its global reach.
### What is the difference between taekwondo and Tang Soo Do? Tang Soo Do is the older traditional Korean striking art that heavily influenced both taekwondo and karate.
### Which Korean martial art focuses on philosophy? Won Hwa Do prioritizes philosophy and inclusivity over combat depth, according to its description on this list.
### What is ssireum? Ssireum is Korean folk wrestling in which competitors grip a cloth satba belt.
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