Comprehensive Korean Vocabulary Guide for Taekwondo

This blog is a bit longer and full of amazing information. As someone who is not a native to the Korean language, I am always trying to learn more and find ways to help me remember different commands and phrases used.

Taekwondo is more than just sparring and forms, it’s a complete system built on philosophy, discipline, and language. At TVMA Academy, we believe in teaching not only the movements but also the meanings behind them. This guide will help students of all ages, from beginners to Black Belts, build fluency in the Korean terminology used in class, testing, and competition.

We’ve included commands, stances, blocks, strikes, kicks, competition terms, and even polite Korean phrases. Each term is accompanied by an easy-to-remember mnemonic to help students retain and recall vocabulary with confidence.

Common Commands in Taekwondo

1. Charyeot (차렷) – Attention!
   Mnemonic: Stand like a “robot.”

2. Kyung-Nae (경례) – Bow.
   Mnemonic: Bow to the “king.”

3. Joon-Bi (준비) – Ready stance.
   Mnemonic: Prepare to “jump” into action.

4. Shi-Jak (시작) – Begin.
   Mnemonic: “Shi” for “shift” to starting.

5. Geuman (그만) – Stop.
   Mnemonic: “Give me a minute” to pause.

6. Dwiro Dora (뒤로 돌아) – Turn around.
   Mnemonic: “Dweee-ro” is the sound you make when spinning.

7. Baro (바로) – Return to ready stance.
   Mnemonic: “Baro” like “back row” to the start.

Directional Terms

• Olgul (얼굴) – High (Head/Face)
  “Olgul!” as you touch your head.

• Momtong (몸통) – Middle (Torso)
  “Mom’s strong core.”

• Arae (아래) – Low (Below)
  “Arae” sounds like “array,” looking at something below.

• Oen (왼) – Left
  “Oen” = “When will I go left?”

• Oreun (오른) – Right
  “Oreun” = “Orange,” pointing right.

Counting in Korean (1 to 10)

1. Hana (하나)

2. Dul (둘)

3. Set (셋)

4. Net (넷)

5. Dasot (다섯)

6. Yosot (여섯)

7. Ilgop (일곱)

8. Yodol (여덟)

9. Ahop (아홉)

10. Yeol (열)

Use Korean numbers while practicing drills to build comfort with them!

Stances – Seogi (서기)

Korean Term - English - Mnemonic

• Charyeot Seogi - Attention stance

  Mnemonic: Stand tall like a soldier

• Joon-Bi Seogi - Ready stance

  Mnemonic: “Joon” = ready to move

• Ap Seogi - Walking stance

  Mnemonic: “Ap” = up/forward

• Ap Kubi - Front stance

  Mnemonic: “Ap” = forward, “Kubi” = bent knee

• Dwit Kubi - Back stance

  Mnemonic: “Dwit” = back

• Juchum Seogi - Horse-riding stance

  Mnemonic: Imagine riding a horse while squatting low

Blocks – Makgi (막기)

Korean Term - English - Mnemonic

• Arae Makgi - Low block

  Mnemonic: Block a soccer ball

• Momtong Makgi - Middle block

  Mnemonic: Guard your chest

• Olgul Makgi - High block

  Mnemonic: Shield from a falling balloon

• Sonnal Makgi - Knife hand block

  Mnemonic: Block with a karate chop

• Hecheo Makgi - Double outside block

  Mnemonic: Spread arms wide to block both sides

• Kawi Makgi - Scissors block

  Mnemonic: Use arms like scissors

• Geodeureo Makgi - Assisted block

  Mnemonic: Help one arm with the other

Kicks – Chagi (차기)

Korean Term- English - Mnemonic

• Ap Chagi - Front kick

  Mnemonic: “Ap” = forward kick

• Dollyo Chagi - Roundhouse kick

  Mnemonic: “Dollyo” = spin for treasure

• Yeop Chagi - Side kick

  Mnemonic: “Yeop” = “yup,” target on the side

• Naeryeo Chagi - Axe kick

  Mnemonic: “Naeryeo” = downward chop

• Dwi Chagi - Back kick

  Mnemonic: “Dwi” = behind you

• Dolgae Chagi - Tornado kick

  Mnemonic: Spin like a tornado

Strikes – Chigi (치기)

Korean Term - English - Mnemonic

• Jireugi - Punch

  Mnemonic: Sounds like “jabbing”

• Sonnal Chigi - Knife hand strike

  Mnemonic: “Son’s hand” slice

• Palgup Chigi - Elbow strike

  Mnemonic: “Pal” = arm, “gup” = bent elbow

• Me Jumeok Chigi - Hammer fist strike

  Mnemonic: Knock on a door

• Pyonsonkkeut Jireugi - Spear hand strike

  Mnemonic: Hand becomes a spear

Conversational Korean for Dojang Life

Korean Term - English - Mnemonic

• Annyeonghaseyo

Hello

Mnemonic: Say “Hello” to Ann

• Kamsahamnida

Thank you

Mnemonic: Thank “Kam”

• Cheonmaneyo

You’re welcome

Mnemonic: “Ten million” thanks

• Annyeonghi Gyeseyo

Goodbye (you’re leaving)

Mnemonic: “Gyeseyo” when you go

• Annyeonghi Gaseyo

Goodbye (they’re leaving)

Mnemonic: “Gaseyo” when they go

• Mianhamnida

I’m sorry

Mnemonic: Say “Mian” after a bump

• Ne

Yes

• Aniyo

No

School-Specific Terms

• Sabeomnim (사범님) – Certified Master
  “Sabom” teaches with wisdom.

• Dojang (도장) – Training hall
  “Do” = way, “Jang” = place.

• Sang Moo - The dedication to respect and follow the spirit of Martial Arts

  “Sang” = Respect for to follow, “Moo” = Activity (Technique for self defense) & Education, (Manners, respect, discipline, confidence, courage, self-esteem, & concentration)

Competition Terminology

Types of Competition

• Gyeorugi (겨루기) – Sparring
  Mnemonic: “Go fight!”

• Poomsae (품새) – Forms
  Mnemonic: Pattern like a dance.

• Gyeokpa (격파) – Board breaking
  Mnemonic: “Crack” the board.

• Hosinsul (호신술) – Self-defense demo
  Mnemonic: Show how to defend yourself.

Referee and Match Commands

• Charyeot – Attention

• Joon-Bi – Ready

• Shi-Jak – Begin

• Geuman – Stop

• Gallyeo – Break

• Gyesok – Continue

• Hong – Red

• Chung – Blue

• Gamjeom – Penalty

• Seung – Victory

Scoring Terms

• Jeon Jin (전진) – Advancing

• Hu Jin (후진) – Retreating

• Dwee Dolgi (뒤돌기) – Spinning technique

Tips for Vocabulary Practice

1. In-Class Usage: Use Korean commands often to build fluency.

2. Flashcards & Audio: Combine visual and auditory learning.

3. Mock Competitions: Practice with referee calls and responses.

4. Daily Greetings: Build a respectful, connected dojang culture.

5. Drill Pairing: Link commands to techniques in class.

6. Call-and-Response: Boost retention through interaction.

7. Movement Counting: Count aloud in Korean during kicks or strikes.

Conclusion: Learning Language is Part of the Martial Art

At TVMA Academy, we believe every strike, stance, and shout has meaning, and learning the language is part of mastering Taekwondo. By incorporating Korean terms into class, testing, and everyday interactions, we create martial artists who not only move with skill but speak with understanding and cultural respect.

Bookmark this guide, share it with fellow students and parents, and refer back often as you progress on your journey.