What is Taegeuk?

As a word, Taegeuk refers to the unity of opposites, such as yin and yang. Taegeuk is also the name of the red and blue circle in the middle of the South Korean flag. The Palgwae series of patterns were originally used by World Taekwondo, but the Taegeuk series was developed to better represent input from the schools of Taekwondo that joined the Korea Taekwondo Association in the late 1960’s.

Before 1971, Kukkiwon style Taekwondo had 8 coloured belt patterns called the Palgwae forms. Pal means 8 in Korean and Gwae means trigram so Palgwae refers to the eight trigrams that are associated with the I Ching Hexagrams. The I Ching Hexagrams were found in the Book of Changes, an ancient divination text based on 64 hexagrams.

Each I Ching Hexagram is made up of two trigrams, and each trigram is made up of three solid or broken lines. There are eight trigrams, and each is associated with a separate meaning. Four of these trigrams also appear on the South Korean Flag and the eight trigrams are said to represent the eight fundamental principles of reality.

A simple diagram showing eight trigrams associated with Taegeuk Poomsae and their relationship. Black and white yin yang symbol sits in the middle, with the eight labelled trigrams around the outside.
Table showing the eight Taegeuk patterns with meaning and associated trigram.
chart showing the standard Taegeuk Poomsae required for each Taekwondo Kup grade, illustrated by the most common belt colours.

Taegeuk Poomsae series

After 1971 the Palgwae forms were replaced with the current Taegeuk forms. Although they still hold the same principles and symbolism as the original Palgwae forms, they have been changed to prepare students for sparring in the sport style of Taekwondo.

As you’ll note in the table, each of the Taegeuk Patterns has an associated trigram and symbolism. As Taegeuk itself refers to unity and balance, you’ll see each Poomsae and it’s associated trigram has an opposite:

  • Heaven & Light <>  Earth
  • Lake/Joy <> Mountain
  • Fire & Sun <> Water
  • Thunder <> Wind

In this way, the Taegeuk patterns represent balance, and as they are the series of patterns used for Kup Grades, students should bear this in mind when training. 

In terms of training, the Taegeuk Poomsae are generally taught from 9th Kup onwards. To progress from white belt (10th Kup) to yellow tag (9th Kup) a more basic form is often taught and can vary between organisations and clubs.

Often it is called Kibon Il (which uses basic blocks and strikes in horse riding stance), or four-directional punch and block (which mimics the basic movement of the Taegeuk Poomsae). 

The requirements for progression through the grades will, of course, vary between clubs but you can use the progression shown here as a guide. 

Want to improve your Poomsae? Use Spinning Kick’s simplified help sheets below!

Spinning Kick's Guide to Taegeuk Il Jang, demonstrating each move of the Taekwondo pattern with a simple stick figure and basic instructions
Spinning Kick's Guide to Taegeuk Ee Jang, demonstrating each move of the Taekwondo pattern with a simple stick figure and basic instructions
Spinning Kick's Guide to Taegeuk Sam Jang, demonstrating each move of the Taekwondo pattern with a simple stick figure and basic instructions
Spinning Kick's Guide to Taegeuk Sah Jang, demonstrating each move of the Taekwondo pattern with a simple stick figure and basic instructions
Spinning Kick's Guide to Taegeuk Oh Jang, demonstrating each move of the Taekwondo pattern with a simple stick figure and basic instructions
Spinning Kick's Guide to Taegeuk Yuk Jang, demonstrating each move of the Taekwondo pattern with a simple stick figure and basic instructions
Spinning Kick's Guide to Taegeuk Chil Jang, demonstrating each move of the Taekwondo pattern with a simple stick figure and basic instructions
Spinning Kick's Guide to Taegeuk Pal Jang, demonstrating each move of the Taekwondo pattern with a simple stick figure and basic instructions