History of Taekwondo
     
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Ancient Times

Taekwondo, like Karate, uses empty handed techniques (no weapons).
Through observations of animals fighing and man's own experiences defending against them, techniques were developed to better use the fighting tools they were born with.
At this time there were seasonal tournaments between tribes. Most prominent of these was the Silla Kingdom (founded 57 BC) and the Koguryo Kingdom (founded 37 BC). Silla calling their young warriors "hwarang", and Koguryo calling theirs "sonbae".
During the 4'th century Taekwondo became a systemized martial art and became popular for ordinary people to take it. This can be seen on murals in the tombs of warriors and sculptures of the time.
Middle Ages
The Koryo Dynasty unified Korea and lasted from 918 - 1392. Only those skilled in Taekkyon (Old name of TKD) were accepted into the military.
Cadets trained to fight against 5 opponents. They called this training "obyong-subak-hui" (Subak is an even older name of TKD). Those who mastered Taekkyon were quickly promoted to Generals.
Firearms changed the latter part of this Dynasty and Taekkyon skill became less important to the military, however it remained in the hearts and games of the Korean People.
Modern Times
The Chosun (or Yi) Dynasty lasted from 1392 until 1910. During this time Confucianism (Chinese philosophy) was popular. This thinking put more emphasis on literary art rather than martial art.
Tournaments became less popular but were still being held, especially for royal gatherings. Any player who could beat 3 other contestants could be employed in the army. After the Japanese invaded Korea in 1592 the Royal government encouraged more military and martial arts training. During this occupation the Japanese government banned all Korean games, including Taekkyondo. It was secretly handed down by the Masters until the liberation of the country at the end of the second world war.
Present Day
After 1945 the Korean's were putting their country back together. Master Duk-Ki gave a demonstration of Taekkyondo on President Rhee's birthday, showing clear differences from the Karate which had been introduced under Japanese rule. Masters began opening Taekwondo Dojangs all over the country (1950 - 1953). In an effort to develop Taekwondo into an International Martial Art, thousands of Masters were dispatched all over the world to open schools. The Kukkiwon (Main Dojang) was opened in 1972. In 1973 the World Taekwondo Federation was formed, and in the year 2000 TKD became an official Olympic sport.