Lee Won-kuk (Korean: 이원국; Hanja: 李元國; April 13, 1907 – February 2, 2003) was a pioneering South Korean martial artist and the founder of Chung Do Kwan, one of the original nine schools (kwans) of taekwondo.
Early Life and Education
Lee was born in Hanseong (modern-day Seoul), Korea, during the Japanese occupation, which heavily regulated the lives of the Korean population, including prohibiting martial arts. Despite these restrictions, Lee developed an early interest in martial arts, particularly in Taekkyeon, a traditional Korean martial art. In 1926, Lee moved to Tokyo, Japan, to attend Chuo University, where he studied law. It was during his time in Japan that Lee began training in Shotokan karate under the guidance of Gichin Funakoshi and his son Gigō Funakoshi. Lee became one of the first non-Japanese students to earn a 4th-degree black belt in Shotokan karate, a testament to his dedication and skill.
Introduction of Karate to Korea
In 1944, after returning to Korea, Lee sought permission to teach karate. After initially being denied twice, Lee was granted permission to teach and opened the Chung Do Kwan (“School of the Blue Wave”) in Seoul. This school marked the introduction of karate to Korea, and Lee’s teachings focused on the development of Tang Soo Do, a Korean adaptation of Japanese karate. Lee’s school quickly gained popularity, and by the late 1940s, it had attracted the attention of the South Korean government.
Transition to Taekwondo
As Korea’s martial arts scene evolved, the need for a distinct Korean identity within martial arts became evident. In the early 1950s, the term “taekwondo” was introduced, incorporating elements of traditional Korean martial arts and modern techniques. Lee’s influence played a crucial role in the development of taekwondo through his teachings at Chung Do Kwan, which focused on the philosophical, technical, and ethical components of martial arts. Lee’s contributions laid the foundation for modern taekwondo, which would later become an Olympic sport.
Legacy
Lee Won-kuk’s legacy is far-reaching. He not only founded Chung Do Kwan but also authored the influential “Tae Kwon Do Handbook” in 1968, which provided essential guidance to taekwondo practitioners. His teachings shaped many key figures in the martial arts world, including Duk Sung-son, Suh Chong-kang, and Choi Hong-hi. These students carried forward Lee’s philosophy and played significant roles in spreading taekwondo globally.
In 1976, Lee immigrated to the United States, where he continued to practice and promote martial arts. He settled in Arlington, Virginia, and spent his later years engaging in activities such as calligraphy and acupuncture. Lee passed away on February 2, 2003, at the age of 95, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the martial arts community.
References
- “Lee Won-kuk.” Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Won-kuk_Lee. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.
- “Chung Do Kwan.” Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chung_Do_Kwan. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.
