In the Korean language, the generic term for sword is kum (검) or gum (검). The most well-known sword is the jim kum (짐검), very similar to the katana (刀), however, there are several other swords in Korean martial arts.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

To understand this statement, it is important to note that when it comes to martial arts, Japan, Korea, and China have more in common than one might think. Regarding sword making, the first Japanese and Korean swords were straight with double edges. The transition to curved swords is still not fully explained. Some say that between the 3rd and 5th centuries, sword manufacturing technologies learned in China passed to Korea and then to Japan. Others claim that Chinese influence came through the Mongol invasions between 1162 and 1227. Although the Mongols failed to conquer Japan, many technologies from Genghis Khan reached Japan, dominating sword design in the Kamakura region. Kamakura was the political center of Japan for about a century after 1192.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

In any case, there is much doubt as to whether Japanese swords (especially the katana) were influenced by Korean swords or if it happened the other way around (since Japan militarily occupied Korea for more than 30 years). We believe this discussion today is pointless and that both schools benefited from the exchange that took place. Traditionally, traditional schools have their own characteristics: Korean swords impress more in cutting (even being able to cut delicate objects, like paper). Japanese swords, although not as sharp in cutting, are much more resilient in combat. Today, unfortunately, most swords (both Japanese and Korean) are manufactured in China.

​

Basically, there are 2 types of wooden swords for training:

​

Mok Kum (목검) – The wooden sword. It is used to practice forms and combat movements. It would be the Korean boken (木剣). It is divided into 6 parts:
 

• Kum Ko (검꼬): The tip, used for stabbing. It is the kensen (剣尖) of the boken.
   

• Kum Nal (검날): The edge, used for cutting. In Japanese, it is Monouchi (物打ち).
   

• Kum Tung (검등): The back, used to support the sword. It is the Shinogi (背陰).
   

• Kum Maki (검막이): The hand guard, used to protect the hands. The tsuba (鍔) of the Japanese swords.
   

• Kum Charu (검차루): The hilt, used to suspend the sword. The tsuka (柄).
   

• Kum Rae (검래): The sides, used for defense.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Chukto/Jukto (죽도) – A bamboo sword similar to the shinai (竹刀). It is used for contact combat in advanced national and international classes.

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Metal swords: 검 (劍)

Metal swords are used only by black belts over 21 years old. With them, one learns to have great skill in cuts, practicing with mature bamboo, straw bundles, etc. There are several types of metal swords. One of the reasons for this is that in Korea, the sword plays a primary role in religious and diplomatic rites. Thus, there were swords forged not for combat but merely to prove the loyalty of a ruler or military commander to their sovereign.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Yeoh do (예도; 禮刀)

It has a long and wide blade (almost 1 meter), slightly curved, with a 90 cm hilt, attached to a thick hilt resembling a staff. Its use was reserved for generals and emperors. In China, this weapon is called kwan (官). It was mainly used by cavalry due to its handling style, which made it easier to break through enemy cavalry lines. Today, it only has a ceremonial function.

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

San soo do (쌍수도; 双手刀)

It was a straight sword with a blade approximately 1.30 meters long. It was one of the most common swords among Korean soldiers. From this design, modern Korean weapons were developed.

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Ssang gum (쌍검; 双劍)

It means "double swords," referring to a set that connects. The smaller one was called wae gum (왜검; 倭劍), which was a set of medium-sized swords, larger than a dagger but smaller than a sword. They were very popular among the imperial court of Korea, and they could be easily concealed.