2010 Volume 55 Issue 1 Pages 125-135
The Korean government introduced the Traditional Martial Arts Promotion Law in 2008, which was the first governmental bill aimed at the preservation and promotion of Korean traditional martial arts. The law consists of 6 articles, including the definition of Korean traditional martial arts, the necessity of a master plan for their promotion, provision of support for traditional martial arts groups, and the fostering of leaders. This paper outlines the process of establishment of this law and attempts to clarify how Korean martial arts were conceptualized, authorized and invented as a Korean cultural tradition.