Kukkiwon system (poom and dan)

Grading systems by organisation

Kukkiwon system (poom and dan)ITF· Syllabus not documented yet

The master grades awarded by the Kukkiwon under its Taekwondo Examination Rules as amended on 1 June 2026: four poom grades for young people and nine dan grades. Poom grades are taken under the age of 15 (4th poom under 18), dan grades from 15. Coloured-belt grades are examined by the instructor in the club and are not part of this system. According to the Kukkiwon, only holders of its poom or dan certificate may compete in international World Taekwondo events.

1st poom

Rank #1

Requirements & Focus

A master grade for children under 15. Two poomsae are drawn at the examination from Taegeuk Il Jang to Pal Jang.

2nd poom

Rank #2

Federation minimum: 12 months

Requirements & Focus

Under 15, at the earliest one year after the 1st poom. Required poomsae: Koryo.

3rd poom

Rank #3

Federation minimum: 24 months

Requirements & Focus

Under 15, at the earliest two years after the 2nd poom. Required poomsae: Keumgang.

4th poom

Rank #4

Federation minimum: 36 months

Requirements & Focus

Under 18, at the earliest three years after the 3rd poom. Required poomsae: Taebaek. From 18 it is converted to 4th dan after a Kukkiwon refresher course.

1st dan

Rank #5

Requirements & Focus

The first dan, from age 15. A holder of the 1st to 3rd poom can obtain it by conversion after turning 15. Required poomsae: Taegeuk Pal Jang; a second is drawn from Il Jang to Chil Jang.

2nd dan

Rank #6

Federation minimum: 12 months

Requirements & Focus

At the earliest one year after the 1st dan, from age 16 (from 15 for those who started with poom grades). Required poomsae: Koryo.

3rd dan

Rank #7

Federation minimum: 24 months

Requirements & Focus

At the earliest two years after the 2nd dan, from age 18 (from 15 for those who started with poom grades). Required poomsae: Keumgang.

4th dan

Rank #8

Federation minimum: 36 months

Requirements & Focus

At the earliest three years after the 3rd dan, from age 21 (from 18 for those who started with poom grades). Required poomsae: Taebaek.

5th dan

Rank #9

Federation minimum: 48 months

Requirements & Focus

At the earliest four years after the 4th dan, from age 25 (from 22 for those who started with poom grades). Required poomsae: Pyongwon.

6th dan

Rank #10

Federation minimum: 60 months

Requirements & Focus

At the earliest five years after the 5th dan, from age 30. Required poomsae: Jitae.

7th dan

Rank #11

Federation minimum: 72 months

Requirements & Focus

At the earliest six years after the 6th dan, from age 36. Required poomsae: Cheonkwon.

8th dan

Rank #12

Federation minimum: 96 months

Requirements & Focus

At the earliest eight years after the 7th dan, from age 44. Required poomsae: Hansu.

9th dan

Rank #13

Federation minimum: 108 months

Requirements & Focus

At the earliest nine years after the 8th dan, from age 53. Required poomsae: Ilyeo.