New uniforms will further promote taekwondo “Gyeonggibok”

Choue Chung-won, the president of the world’s taekwondo governing body, said earlier this month that new uniforms to be featured at the international poomsae championships will represent Korea in a new way.

The 63-year-old Choue and the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) have worked on introducing the new uniforms, to replace the existing “gyorugi” ones at the World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships starting on July 29 in Vladivostok, Russia.

“This will be the first time the athletes will wear the new poomsae uniforms from the WTF, and it will be a meaningful event,” Choue said.

They are designed by Kim Nam-hee, recognized as a designer of traditional Korean clothes

Choue said the poomsae uniforms will show how practical Korean clothing is despite its beautiful and luxurious design. He also added it will be a chance to promote the nation’s traditional clothes.

Over a decade of taking part in poomsae competitions in the gyorugi uniforms, the WTF president took an active role in the poomsae development committee set up in 2006 to create a new uniform.

The new J-Calicu uniforms, named after a local producer that was given an exclusive rights to provide the clothing for the Vladivostok competition.

They define the new system of the poomsae world, according to Choue. The uniforms represent the different levels and are divided according to traditional Korean philosophy along with the five tenets of the sport.

They also consider eye-catching performances of the athletes by applying “po,” or an outer jacket, on top of the uniform. The po is to create sound and also to show the dynamic expression of taekwondo moves.

“The new uniforms should continue to be developed. We will listen to the participants’ suggestions including complaints, reactions of people, and all other matters during the Vladivostok competition,” Choue said.

“The ideas will be considered and applied in future editions,” he added.

The WTF plans to provide the new uniforms to master-level, or high-dan holders, free of charge at the upcoming event.

Choue’s creativity was shown from his emphasis on fashion in sports.

“Just like tennis or golf, the taekwondo uniform now embraces the fashion era,” he said.

“People from all over the world are now wearing the uniforms. It must satisfy people. There is no point applying the Korean spirit if people are not wearing them. Selfish ideas (pointing out Korean style only) are not right. We must level ourselves with the world.

“I hope that the taekwondo clothing, whether gyorugi or combat uniforms or advanced poomsae uniforms, will be turned into a fashion brand and become a trend leader for all including non-taekwondo people.

He also hinted at a wider use of the uniforms in other competitions, such as the 2017 Universiade as well as future Olympics.