A pattern (tul, 틀) is a prescribed sequence of fundamental attacking and defending movements performed against one or more imaginary opponents in a set, logical order. Practising patterns builds sparring technique, flexibility, balance, breath control and rhythm.
The performer should be able to demonstrate:
The number of movements in a pattern often has a meaning, such as a person's age, a year or a line of latitude. Each card below explains it.
Hwa-Rang is generally credited as the first Chang Hon pattern, developed in Korea in 1955 by Nam Tae Hi and Han Cha Kyo under General Choi’s direction. Chon-Ji is the first pattern in the usual teaching sequence; that sequence is not a creation timeline. Rhee Taekwon-Do: Hwa-Rang.
According to Kim Bok-Man’s organisation, 15 patterns were developed largely in Malaysia in 1963–1964. This historical list includes Ko-Dang rather than Juche.
Source for the pattern list: Kim Bok-Man’s pattern-development record
Chon-Ji has 19 numbered movements; So-San has 72, the most in the standard 24.
Taekwondo Malaysia: the 24 patterns · ITF Australia: 3rd–4th Dan instructions
the set represents the 24 hours of a day. The Saju exercises are training exercises, not extra members of the 24.
Taekwondo Malaysia: the 24 patterns · ITF Australia: 3rd–4th Dan instructions
Hwa-Rang’s 29 refers to the 29th Infantry Division; Sam-Il’s 33 commemorates the 33 independence-movement patriots.
Taekwondo Malaysia: the 24 patterns · ITF Australia: 3rd–4th Dan instructions
a step may be a preparation or combine more than one action. Read the movement description, not just the total.
Taekwondo Malaysia: the 24 patterns · ITF Australia: 3rd–4th Dan instructions
this site preserves Ko-Dang as a historical alternative. Its 39-movement sequence is distinct from the 45-movement Juche; listing both here does not change the standard set into 25 patterns.
Taekwondo Malaysia: the 24 patterns · ITF Australia: 3rd–4th Dan instructions
Search by name or filter by grade. Each card shows the number of movements, the belt level where the pattern is usually learned, the meaning of the name and a demonstration video. Open Full details & steps for the movement-by-movement instructions.
Saju Jirugi and Saju Makgi, the four-direction fundamental exercises practised before Chon-Ji, are listed first.
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The standard 24 ITF patterns at a glance.
Opening type describes movement 1; the four preparatory openings lead to an attack at step 2. Return foot means the foot moved back to ready after the final numbered movement. Select a pattern name to view its first step.
| # | Pattern | Movements | Typical Grade | Theme | Opening type | Return foot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chon-Ji | 19 | 9th Gup | Creation of the world | Defence | Left foot |
| 2 | Dan-Gun | 21 | 8th Gup | Legendary founder of Korea | Defence | Left foot |
| 3 | Do-San | 24 | 7th Gup | Patriot Ahn Chang-Ho | Defence | Right foot |
| 4 | Won-Hyo | 28 | 6th Gup | Monk who brought Buddhism to Silla | Defence | Right foot |
| 5 | Yul-Gok | 38 | 5th Gup | Philosopher Yi I | Preparation → attack at step 2 | Left foot |
| 6 | Joong-Gun | 32 | 4th Gup | Patriot Ahn Joong-Gun | Defence | Left foot |
| 7 | Toi-Gye | 37 | 3rd Gup | Scholar Yi Hwang | Defence | Right foot |
| 8 | Hwa-Rang | 29 | 2nd Gup | Silla youth warriors | Defence | Right foot |
| 9 | Choong-Moo | 30 | 1st Gup | Admiral Yi Sun-Sin | Defence | Left foot |
| 10 | Kwang-Gae | 39 | 1st Dan | King Kwang-Gae-Toh-Wang | Preparation → attack at step 2 | Left foot |
| 11 | Po-Eun | 36 | 1st Dan | Loyal poet Chong Mong-Chu | Defence | Left foot |
| 12 | Ge-Baek | 44 | 1st Dan | General of Baekje | Defence | Right foot |
| 13 | Eui-Am | 45 | 2nd Dan | Independence leader Son Byong Hi | Defence | Right foot |
| 14 | Choong-Jang | 52 | 2nd Dan | General Kim Duk Ryang | Defence | Left foot |
| 15 | Juche | 45 | 2nd Dan | Man as master of his destiny | Defence | Right foot |
| 16 | Sam-Il | 33 | 3rd Dan | 1 March 1919 independence movement | Defence | Left foot |
| 17 | Yoo-Sin | 68 | 3rd Dan | General Kim Yoo-Sin | Preparation → attack at step 2 | Right foot |
| 18 | Choi-Yong | 46 | 3rd Dan | General Choi Yong | Defence | Right foot |
| 19 | Yon-Gae | 49 | 4th Dan | General Yon Gae Somun | Defence | Right foot |
| 20 | Ul-Ji | 42 | 4th Dan | General Ul-Ji Moon Dok | Attack | Left foot |
| 21 | Moon-Moo | 61 | 4th Dan | 30th king of Silla | Preparation → attack at step 2 | Right foot |
| 22 | So-San | 72 | 5th Dan | Monk Choi Hyong Ung | Defence | Right foot |
| 23 | Se-Jong | 24 | 5th Dan | King Se-Jong, creator of Hangul | Defence | Left foot |
| 24 | Tong-Il | 56 | 6th Dan | Reunification of Korea | Attack | Right foot |
Classification based on the step instructions: ITF Australia: 6th–4th Gup instructions · ITF Australia: 1st–2nd Dan instructions · ITF Australia: 3rd–4th Dan instructions · ITF Australia: 5th–6th Dan instructions.
Diagrams checked against the ITF pattern movement guide and International Taekwon-Do Dan handbook. This site consistently places D at the bottom; the red X marks the start. Eui-Am uses a straight-line diagram (I), not 工. Diagrams are schematic, not measured step-length plans.
Grades shown follow the common ITF grouping of three patterns per degree through 4th Dan, two at 5th Dan, and Tong-Il at 6th Dan; exact gradings vary between federations and instructors. Some schools teach Ko-Dang in place of Juche.