Taekwondo awards levels and belts according to the level of mastery demonstrated by the student. Low levels are from Level 8 to Level 1, and high levels are from the lowest 1 ‘dan’ or 1 ‘pum’ to the highest 4 ‘dan’ or 4 ’pum.’ ‘Dan’ and ‘pum’ signify the same thing, but the term ‘pum’ is used for those 15 or under while the term ‘dan’ applies to anyone 16 or older. Each level has its own ‘Pumsae,’ a predetermined set of movements that one can use to gain practice against an imaginary opponent. Different colored belts are awarded according to the level attained.
Level
Pumsae
Belt Color
Low Level
No Level
Basic Position
Level 8
Taegeuk 1-Jang
Level 7
Taegeuk 2-Jang
Level 6
Taegeuk 3-Jang
Level 5
Taegeuk 4-Jang
Level 4
Taegeuk 5-Jang
Level 3
Taegeuk 6-Jang
Level 2
Taegeuk 7-Jang
Level 1
Taegeuk 8-Jang
High Level
1 Pum, 1 Dan
Goryeo
Pum
Dan
2 Pum, 2 Dan
Geumgang
3 Pum, 3 Dan
Taebaek
4 Pum, 4 Dan
Pyeongwon
* The belt colors outlined above are basic, but depending on the discretion of a Taekwondo master, belt colors offered at a specific place of learning can increase or decrease.
