A common misconception is that Taekwon-Do is an ancient Korean martial art. Before 1955, the word Taekwon-Do does not even exist. The development of Taekwon-Do only started in 1946 under Grandmaster General Choi Hong Hi, who developed Taekwon-Do based on the Korean martial art of Taek Kyon and Karate. The art was officially named Taekwon-Do on 11 April 1955. The rapid spread of Taekwon-Do in the 1960s led to the formation of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) on 22 March 1966. The ITF has Singapore and Malaysia among its founding members. Some years later, other organisations such as the Global Taekwon-Do Federation and World Taekwondo Federation were formed.

The headquarters of the ITF is in Vienna, Austria. It has several million members in 130 countries, with a large presence in Korea, Malaysia, Argentina, Poland, Canada, United States, United Kingdom and many other countries. Taekwon-Do is what it is today because of General Choi's tireless efforts in promoting it without regard for race, nationality and religion. His great contribution recently earned him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize from the Canadian government. General Choi traveled all over the world, conducting Taekwon-Do seminars and grading examinations, even at the age of 84. General Choi passed away in 2002.

The official ITF website has a detailed history of Taekwon-Do.

The following page from the official ITF website contains information about the Tenets of Taekwon-Do, Student Oath, Training Secrets, System of Rank, History of Taekwon-Do and Theory of Power.

Taekwon-Do is now an Olympic sport.