Kukkiwon Drops Formal Attire for 9th Dan Ceremonies, Introduces Taekwondo Uniforms

Moving beyond the one-time formal attire rental system, proudly presenting “costoized Taewondo uniforms” permanently engraved with each 9th Dan promotee’s name and Dan number

Kukkiwon has abolished the previously worn formal attire at the 9th Dan conferment ceremony—the highest rank in Taekwondo—and has fully replaced it with Taekwondo uniforms.

The introduction of Taekwondo uniforms aims to move beyond the traditional one-time formal attire rental system by offering customized uniforms permanently engraved with the 9th Dan promotee’s name and Dan number. This honors a lifetime of training and enhances their sense of pride.

Since October 2021, Kukkiwon has implemented and operated the use of formal attire to enhance the dignity and formality of the 9th Dan conferment ceremony.

However, limitations in the rental and management of formal attire became evident. Following the introduction of the new leadership, a consensus was reached that the attire best representing the martial spirit and essence of Taekwondo is the "Taekwondo uniform."

In addition, within the Taekwondo community, there has been ongoing criticism that not wearing the symbolic Taekwondo uniform at such a prestigious occasion, one that represents a lifetime of training—undermines the martial pride of the highest-ranking practitioners.

Kukkiwon discontinued formal attire and introduced new Taekwondo uniforms starting with the 4th 9th Dan Conferment Ceremony of 2025 on March 13.

The newly unveiled commemorative Taekwondo uniforms for 9th Dan promotees maintain the fundamental form of the traditional white uniform while incorporating design elements that symbolize the authority of the highest rank, along with premium materials.

Kukkiwon President Yun Ung-suk stated, “The 9th Dan conferment ceremony is a prestigious occasion that honors a Taekwondo practitioner’s lifelong dedication and training,” adding, “By wearing the Taekwondo uniform—imbued with sweat and perseverance—instead of ornate formal attire, we aim to reaffirm its meaning as a martial art and widely promote the fundamental values of Taekwondo to the world.”

Meanwhile, Kukkiwon is not stopping at the introduction of Taekwondo uniforms and is preparing additional institutional improvements to establish a more refined and dignified ceremonial system for the 9th Dan conferment ceremony.