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Taekkyeon is a traditional martial art native to Korea. Although its origins are sometimes traced back to the Three Kingdoms period, the term “Taekkyeon” as it is used today first appears in written records from the 18th century. Documentary sources such as Cheongguyeongeon and Jaemulbo contain references in the form of “Takgyeon” or “Taekkyeon,” indicating the long and deeply rooted history of this martial art. br br During the Joseon Dynasty, Taekkyeon was mainly practiced by commoners and often performed during festivals or celebrations. Its lively scenes are vividly depicted in paintings such as “Daekwaedo” (A Joyful Scene) by Shin Yun-bok and Yu Suk. The deep integration of Taekkyeon into daily life can even be seen in the Korean language. Expressions still used today in competitive contexts, such as “give someone a piece of my mind” (bonttae-reul boida) and “throw a wrench” (ttanjuk geolda), originate from Taekkyeon techniques. This shows that Taekkyeon was not merely a martial art but a familiar cultural practice that influenced everyday life. br br Recognizing its historical, cultural, and creative value, Taekkyeon was inscribed in 2011 as the first martial art in the world to be listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This designation acknowledges Taekkyeon as a living tradition that must be preserved by all humankind and as a unique martial art contributing to cultural diversity. br br Taekkyeon is characterized by its simplicity, grace, and distinctive use of smooth, curved movements that harmonize offense and defense. Its techniques include feinting, kicking, hooking, and sweeping the opponent off balance. The art’s signature three-beat stepping allows practitioners to blend attack and defense seamlessly into a fluid and rhythmic motion. br br Taekkyeon, which was so popular that it appeared even in records by Westerners in the 19th century, faced the threat of extinction during the Japanese colonial period due to the policy of eradicating Korean national culture. Even after liberation, it remained forgotten for some time, but the late Song Deok-gi (1893–1987) and others worked tirelessly to keep the tradition alive. Later, the late Shin Han-seung (1928–1987) played a pivotal role in systematizing and academically studying Taekkyeon. He sought out masters of the art who had survived into the 1960s and 1970s, including Song Deok-gi, and compiled their knowledge, which led to Taekkyeon being designated as Korea’s Important Intangible Cultural Property (now National Intangible Heritage) No. 76 in 1983. Thanks to these efforts, Taekkyeon has been able to preserve its original form while also achieving popularization and globalization. br br The commemorative stamp issued by Korea Post captures the essence and beauty of Taekkyeon through depictions of its harmonious offensive and defensive movements. It is hoped that this stamp will help promote the value of Taekkyeon and the unique aesthetic of Korean culture to the world. br