Thaekgyon came into being in Pyongyang and steadily developed throughout the country.

At first the martial art had been used as a means for fighting with wild beasts and defending tribes.

The martial art of ancient Korea was inherited and developed by Koguryo Kingdom (B.C. 277-A.D. 668).

Koguryo organized hunting competition of warriors in every spring.

The competition was an all-round martial art rivalry, including horse riding, archery, spearing and swordsmanship and fist fight.

The martial art of Koguryo spread throughout the country in the middle of the period of the Ri Dynasty (1392-1910), called Korean boxing.

It was developed into Thaekgyon in Pyongyang with foot and leg punches as its main forte.