8 Types of Traditional Korean Swords (Plus, Their History & Design)

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Learn where to find Korean swords online & in person
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For thousands of years, Korean swords have played a significant role in preserving the nation’s independence. Each traditional sword has a special purpose and design, and we’re here to explain all of the differences. Keep reading for a list of 8 Korean swords, with information on their history, usage, and blade length. We’ll also cover where to find Korean swords for purchase today.

Traditional Korean Swords

An illustration of different types of Korean swords and their names.

In Korean, “Geom” (검) means “sword,” which often refers to a double-edged blade, while “Do” (도) refers to a single-edged saber.[1] Traditional Korean swords were typically used for warfare (Hwando), martial arts training (Ssang Soo Do), or ceremonial purposes (Chilseong Geom and Byeol-ungeom).

Section 1 of 3:

8 Types of Korean Swords

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  1. Step 1 Hwando (환도)
    The Hwando sword is considered the standard single-edged military sword. Dating back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392 to 1910 CE), this sword was designed for soldiers engaged in Korean sword fighting; it was known for its lightweight construction and for rings (hwan) on the scabbard (protective case). The rings were made to connect to a shoulder strap or belt. The Hwando sword was designed for rapid draw and was often paired with bows.[2]
    • Type: Do (single-edged)
    • Blade length: 28 inches (70 cm)
    • Geom (검): The general term for “sword” in Korean, but it usually applies to double-edged swords.
    • Do (도): A broad term for a saber, or single-edged sword.
  2. Step 2 Hwandudaedo (환두대도)
    The Hwandudaedo is a double-edged “ring-pommel sword” from the Three Kingdoms period (18 BCE to 660 CE), making it the oldest Korean sword. Some believe it originated as a single-blade sword and was known for its straight, thick blade and a ring at the hilt (where soldiers held onto the sword). It was a highly decorative sword symbolizing power with intricate designs.
    • Type: Geom (double-edged); early versions may have been Do (single-edged)
    • Blade length: 23 to 31 inches (60 to 80 cm)
    • Yongbong hwandudaedo (용봉환두대도): Featured dragon and phoenix motifs.
    • Samyeop hwandudaedo (삼엽환두대도): Had a 3-leaf or trefoil design.
    • Samru hwandudaedo (삼루환두대도): Had 3 small rings that formed a triangular shape.
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  3. Step 3 Jikdo (직도)
    The Jikdo is a straight, double-edged sword that was used during the Goryeo Dynasty (918 to 1392 CE). It had a straight, flat blade and sometimes included a blood groove (hyuljo), which reduced weight and improved balance for the sword. It was ideal for cutting targets and for thrusting and cutting. Originally a symbol of honor, the Jikdo was designed for versatile grips and reverse techniques.
    • Type: Geom (double-edged)
    • Blade length: 28 to 31 inches (72 to 79 cm)
  4. Step 4 Ssang Soo Do (쌍수도)
    Meaning “2-handed saber,” the Ssang Soo Do is a large, single-edged sword that was used briefly in the late 16th to early 17th centuries. It was adapted from Chinese military manuals and was made for troops fighting in formation. The Ssang Soo Do had a long, single-edged, slightly curved blade, which was held with both hands for fast and furious attacks. Techniques associated with the Ssang Soo Do appeared in the Muye Dobo Tongji, a Korean martial arts manual.
    • Type: Do (single-edged); 2-handed
    • Blade length: Approximately 3 to 3.6 feet (90 to 110 cm) or larger[3]
    • Ssangdo (쌍도): Means “twin swords” and refers to using 2 swords simultaneously, with one in each hand.
  5. Step 5 Changpogeom (창포검)
    Sometimes called a “staff sword,” the changpogeom is a straight, double-edged sword named after the calamus plant (changpo), since its blade resembles the narrow, leaf-like shape. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was sometimes hidden inside a walking stick (jangchang) when used by the royal secret police (Amhaeng-eosa). [4]
    • Type: Geom (double-edged)
    • Blade length: Approximately 31 to 39 inches (80 to 100 cm)
  6. Step 6 Ingeom (인검)
    Known as the “Tiger Sword,” the Ingeom is a symbolic ceremonial blade dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. It was not used in warfare but as a symbol of spiritual protection and exorcism in combating evil spirits. Ingeom swords were forged specifically during certain astrological times—for example, when the “Four Tigers” were in alignment every 12 years. It was typically decorated with mystical engravings, Sanskrit characters, or constellations.
    • Type: Geom (double-edged)
    • Blade length: Approximately 24 to 31 inches (60 to 80 cm)
    • Sa-ingeom (사인검) (4 Tiger Sword): The highest grade meant for royalty.
    • Sam-ingeom (삼인검) (3 Tiger Sword): Used for shamanic rituals; less rare.
    • I-ingeom (인검) (2 Tiger Sword): Used for general protection and exorcism.
  7. Step 7 Chilseong Geom (칠성검)
    Called the “7-Star Sword,” the Chilseong Geom is a rare, symbolic ceremonial sword with a straight, double-edged blade that was linked to Korean shamanism and Daoism. The name “Chilseong” meant “Big Dipper,” reflecting the sword’s design of the Big Dipper constellation. Dating back to the Joseon dynasty, it symbolized spiritual protection and fortune, and was used for exorcism, royal ceremonies, and rituals of divine guardianship.
    • Type: Geom (double-edged)
    • Blade length: Approximately 27.5 to 35.4 inches (70 to 90 cm)
  8. Step 8 Byeolun Geom (별운검)
    Known as the “Cloud-Splitting Sword,” the Byeolun Geom is a ceremonial single-edged sword from the late Joseon Dynasty, which was not used for fighting. It was a status symbol designated for high-ranking military officials and royal bodyguards (un'geom). The Byeolun had a slightly curved Japanese-style blade (wakizashi), along with other Japanese-influenced features, like collar pieces (habaki) and guard styles.[5]
    • Type: Do (single-edged)
    • Blade length: Approximately 27.5 to 33.5 inches (70 to 85 cm)
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Section 2 of 3:

History of Korean Swords

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  1. Step 1 Bronze Age (Three Kingdoms 1000 BCE to 668 CE)
    The earliest Korean swords were made out of bronze, until iron was first used around the 4th-8th centuries BCE. During this period, the Hwandudaedo ring-pommel sword originated, known for its elaborate decoration featuring dragons or phoenixes.[6]
    • Curved blades emerged during the Goryeo Dynasty (918 to 1392 CE), possibly influenced by Mongolian swords of the time.
  2. Step 2 Joseon Dynasty (1392 to 1910)
    Korean swords evolved during the Bronze Age, from stronger, bulkier versions to single-edged sabers such as the Hwando, which were used by soldiers in warfare. Confucianism, which disapproved of warfare, became a widely held ideology during the Joseon dynasty, leading to a decline in sword making. Because many sword makers left during this era, Korea’s swordmaking skills stagnated, whereas Japan’s continued to progress.[7]
    • The Muye Dobo Tongji manuals included official techniques for swords such as the Ssanggeom, as well as several ceremonial swords, including the Samingeom.
  3. Step 3 Modern Era (20th century to present)
    The modern swordmaking era in Korea was affected by the Japanese Occupation (1910 to 1945); during the occupation, many ancient weapons were destroyed or brought to Japan. Since the late 20th century, there has been a revival of historical Korean sword-making techniques and the art of swordsmanship, known as “Kumdo.”[8]
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Section 3 of 3:

Where to Find Korean Swords

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  1. Find Korean swords through martial arts suppliers online or at blade shows. Some blade shows feature more Japanese-style swords than rarer Korean-style ones, but it’s still possible to visit a blade show. The world’s largest blade show, BLADE Show, takes place every June in Atlanta, Georgia. For modern reproductions of Korean swords, here are some top online suppliers to check out:

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References

  1. ↑ Nicole and Lee Smith. Historical European Martial Arts Experts. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://sevenswords.uk/types-of-swords-korea/
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/jCM0U1XXWUg?si=sC854tiFSMwyHxtL&t=63
  4. ↑ https://sevenswords.uk/types-of-swords-korea/
  5. ↑ https://sevenswords.uk/types-of-swords-korea/
  6. ↑ https://www.swordsofkorea.com/history.htm
  7. ↑ https://www.campus.sg/kumdo-korean-art-of-swordfighting-campus-sg/
  8. ↑ https://www.campus.sg/kumdo-korean-art-of-swordfighting-campus-sg/
  9. ↑ Nicole and Lee Smith. Historical European Martial Arts Experts. Expert Interview
  1. ↑ https://www.planete-coree.com/en/haidong-gumdo-the-way-of-the-korean-sword/

About This Article

Nicole and Lee Smith
Co-authored by:
Nicole and Lee Smith
Historical Weapons Experts
This article was co-authored by Nicole and Lee Smith and by wikiHow staff writer, Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil.. Nicole and Lee Smith are Historical European Martial Arts experts based in Manila, Philippines. Nicole is a noted rapier and Women’s longsword champion and is widely considered to be one of the world’s top female HEMA practitioners. She is one of North America's only women teaching Historical Fencing and has taught at noted events around the world. She is also known for her skill with the dagger/knife, and late-period sword and buckler. Lee Smith is one of the world's best historical fencers and top European Martial Arts coaches. With an impressive competitive career spanning 17 years, Lee boasts 51 first-place tournament finishes in a variety of disciplines, from combat knife to longsword and everything in between.‍ In addition, he is a proven coach with his students winning and placing in dozens of tournaments worldwide. ‍Lee holds a health sciences associate degree (pre-med focus) and is an ISSA-certified personal trainer. This article has been viewed 3,050 times.
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Updated: February 9, 2026
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