The history of martial arts in Korea is based more on speculation and legend than fact. It is generally agreed however, that the foundation for striking and kicking arts came from China through trade and commerce, although there is no historical fact to prove this. The birth of the Korean fighting arts can be placed during the period of the Three Kingdoms, over 1,300 years ago. Korea was divided into three sections, Silla, Koguryu and Paekche. The smallest of these kingdoms, Silla, was constantly under threat from not only the other two kingdoms, but also the Japanese. Consequently, Silla developed a very strong army. Under the leadership of King Chin Heung, Silla's military might soon became superior to both Paekche and Koguryu. During this period, King Chin Heung organized an elite fighting corps known as the Hwarang-do (Way of Flowering Youth).
