06/09/2026
This is the “Fist Tower” (주먹탑, Jumeok-tap) on Jeju Island, South Korea. Its formal name is the 29th Infantry Division Establishment Monument.
It is located in Sangmo-ri, Daejeong-eup, near Moseulpo in Seogwipo, close to Nongdam Pond. The area was associated with the Republic of Korea Army’s 29th Infantry Division, which General Choi Hong Hi established and commanded in 1954.
For ITF Taekwon-Do practitioners, it is particularly important because the 29th Division is closely connected with the early development of Choi’s martial art before the name “Taekwon-Do” was formally adopted in 1955. The division used a clenched-fist emblem, which is why locals came to call the monument the “Fist Tower.”
There is also quite a story behind the monument. It was erected in 1954, later secretly removed/buried in 1985, and after years of searching was excavated and restored in November 2000 with the help of local residents. A Korean academic study specifically documents this history.
It is also significant to ITF practitioners because Hwa-Rang has 29 movements, traditionally said to commemorate the 29th Infantry Division, where Choi and his soldiers were developing and practising the system that evolved into Taekwon-Do.
So, in ITF terms, this is one of the most historically important Taekwon-Do sites in Korea — effectively a pilgrimage site connected to the birthplace of the art.
I am blessed to have visited a number of times! 👊👊👊With friends of course! Which made it even better!
