The History of Korean Traditional Horse Bow: Zen

When delving into the world of archery, many enthusiasts inquire about the rich history of Korean traditional bows and the remarkable shooting skills of Korean archers. A critical aspect of this proficiency can be traced back to the deep roots in Korean military history.

We will delve into the reasons behind why Korean archers excel in the sport of archery and how their unparalleled strength is intricately linked to the historical trajectory of Korea. 

History of Korean Traditioanl bow

Suryeopdo

In ancient Korean culture, the bow held a revered status as the symbol of the king, while arrows were imbued with the essence of sunlight. It was believed that a skilled marksman possessed the ability to control the sun itself, embodying the power and authority of the king. This symbolism is evident in the historical narrative of Jumong, the revered founder of the ancient Korean kingdom of Goguryeo, whose very name translates to "one who is skilled with the bow." 

The legacy of Goguryeo's mastery of the bow and arrow on horseback is widely recognized, with historical accounts showcasing their exceptional prowess in archery. A notable example is the vivid depiction found in the Muyongchong tomb from the Goguryeo period, unearthed in the former Manchurian region. The intricate painting, titled Suryeopdo (painting of hunting), captures the vibrancy and strength of the Goguryeo people in action.

GakGung

Among the diverse array of bows found worldwide, three predominant types stand out: the dansungung (simple bow), ganghwagung (backed bow), and hapseonggung (composite bow). The dansungung, crafted from wooden or bamboo sticks, was favored in regions of North America, Oceania, and sub-Saharan Africa, and saw usage in northern European areas during the Middle Ages.

In contrast, the ganghwagung a reinforced body bound with string to enhance durability, with archaeological remnants unearthed from Mesolithic sites in Northern Europe. Variants of this bow, strengthened by wood wrapping, have been documented in diverse locations spanning from the Aru Islands of Indonesia to African pygmy territories, and even in Northeast Asia and Alaska.

The hapseonggung represents a refined iteration of the ganghwagung, believed to have originated from nomadic tribes in central Asia. This sophisticated composite bow, discovered along the Mediterranean coast and across central Asia, China, and western North America, is constructed by bonding two wooden sheets with glue or affixing animal tendons to the bow's back. Renowned for its strength and compact size, the hapseonggung emerged as the weapon of choice among horse riders, showcasing the culmination of bow craftsmanship across cultures and civilizations.

A painting by Kim Hong Do shows a seonbi (an intellectual from the Joseon Dynasty) using a bow and arrow during the 18th century Joseon period.

The Evolution of Korean Archery: From Military Necessity to Cultural Tradition

In the sixteenth century, Japan Invaded the country and the traditional archery of the Korean military would be vital. The war saw many lives lost on both sides but Korea eventually won through, largely as a result of employing archers to rain down lethal salvos of arrows on their opponents at long range. After this, civilian shooting ranges began to appear in the country as a way of training the population against potential future invasions and to further enhance the tradition of martial and ritual archery in Korea.