Koguryo was founded on the northern part of Korea, surrounded by the hostile Han (Chinese) tribes from the north. In the initial stages of national foundation, the kingdom organized a strong warrior's corps called "sonbae" in its attempt to consolidate power.

According to scholars of history, the word "sonbae" is a man of virtue who never recoils from a fighting - A member of the warrior's corps.  Later, documents regarding the Chosun dynasty, describe life in Koguryo, saying; "People gathered on March 10 every year at a site of ritual, where they enjoyed a sword dance, archery, subak (taekyon) contests and so on." This implies that subak (Tae Kwon Do) was one a popular event for the rituals in Koguryo.  These documents also say that "sonbaes lived in groups, learning history and literary arts at home and going out to construct roads and fortresses for the benefits of society, always devoting themselves to the nation."

Therefore, it is altogether natural that Koguryo put a high priority on the taekkyon, which was the basis of martial arts. This can be proven by wall paintings discovered at several tombs from the Koguryo days. A mural painting at the Samsil Tomb shows two warriors engaged in a face-to-face match.  They are in takkyon (Tae Kwon Do) stances.  A third mural at the same tomb depicts the scene of Korean wrestling bout, clearly distinguishing it from the taekkyon.