''Hwandudaedo'' ("ring-pommel sword") is the modern Korean term for one of earliest original types of

Korean sword Korean swords have served a central place in the defense of the nation for thousands of years. Although typical Korean land battles have taken place in wide valleys and narrow mountain passes, which favor use of the spear and bow, the sword found ...

, appearing in the Proto–Three Kingdoms of Korea. These swords were at first symbols of a ruler's power, but their availability increased in the 5th century, and it became a more widespread symbol of military or political rank. The frequency of finds declines in the 6th century. The ''hwandudaedo'' was a large military sword made for battle, as it had a thick back and sharpened blade. This sword's name was given because of the round shape of the pommel ( 대도把頭). The swords were richly decorated, with inlay work and especially by elaborate

pommel (sword) The hilt (rarely called a haft or shaft) of a knife, dagger, sword, or bayonet is its handle, consisting of a guard, grip and pommel. The guard may contain a crossguard or quillons. A tassel or sword knot may be attached to the guard or pommel. ...

shapes. Hwandudaedo subtypes are distinguished based on their decoration. They include '' Sohwandudaedo'' (no decoration on the pommel rings), ''Samyeophwandudaedo'' (pommel ring with three opened leaves), ''Samruhwandudaedo'' (three pommel rings forming a triangle), ''Yonghwandudaedo'' (pommel with

dragon A dragon is a reptilian legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons vary considerably through regions, but dragons in western cultures since the High Middle Ages have often been depicted as ...

), ''Bonghwandudaedo'' (pommel with

phoenix Phoenix most often refers to: * Phoenix (mythology), a legendary bird from ancient Greek folklore * Phoenix, Arizona, a city in the United States Phoenix may also refer to: Mythology Greek mythological figures * Phoenix (son of Amyntor), a ...

), ''Bonghwangmun'' (a pattern of a legendary bird), ''Indongdangchomun, Samyeopmun, Wondudaedo, Gyududaedo, Samruhwandudaedo, Bangdudaedo, Duchudaedo''.

References

History and characteristics of Korean Swords by Park Je Gwang – Curator War Memorial of Korea
Korean swords {{Sword-stub