Hwandudaedo

Hwandudaedo
Hangul	환두대도
Hanja	環頭大刀 / 環頭把頭
Revised Romanization	Hwandudaedo
McCune–Reischauer	Hwantudaedo

Hwandudaedo ("ring-pommel sword") is the modern Korean term for the earliest type of Korean sword, 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 swords 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 (daedo 대도把頭). The swords were richly decorated, with inlay work and especially by elaborate pommel (sword) 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), Bonghwandudaedo (pommel with phoenix), Bonghwangmun (peacock pattern), Indongdangchomun, Samyeopmun, Wondudaedo, Gyududaedo, Samruhwandudaedo, Bangdudaedo, Duchudaedo.

References

History and characteristics of Korean Swords by Park Je Gwang – Curator War Memorial of Korea