Hwandudaedo

The Hwandudaedo is a type of ancient Korean sword from the Three Kingdoms of Korea era^[1] (2nd half of the 1st century B.C.)^[2] The Hwandudaedo, a type of Sohwandudaedo, were decorated swords first seen in the south with a folded blade and a ring pommel.^[2] Hwandudaedo were first signs of a ruler's power up until the end of the 4th century, and soon became limited to personal possession rather than use as a weapon.^[2] Because they spread to the lower class in the 5th century, they have been excavated throughout the country, and in various tombs and of the ruling class.^[2]

The hwandudaedo were 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 handle called padu 파두(把頭) which was influenced by China. This Hwandudaedo eventually passed to Japan and evolves into famous Katana^[2][3]

Footnotes

1. ↑ Swords
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Korean Swords Article
3. ↑ KNTO Cultural Facilities