I know you are asking yourself, "what is this about?" Well, if you are like me, you hate to spend your good-earned money on a piece of paper, especially if you don't have too. Well, I can remember a time, when I did spend too much for a piece of paper and at the time, it was all I could do. I paid way too much for a Kukkiwon- 3rd Dan and swore that I wouldn't do that again. 

Well, now I have the chance to do some good for other people. If you have a serious desire for a KKW Dan certificate to hang on your wall, or help you teach TKD to others, I have the answer for you. 

Don't pay an out-of-sight price for KKW Dan status again. 

Of course, if you think your "master" or "grandmaster" is giving you a price-break on your Dan certification through the KUKKIWON and charges you $200 to $500 for a 1st Dan from the KKW, you are WRONG! If you think they are charging you $200 to $1000 for a 1st dan or 2nd Dan or 3rd Dan and that you have to pay that much, THINK AGAIN! 

ISA / Kukkiwon FAQ page

ISA / Kukkiwon Skip-Dan Application

Here is an example from a web page in Michigan that advertises there prices for Kukkiwon certification:

I Quote: 

Look at the TABLES I have below and see how much the actual cost for KKW Dan certification is. 

What is Kukkiwon Certification?
Kukkiwon is the the World Headquarters for Dan/Poom certification and it is situated in Seoul Korea. A Kukkiwon certificate is widely regarded as the most prestigious of all the Black Belt certificates within the art of taekwondo. The World Taekwondo Federation, which is the international governing body for Taekwondo, requires that all those who wish to compete at international level be Kukkiwon certified. Those that do not have Kukkiwon certification may also find that they might not be able to qualify in official courses such as International Referee, etc.

Who can authorize Kukkiwon certification?
Only a 4th Dan or above who is Kukkiwon certified can apply for the "Right to Recommend," a Kukkiwon certificate on behalf of those successfully passing the Dan/Poom test. If you require Kukkiwon certification then check with your Master first as you will have to take your test under a certified Kukkiwon Master.

Can a Kukkiwon Master apply for foreign applicants?
No, a Kukkiwon examiner can only apply for persons in their own country and who have been resident there for more than 6 months. The Kukkiwon will require proof of this should the student be a foreign national.

How Much does Kukkiwon certification cost for the 4th Dan and higher?

Kukkiwon Higher Dan/Poom Promotion Certification Fees

4th Dan/Poom $150
5th Dan $300
6th Dan $350
7th Dan $450

Fees are in US Dollars. There are no extra costs required by Kukkiwon, no carrying charges, no administration charges, only the fee you see above. Any other fees required when you test are those asked for by the examiner or the association. Do not blame the Kukkiwon for fees you believe to be too high. Also Global Express Priority mailing fees may be charged to expedite the procedure in a timely manner.

How long does it take to get a Kukkiwon certificate?
Here at the ISA, we are using the ONLINE PAYMENT for individual Dan ranks. This means that we can get your Dan rank certified in as little as 10-15 days.

When we do a Skip-Dan, we have to do it the old fashioned way, POSTAL MAIL.

It should not take more than 3 months from the time of application to the time of receipt, even though the ISA has received them in under 8 weeks and approximately 25 days with special Postal fees. If you have waited a very long time then speak to your master. In our experience, the Kukkiwon has always sent a receipt for the monies paid prior to the arrival of the certificate.

How can I check if my Kukkiwon has been applied for?
International Promotions Department
Kukkiwon 
635 Yuksam-dong, Gangnam-gu,
Seoul, Korea 135-908
e-mail: sofiaondol@yahoo.co.kr / tkd09@kukkiwon.or.kr

What is the value of my Dojang/school certificate?
Your certificate only has value in your school or association and not at full International Olympic Taekwondo level. If you change schools or associations it may be deemed worthless and your grade not recognized, irrespective of your ability.

Why do I need Kukkiwon?
Those who claim to practice or teach the Kukki / WTF style should really seek Kukkiwon certification so that a common set of standards and criteria be adhered to. Because Martial Arts are not regulated in the United States or in most other countries, there can be abuse and money making rackets by those with little or no real qualifications. This does not guarantee that there are not unscrupulous Kukkiwon certified people, but it does help to ensure that your instructor/Master has complied to a certain set of criteria and been through the correct channels to attain their rank.

Why do some resist Kukkiwon recognition?
Because many wish to follow a route that makes them more in control and profitable where they can change techniques and policies as they deem fit, they want to do the telling and not be told. Many argue that Kukkiwon certification is a money scam for Korea and WTF, without realizing that the Kukkiwon and WTF are in fact 2 different entities. Yes, Kukkiwon certification generates a lot of revenue but in Korea they have spent enormous time, money and effort in the continual progress and development of Taekwondo into a martial art and full Olympic sport.

All applications must be submitted with the "necessary fee" and with one (2 " x 2" passport photo) of the applicant.

TIME IN DAN RANK REQUIRED