Hapkido is a dynamic Korean martial art. It is a form of self-defense that employs joint locks, as well as kicks, punches, and other striking attacks. There may also be the use of traditional weapons, including a sword, rope, nunchaku, cane, short stick, and staff which vary in emphasis depending on the particular tradition examined.

Hapkido contains both long and close range fighting techniques, utilizing jumping kicks and percussive hand strikes at longer ranges and pressure point strikes, joint locks, or throws at closer fighting distances. Hapkido emphasizes circular motion, non-resisting movements, and control of the opponent. Practitioners seek to gain advantage through footwork and body positioning to employ leverage, avoiding the use of strength against strength.

It is believed that the art evolved from Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu or a closely related jujutsu system taught by Choi Yong-Sool who returned to Korea after World War II, having lived in Japan for 30 years. This system was later combined with kicking and striking techniques of indigenous and contemporary arts such as taekkyeon and tang soo do. Its history is obscured by the historical animosity between the Korean and Japanese peoples following the Second World War.