The 1975 Taekwondo poomse textbook describes Keumgang
as follows:
"The Korean people have named the most beautiful mountain
in the Korean peninsula Kuemgang-san which is located in the Taebaek range
of mountain, call diamond the hardest known substance, Keumgang-seok. Accordingly,
'Keumgang' in Taekwondo means movement based on spiritual strength
that is as beautiful and majestic as the Diamond Mountains
and hard and adamant as the diamond."
The new Kukkiwon Textbook describes Keumgang as follows:
"Keumgang (meaning diamond) has the significance of 'hardness'
and 'ponderosity'. The mt. Keumgang on the Korean peninsula, which is regarded
as the center of national spirit, and the 'Keumgang Yoksa' (Keumgang warrior)
as named by Buddha, who represents a mightest warrior, are the background
denominating this poomsae. . . The movements should be powerful and
well-balanced so as to befit a black belter's dignity."
Keumgang is supposed to be learned at the 2nd Dan level, and it is no accident that this form is for 2nd Dans, since the focus of the 2nd Dan is or should be to make their techniques strong, solid, and powerful, which are the qualities stressed in the Keumgang poomse. It is these qualities that differentiate a 3rd Dan from lower ranks, and once these qualities are achieved, then the 2nd Dan is ready for promotion to 3rd Dan.
Special thanks to Master Glenn of Hawaii