Hyeopdo

The Hyeopdo (Modern South Korean pronunciation: /çʌp.do/) was a pole weapon used in Korea. It is very similar to the Japanese naginata or nagamaki. It was also called micheomdo (미첨도), which could be translated as 'eyebrow sword' because the curved blade resembled an eyebrow. The first written reference to a hyeopdo is in a Korean martial arts manual from the 17th century called the Muyejebo Beonyeoksokjip (무예예보 번역속집).

Design
The design varied somewhat between makers, but usually the pole was about 1.5 meters long and the blade was about 63 centimeters long.

Use
The hyeopdo was considered an important weapon because of its effectiveness. It was much easier to handle than the bigger and heavier woldo. In the Muyedobotongji, another martial arts manual, one form for use is given, called hyeopdo chongbo (협도총보, 挾刀總譜).