The term Palgwe is loosely translated as Eight Powers of the Universe, and these eight Palgwe poomse are based on these conceptual powers of Heaven, Mind, Fire, Thunder, Wind, Water, Mountain, and Earth. According to K. M. Lee (Tae Kwon Do: Techniques & Training, 1996), "The idea of Palgwe embraces different symbols and includes all opposing concepts and images. They grow through the process of constant change...in an endless state of development. These forms are meant to give the student an understanding of the basic principles of [Taekwondo], which are characterized by contrast-change and coming together, conflict and harmony-thereby corresponding to the idea of Palgwe."
