Why did General Choi Hong Hi invent taekwondo?

General Choi Hong Hi invented Taekwondo to create a unified martial art that combined elements of traditional Korean Martial Arts with influences from Japanese karate and Chinese martial arts. His goal was to develop a system that emphasized self-defense, physical fitness, and mental discipline while fostering a sense of national identity for Korea following the Korean War. Choi sought to promote taekwondo as a global sport, emphasizing its ethical and philosophical teachings, which reflect Korean culture and values.