Name tag

Myeongpae (명패) is the name tag worn on the protective gear (hogu, 호구) in kumdo. A kumdo forum post says that because the face is hidden by the homyeon (호면, helmet), the myeongpae acts as the person's "face", so affiliation and name should not be written carelessly.

• Position: a text of the competition rules says it is worn on the central flap (darae, 다래) of the gapsang (갑상, waist protector). An English kumdo page describes the center flap as usually covered by a cloth bag name tag.
• Content: the rules call for a cloth tag with the affiliated organization and the name. The English page says the dojo name is shown, perhaps with a school logo in the center, and the family name at the bottom.
• Colour: the rules' figure says white lettering on black or dark navy cloth, in principle.
• Checking: before a match the referee checks that the competitor's attire, including the tag (called myeongchal, 명찰, in the rules), is appropriate.
• Use in practice (forum opinion): at official demonstrations and tournaments only the tag with the affiliation and name given on the entry should be worn, and only a tag actually received from an organization, dojo or group the person took part in.
• Makers: Korean kumdo equipment shops sell them embroidered, in leather, 3D, with a logo, or as velvet tags with a printed name.