With knights, yes. In Europe, only nobles could afford plate armor and the war horses that could carry them. In the East, plate was never adopted as lamellar and brigandine were more cost-effective against northern nomads. Plus the horses from the plains were not bred for size like those of the ME and Europe.

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Koreans had a nomadic heritage and were Confucian (Six Arts and etc with emphasis on the mental aspects) for the latter half of its history. Plus, the constant invasions and sieges put even more of an emphasis on the art. Though we have some native sword arts, Joseon manuals occur after the Japanese invasion and borrow significantly from the samurai and the Chinese. Axes, maces and spears were more effective atop a battlement.

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Prince Sado was said to be talented in martial arts and even able to lift a halberd that only King Hyojong could lift. He updated King Seonjo's manual, MuYeJeBo, and was scorned by his father for not concentrating on his studies. The neglect and abuse got so bad that Sado refused to dress in fear that he'd be made to present himself before his father and started killing off eunuchs and palace maids. On the other hand, King Jeongjo, his son who was considered the consummate Confucian, bullied his ministers by making them practice archery until their hands bled. He'd also swear profusely, force drinks on people and trapped them on a mini-island in his garden if they could not make poems fast enough. It's said no one could rebuke him as he had the Classics memorized to a t.