National Flag of South Korea

Historical Background

The National Flag of South Korea is known as Taegukki, the meaning of which has originated from the old oriental philosophy called the theory of Um-Yang, pronounced as Yin-Yang in Chinese. The need for a national flag was felt by the Koreas while it was preparing to wrap up the Korean-American Treaty of Commerce, during the reign of King Gojong of the Joseon Kingdom. Following the establishment Republic of Korea in 1948, the present South Korean flag was adopted on January 25, 1950. The National flag of South Korea was designed by Bak Yeong-hyo, in 1882. Bak Yeong-hyo was Korean ambassador to Japan during the reign of King Gojong. On 6 March, 1883 King Gojong proclaimed the Taegeukki the official National flag of Korea.

Flag Description and Meaning

The National Flag of South Korea represent the ideals of Koreans who have worked for the development and prosperity of the nation.

The National flag is made up of three parts which includes a white background with a red and blue taegeuk in the center and four black trigrams, placed in each corner of the flag. The design of the National flag symbolizes the principles of the yin and yang derived from Chinese philosophy. Yin stands for dark and cold, while Yang indicates bright and hot.

The flag's white base is the traditional color of the people of Korea and symbolizes light and purity. The red and blue taegeuk circle in the centre of the flag represents the dual forces of yin (blue) and yang (red). The taegeuk symbolizes harmonious existence of complementary opposites where the positive and the negative or the active and the passive form a whole. The four trigrams in each corner of the flag stand for the elements of earth, water, fire, wood, and metal. Together the Taegeukgi symbolizes universal harmony and unity.

Flag Protocols

As a national symbol of the country, there are certain codes of conduct associated with the flying of the National flag of South Korea. Here are a few protocols on the flying of the National flag.

• It is mandatory to fly the National flag every day at national and local government offices, public organizations, schools, and military installations.
• Private residences and other places can display the national flag throughout the year round if the residents so desire.
• The National flag can be flown 24 hours a day, however if flown at night, it must be illuminated. Schools and military units are required to fly the flag only during daylight.
• Under possibilities of damage by wind or rain, the National flag should not be flown.
• On national holidays and normal days, the flag must be flown at full-mast.
• On days of mourning, the National flag must be flown at half-mast.
• The design of the national flag can be used on items like office supplies, sports gear and goods, in a respectable way.
• The design of the National flag must not be used, on disposable consumer goods or in a distorted manner that would show disrespect.