Flag of South Korea Symbolism Facts & Meaning: History & Trivia
I
South Korea Flag History
The South Korean national flag, Taegeukgi (태극기), has a complex history intertwined with Korean culture and modernization. Early Korean history featured various flags during the Three Kingdoms period, while the Joseon Dynasty primarily used royal symbols rather than a national flag. Also, the Japanese colonial rule in the late 19th century led to the absence of an official Korean flag.
The first Taegeukgi design, which features a white background with a red and blue Taegeuk symbol surrounded by four blue tigrams, was proclaimed the national flag of Korea in 1883 by King Gojong at the later years of the Joseon Dynasty. It was influenced by Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. The flag was forbidden throughout the Japanese colonial era (1910–1945). However, it was restored as the flag of Korea following its liberation in 1945.
The present layout, which was adopted by South Korea in 1950 following the division of the country, still has the white backdrop and the red and blue Taegeuk emblem but now with four black trigrams to the corners that stand for themes from Korean cosmology, namely: heaven, earth, fire, and water, stressing harmony and balance.
II
South Korea First vs Present-Day Flag
King Gojong commissioned the Taegeukgi style featuring a white background with a red and blue Taegeuk symbol. It is a design influenced by Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism beliefs. It is called the “Taegeukgi,” and the very first national flag of Korea, which was formally adopted in 1883 during King Gojong’s reign. In 1897, Joseon Dynasty ended and enters the era called Gwangmu of the new Korean Empire.
The earliest Korean flag, the Gwangmu era Taegeukgi used the white backdrop with a centered red and blue Taegeuk symbol to represent the harmony of opposites. The design differed from that of the present South Korean flag, because it features different colors and design ratio at the time.
The current South Korean flag, Taegeukgi, was adopted in 1950 and features a white backdrop with a crimson and blue Taegeuk emblem in the center, which stands for harmony and balance. In each corner of the flag are four black trigrams, or “kwae,” which stand for concepts from Korean culture and philosophy centered on heaven, earth, fire, and water.
III
Designer of South Korea Flag
Several members of the Korean Empire’s administration and court are credited with creating the “Taegeukgi,” the first flag of Korea, which was accepted in 1883. Accordingly, it was presented by a politician named Park Yeong-hyo and made while they were aboard a ship to Japan. The flag was a result of teamwork during a time of political flux and modernization in Korea.
Bae Jeongjae significantly contributed to the modern design of South Korea’s national flag, which was officially adopted in 1950. This design features a white background, a central red and blue Taegeuk symbol representing balance and harmony, and four black trigrams (kwae) in the corners, symbolizing aspects of Korean culture. Bae Jeongjae’s design revitalized the flag, emphasizing cultural and historical values and earning him recognition for his contribution to South Korean symbolism.
IV
Symbolic Meaning of South Korea Flag Design
The South Korean flag, Taegeukgi, is rich in symbolism through its design, colors, and figures:
Design
- Taegeuk (Yin and Yang Symbol): The red and blue Taegeuk at the center symbolizes harmony, reflecting the balance of opposing forces and cosmic dualities.
- Four Trigrams (Kwae): These black trigrams in the flag’s corners each represent specific concepts:
- Upper Left: Heaven, symbolizing creativity and strength.
- Upper Right: Fire, signifying enlightenment and vitality.
- Lower Left: Water, representing adaptability and flexibility.
- Lower Right: Earth, symbolizing receptivity and development.
Colors
- White Background: The white backdrop hails from purity, serenity, and the unifying spirit of the Korean people.
- Red and blue: The red depicts the good cosmic forces, comfort, life, and power, whereas blue denotes the negative cosmic forces of frigidness, darkness, and the dreaded sides of the cosmos.
Figures
The Taegeuk symbol’s sun-like, round form emphasizes the significance of the sun’s life-giving, revitalizing force. Along with representing South Korea’s ambitions for the future, the design expresses such hopes.
V
South Korea Flag Symbolic Importance
Taegeukgi, the South Korean flag, is a symbol of the nation’s unification, ambitions, and rich cultural history. It holds historical resilience from the times of foreign domination and symbolizes the balance and harmony crucial to Korean identity. The flag’s style and colors encapsulate cultural ideals and convey optimism for the future. It is well-known around the world and acts as a potent symbol of South Korea’s influence in world affairs.
VI
South Korea Flag Raising Ceremony
The ceremonial hoisting of the South Korean flag and historical use of it at half-mast are significant customs that stand for the nation’s pride, reverence for its past, as well as national sadness. An outline of both ceremonies is given below:
Flag-Raising Ceremony:
- In South Korea, the ceremony of raising the flag is a symbolic and important event that normally occurs every day at multiple locations, notably governmental structures, educational establishments, and military installations.
- The national anthem, “Aegukga,” is performed, and it typically occurs around dawn.
- Participants stand at attention in a show of respect as the South Korean flag, the Taegeukgi, is swiftly raised during the ceremony.
- The ceremony serves as an expression of South Korea’s history and core values while also acting as a display of patriotism and solidarity among its people.
Historical Half-Mast Usage
- In South Korea, it is customary to raise the flag at half-staff during times of national mourning, such as when notable citizens have passed away or tragic events have occurred.
- It is customary for the government or other authorities to decide whether to lower the flag to half-staff.
- Honoring people who have passed away or expressing national sadness is a somber and respected act.
- Between the top and bottom of the flagpole, the flag is lowered to the midpoint.
VII
South Korea Flag Rules and Etiquette
The general norms for handling and flying with respect the South Korean flag, the Taegeukgi, are the main subject of flag regulations and etiquette. The main principles are as follows:
- Display with pride, usually higher than other flags.
- Place it to its right (the viewer’s left) when shown with other flags.
- Respectfully handle while keeping it off the ground.
- Whenever the flag is not being used, properly fold and preserve it.
- Avoid any tattering or wearing and make sure to keep the flag in excellent shape.
- Never use it for commercial purposes when posted on private property.
- Always remember and respect the flag’s cultural and nationalistic significance.
VIII
Traditional South Korea Flag Display Customs
Traditional display practices and customs for the flag of South Korea encompass various aspects of showcasing the flag in a cultural and historical context.
- Flag Days: Days devoted to displaying the national flag have been recognized as “Flag Days” in South Korea. Nowadays, major national holidays and occasions frequently fall on these days.
- National Celebrations: The flag is prominently displayed in public and private spaces during significant events like National Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol) and Independence Movement Day (Samiljeol).
- Government Buildings and National Landmarks: In recognition of the country’s cultural heritage and historical value, the South Korean flag is frequently on display at government facilities such as the Blue House, office buildings, and embassies, as well as at national landmarks and sites of historical importance.
- Military Ceremonies: In military practices like the changing of the guard and other official military activities, the flag is a vital element.
IX
South Korea Flag Trivia
The ancient Korean concept of “um-yang,” which symbolizes the harmony of opposing energies and analogous to the more widely recognized “yin and yang” idea in East Asian philosophy, served as the basis for the design of the South Korean flag.
X
South Korea Flag in Legends and Mythology
With regards to the South Korean flag, there are no previously recorded stories, myths, or folktales known. However, the flag’s design is based on conventional Korean ideas and symbols which have their own fascinating mythology and history.
The central taegeuk symbolizes universal balance and harmony, with the four trigrams representing elements and directions. In a legend, the trigrams were presented to King Wen by a celestial tortoise, influencing Korean cultural traditions. Also, the taegeuk has links to the mythical Korean founder, King Dangun.
