Korean Flag

National Flag of South Korea

Quick Facts About South Korea and Korean Flag

Adopted:: March 6, 1883 - Promulgated by King Gojong as the national flag. Guidelines standardized in October 1949 by the National Flag Correction Committee. Current regulations established through the Act on the Flag of the Republic of Korea (January 2007) and subsequent enforcement decrees.
Aspect Ratio:: 3:2 (Length:Width)
Capital:: Seoul
Population:: Approximately 51.8 million (South Korea)

Flag Description

The Taegeukgi consists of a white background, a red and blue taegeuk circle in the center, and four black trigrams (collectively called geongongamri), one in each corner of the flag. The flag embodies the vision of the Korean people who, like the universe, seek continuous creation and enrichment.

Symbolism & Meaning of the Korean Flag

White Background: Represents brightness, purity, and peace - qualities highly valued by the Korean people. Taegeuk Circle: Denotes harmony between negative cosmic forces (yin - blue portion) and positive cosmic forces (yang - red portion), depicting the truth of nature that all things are created and evolve through the interaction of yin and yang. Four Black Trigrams (Geongongamri): Specific representations of the movement and harmony of cosmic forces - Geon (건) symbolizes the sky, Gon (곤) the earth, Gam (감) water, and Ri (리) fire. Together, they create harmony around the taegeuk mark.

Historical Background of the Korean Flag

The decision to create a national flag emerged with the Korea-United States Treaty of 1882. Park Yeong-hyo, serving as Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary under King Gojong, created the four-trigram flag with a taegeuk circle in September 1882 while aboard a ship to Japan. The flag was first used on September 25, 1882. King Gojong officially promulgated the Taegeukgi as the national flag by royal order on March 6, 1883. The Provisional Government issued style guidelines on June 29, 1942, and after the establishment of the Republic of Korea in 1948, the National Flag Correction Committee was formed in January 1949 to standardize construction, announcing official guidelines on October 15, 1949.

Design Elements of the Korean Flag

White rectangular background with 3:2 aspect ratio. Central taegeuk circle with red yang (upper right) and blue yin (lower left) portions. Four black trigrams positioned in each corner: Geon (sky) in upper left, Gon (earth) in lower right, Gam (water) in upper right, and Ri (fire) in lower left. Construction follows precise mathematical proportions based on the circle diameter.

Usage & Protocol of the Korean Flag

Display with dignity and respect following the Act on the Flag of the Republic of Korea and related regulations. The flag should be hoisted and managed according to the Regulations on the Hoisting, Management, and Promotion of the National Flag (September 2009). Citizens may recite the Pledge of Allegiance: 'I, standing before the noble Taegeukgi, solemnly pledge allegiance to the Republic of Korea, to its glory, liberty and justice.' The flag embodies the Korean people's aspiration for unity, unification, and contribution to humanity's happiness and peace.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do the colors of the Korean Flag represent?

When was the Korean Flag adopted?

The South Korea flag was adopted on March 6, 1883 - Promulgated by King Gojong as the national flag. Guidelines standardized in October 1949 by the National Flag Correction Committee. Current regulations established through the Act on the Flag of the Republic of Korea (January 2007) and subsequent enforcement decrees., marking an important milestone in the country's development as an independent nation.

What is the aspect ratio of the Korean Flag?

The South Korea flag has an aspect ratio of 3:2 (Length:Width), which determines the proportional relationship between its width and height for official display purposes.