North Korean Flag

Red Five-Pointed Star: Symbolizes the revolutionary tradition established during the anti-Japanese revolutionary struggle led by Kim Il-sung and the nation's broad prospects. Red Wide Band: Represents the Korean people's loyalty to the Party and leader, socialist patriotic spirit, indomitable fighting spirit, and powerful force of unified solidarity. White Circle and White Stripes: Symbolize that the Korean people are heroic people and that the Korean nation is a homogeneous single ethnic group. Blue Wide Borders: Represent the Korean people's fervent aspiration to hold high the banner of anti-imperialist independence and unite closely with revolutionary peoples worldwide to fight courageously for victory in peace, democracy, national independence, and socialist causes.

The Korean Peninsula used the Taegeukgi (태극기) as its national flag from 1883 under the Joseon Dynasty. After Japan's surrender in 1945 and Korea's liberation, the peninsula was divided at the 38th parallel. Initially, North Korea continued using the Taegeukgi, but decided to abandon it for four reasons: South Korea's American Military Government suggested using the Taegeukgi; the I Ching basis of the Taegeukgi lacked scientific foundation; the Taegeukgi lacked standardization; and the Taegeukgi's designs were inconsistent. In November 1947, Kim Il-sung assigned artists to create designs for the new nation's flag and emblem. In early February 1948, Kim Il-sung reviewed submitted flag designs and established the colors as red, white, and blue. He personally drew several flag designs and decided the white circle should be placed near the hoist side rather than center, containing a red five-pointed star.

Horizontal rectangular flag with 2:1 aspect ratio. Central red horizontal band occupying the middle portion. Blue horizontal bands above and below the red band. Thin white stripes separating the red band from the blue bands. White circle positioned on the hoist side of the red band containing a red five-pointed star. The flag uses four colors: red, white, blue, and red again for the star.

Governed by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Flag Law, passed on October 22, 1992, and amended 10 times as of April 3, 2012. Daily display required at: Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, National Defense Commission, Cabinet, Mansudae Assembly Hall, provincial people's committees, courts, DPRK diplomatic missions, civilian airports, and major ports. When displayed vertically, the five-pointed star must be positioned upright. During half-mast, black ribbons equal to flag length and 1/8 flag width may be used. Flag ceremonies held on major holidays: Sun Day (April 15), Day of the Shining Star (February 16), DPRK Foundation Day (September 9), Workers' Party of Korea Foundation Day (October 10), Constitution Day (December 27), Korean People's Army Foundation Day (February 8), and Victory Day (July 27). Daily raising/lowering times: April-September (7-8 AM raise, 7-8 PM lower), October-March (8-9 AM raise, 5-6 PM lower).