National Flag

The Korean people are proud of their national flag and it is a source of inspiration for the country. The flag's design is based on philosophical thought rather than political or regional significance, which makes it unique from other national emblems. It is a true representation of the thought and culture of the Korean people.

The design of the flag is centered on a white background, which symbolizes purity and sincerity. In its center is a circle divided into two comma shaped colors. The top color is red while the bottom color is blue. The circle design and sometimes the whole flag, is called the tae-geuk-gi. This is a symbol that represents the theory of opposites, which cannot exist without each other. Although there is constant change, opposites work together to keep a perfect balance in the universe.

The four groups of lines found in the Four Corners of the flag also have individual meanings. The three unbroken lines found in the upper left hand corner represents heaven while the three broken lines in the opposite corner or lower right hand side represents earth. The lines in the upper right-hand corner symbolize water and in the lower left-hand corner, its opposite fire is found.

The Korean flag has been a source of pride for its people. During the Japanese occupation, which started in 1910, the flag was banned in public places. The people kept the flag hidden until the 1945 Liberation Day when it was displayed again along with the hopes and dreams of peace, balance and independence of the Korean people.