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태극기: 대한민국 국기 완벽 가이드
Taegeukgi: A Complete Guide to the South Korean Flag

 



Taegeukgi: A Complete Guide to the South Korean Flag

When visiting or living in South Korea, you will frequently see the national flag, known as Taegeukgi (태극기). The flag represents the history, philosophy, and cultural values of the Korean people.

For a foreign observer, understanding the components, the philosophy, and the proper etiquette for displaying the flag offers a fascinating glimpse into Korean tradition and identity.

Part 1: History of the Taegeukgi

The Taegeukgi was first created during the late Joseon Dynasty in the 19th century as the country opened up to foreign nations.

  • Origin: The flag was designed in 1882 by Park Yeong-hyo, a Korean diplomat, under the direction of King Gojong. It was officially adopted as the national flag of the Korean Empire in 1883 and later carried on by the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea.

  • Symbolism: It reflects the desire of the Korean people for independence, national harmony, and global connection.

Part 2: Components, Colors, and Meaning

The Taegeukgi consists of three main parts: a white background, a central Taegeuk circle, and four trigrams (Gwa).

1. The White Background (흰색 바탕)

  • Meaning: Represents the purity, brightness, and peace-loving nature of the Korean people.

2. The Taegeuk Center (태극 문양)

  • Design: A circle composed of a red upper part and a blue lower part.

  • Meaning: Represents the origin of all things in the universe.

    • Red (Yang): Represents light, heat, and the masculine, positive principles.

    • Blue (Eum / Yin): Represents darkness, cold, and the feminine, negative principles.

3. The Four Trigrams (사괘 - Saguae)

The four sets of black bars at the corners of the flag represent the continuous cycle of movement and harmony.

  • Top-Left (Geon): Represents the sky (Heaven / Spring / Justice).

  • Bottom-Right (Gon): Represents the earth (Earth / Summer / Vitality).

  • Top-Right (Gam): Represents water (Water / Autumn / Wisdom).

  • Bottom-Left (Ri): Represents fire (Fire / Winter / Justice).

Part 3: When and How to Fly the Flag

In South Korea, there are specific days to fly the flag and specific rules on how to hang it.

1. Flag-Flying Days (게양일)

  • Five Major National Holidays (5대 국경일): March 1 (Independence Movement Day), July 17 (Constitution Day), August 15 (National Liberation Day), October 3 (National Foundation Day), and October 9 (Hangeul Day).

  • Other Designated Days: 현충일 (Memorial Day - June 6) and 국군의 날 (Armed Forces Day - October 1).

2. Rules and Procedures (게양 및 강하 규칙)

  • Time: The flag can be flown 24 hours a day (with proper lighting at night). If raising and lowering daily, it should be raised at 07:00 and lowered at 18:00 (17:00 from November to February).

  • Weather: In severe weather (heavy rain, strong winds), the flag should be taken down to prevent damage.

3. Standard vs. Half-Staff (조기 - Jogi)

  • National Holidays: Flung at the top of the pole (깃봉과 깃면의 사이를 떼지 않고 게양).

  • Memorial Day (현충일): Flown at half-staff (깃면의 세로 너비만큼 내려서 게양).

Part 4: Useful Korean Phrases

  • "Taegeukgi-neun eo-di-seo sa-yo?" means "Where can I buy a Taegeukgi?"

  • "O-neul-eun Taegeukgi ge-yang-ha-neun nal-i-nayo?" means "Is today a day to fly the Taegeukgi?"

  • "Gamsahamnida" means "Thank you."

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