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Do you know the meaning of the Korean Flag? We break it down!

Writer's picture: lewishooper1lewishooper1

Vibrant, captivating, and with a sense of deep historical value, the Korean flag, known as "Taegeukgi", is a significant symbol of Korean culture. We break down all the details you need to know about this wonderful flag and its traditions!


Image: Lewis Hooper
Image: Lewis Hooper


This flag, showcases bold colors and a distinctive design, and in essence, helps hold Korea's rich heritage and national identity. This flag can be seen everywhere during Korean celebrations and holidays, as Koreans are very proud of their heritage.



Meaning and Origin


The flags unique design, features a colored circle in the center, which is known as "Taegeuk", and it is surrounded by four trigrams. The roots of Korean cosmology, philosophy, and Korean traditions and customs.


The colors are also very meaningful and each color represents a different aspect of Korea's culture and history.


White: The background represents light, purity & peace. White is a traditional color in Korean culture, often seen in Hanbok or Korean Art.


Red: The upper section of the flag is dominated by a vibrant red color, which symbolizes the passion, courage, and resilience of the Korean people. It signifies their unwavering spirit and determination, especially evident in their struggles for independence and progress.


Blue: The lower section features a serene blue hue, representing the peaceful nature of the Korean people and their aspirations for tranquility and harmony. It reflects the desire for a peaceful coexistence and diplomatic relations with other nations.



National Pride




Koreans outwardly and proudly display their flag during holidays and events. This showcases their patriotism and unity as a country. You can see streets, buildings, and homes throughout the country displaying the South Korean flag. This helps to serve as a reminder of the nation's complicated history, struggles, and achievements.



So what do the lines on the Korean flag mean?




These four sets of trigrams represent elements of the universe, heaven, earth, fire and water. Together these four elements show the importance of equilibrium, which is a stage of balance between opposing forces and Confucian ideology.



Let us know your favorite part of the Korean flag in the comments below.




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