Korean Online Lecture Class

The white background of the Taegeukgi symbolizes light and purity and reflects Koreans' traditional affinity for white. A taegeuk circle, divided equally and in perfect balance with red on top and blue below, represents the cosmic dual forces of yin(blue) and yang(red). It symbolizes universal harmony in which the positive and the negative or the active and the passive form a whole.

The four trigrams that surround the taegeuk circle in the four corners denote the process of yin and yang going through a spiral of change and growth. The three unbroken bars in the upper left-hand corner denote 
geon( heaven - justice), the three broken bars in the lower right-hand corner denote gon( earth - fertility), the two broken bars with one unbroken bar in the middle in the upper right-hand corner denote gam( water - life), and the two unbroken bars with a broken bar in the middle in the lower left-hand corner denote 
i( fire - wisdom). Collectively the Taegeukgi represents universal harmony and unity.

Thus, the Taegeukgi embodies the ideals of Koreans who have pursued development and prosperity under universal principles and truth and circumscribes the country's tasks of unifying the people and working for world peace and prosperity.

Manner to the Flag

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

" Before this proud Taegeukgi, I firmly pledge my loyalty and will devote my body and soul to the eternal glory of my country and people. "

When and How to Fly the Flag

Days on which the Flag is flown

• January 1 - New Year's Day

• March 1 - Independence Movement Day (Anniversary of the 
                                      March    1, 1919, Independence movement)

• July 17 - Constitution Day

• August 15 - Liberation Day

• October 1 - Armed Forces Day

• October 3 - National Foundation Day

• October 9 - Hangeul Day 
  (The anniversary of the promulgation of the Korean alphabet in 1446)

Other days the government designates as national holidays

• The flag may be flown on days local autonomous governments or provincial or city councils designate as local holidays.

• The flag is flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning on Memorial Day (June 6), during periods of national mourning, and for state or public funerals.

Places Where the Flag is Flown All Year Round

• It is obligatory to fly the flag every day at national and local government offices, public organizations, schools, and military installations.

• It is recommended that the flag be flown at places where international events are held such as hotels, large buildings, and parks where large crowds assemble, along walls of government buildings and anywhere flag polls are installed.

• Private homes and other places may display the national flag all year round if the residents so wish.

Raising and Lowering the Flag

• The flag may be flown 24 hours a day, but if flown at night, it must be illuminated.

• Schools and military units are required to fly the flag only during daylight hours.

• The flag should not be flown if there is any possibility that it might be torn or damaged by wind or rain.