Spring 2024 SDLC112
Cultural Post #4
태극기 "Taegeukgi"
David Kim
30262888
david.kim123@richmond.edu
태극기 Taegeukgi is the national flag of South Korea. It has a unique design that reflects several key aspects of Korean culture and philosophy. The Taegeukgi was first officially adopted as the national flag of Korea on March 6, 1883, during the reign of King Gojong of the Joseon dynasty. During the Japanese occupation of Korea(1910-1945), the Taeguekgi was banned, and the Japanese flag was imposed as the official flag. However, the Taeguekgi continued to be used by Korean independence activists as a symbol of resistance. After Japan’s defeat in World War II, Korea regained its independence, and the Taeguekgi was reinstated as the national flag. In 1948, the Taekguekgi was designated as its national flag when South Korea was officially established as a separate country. During the Korean War, the Taegukgi became a symbol of South Korean resistance against North Korean invasion, as well as a symbol of hope and unity. Today, the Taegeukgi is a symbol of Korean identity and is displayed proudly on various occasions, such as national holidays, sporting events, and official ceremonies.
The Taeguekgi has a red and blue Taeguek circle in the center and four black trigrams surrounding the circle on a white background. The white background of the flag represents purity, peace, and homogeneity, which is highly valued by the Korean people and culture. At the center of the flag is the 태극 Taegeuk, which is a red and blue symbol representing the concept of yin and yang, the duality of the universe in Korean philosophy. The red section represents positive cosmic forces, and the blue section represents the negative forces. Together, they symbolize balance and harmony. It also represents the truth of nature that all things are created and evolve through the interaction of yin and yang.
Surrounding the Taegeuk are four sets of black trigrams collectively called 건곤감리 geongongamri or 4괘 kwe, each in the corners of the flag. These trigrams are derived from the Chinese I Ching (Book of Changes) and represent the four classical elements, directions, virtues, and natural phenomena. They are also associated with the four guardian spirits that protect the country and its people. The left top one is called 건 geon, which symbolizes the sky. The right bottom one is called 곤 gon, which symbolizes earth. The right top one is called gam, which symbolizes the moon or water. The left bottom one is called 리 ri, which symbolizes the sun or fire. You would read or write in the order just like when you write the alphabet n, from left top to right bottom. Then you will have 3,4,5, and 6 strokes in a consecutive order.
The Taegeukgi has a specific set of proportions. The width of the flag is twice its height, and the diameter of the Taegeuk circle is half the width of the flag. These proportions are meant to create a harmonious and balanced appearance. The Taegeukgi flag represents the values of the Korean people who respect nature and harmonization.
Korean Source
https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0058892 ;
https://www.mois.go.kr/chd/sub/a05/birth/screen.do
English Source
Comments
Thanks for sharing this awesome post! I did not really know that there was such a rich history behind the Korean flag. It was very interesting to learn more about the significance of the symbols and how the flag is seen as a symbol of hope for the country.
Honestly, I had forgotten the meaning behind the Korean flag. I remember that I learned it a while back, but I'm glad I read this post. It is really nice getting your knowledge Korean culture sharpened.
I always wondered what the different lines mean on the flag. That’s so cool that they each are associated with four guardian spirits. I also did not know that you could look at it in 3-6 strokes, that’s an easier way to remember how many strokes go where.
Cool post! I had no idea what the lines actually meant, nor did I know about the history of the flag. Its interesting to learn about the different changes and the symbolic meanings on the flag
Interesting to see the Ancient Chinese influence in the Korean flag, which makes sense considering how many other things were brought over from there before (such as language). I wonder how the Taeguk in the center adopted its red and blue colors compared to the Chinese black and white though.
It is interesting to see that the Taiji-Bagua and the South Korean national flag exhibit striking similarities. Both embrace the concept of balance and harmony. Taiji-Bagua represents the yin-yang philosophy, symbolizing the interconnectedness of opposing forces. Similarly, the South Korean flag features the yin-yang symbol, known as "Taeguk," representing the harmony of opposites. Both embody profound cultural significance and convey the importance of finding equilibrium in life and society.