Is this your first time in Korea? Why not take your first step in understanding Korea by learning about the Tae-geuk-gi, the national flag of South Korea?
The Tae-geuk-gi isn’t just a flag — it’s a powerful symbol that reflects the spirit, culture, and values of the Korean people. In this post, you’ll learn how to draw the Taegeukgi, what it means, its history, and how and when to display it — all in a very easy and friendly way!
1. Why is the Tae-geuk-gi important?
The Taegeukgi is more than just a national flag. It holds deep meanings tied to Korean philosophy, history, and the hope for peace. Even overseas, when people see this flag, they know: "That person is from Korea!"
(1) Key symbols of the Taegeukgi:
a. Taegeuk (☯️)
: Symbol of harmony between opposites in the universe (yin and yang)
b. Geon, Gon, Gam, Ri (☰ ☷ ☵ ☲)
: Represent heaven, earth, water, and fire — four basic elements of nature
(2) What is the Tae-geuk-gi?
The Taegeukgi is the national flag of South Korea. It features a white background with a Taegeuk (yin-yang) symbol in the center and four black trigrams (called Geon, Gon, Gam, Ri) at each corner. The white background symbolizes brightness, purity, and the love of peace — values held by the Korean people. The Taegeuk symbol in the center represents the balance and harmony of the universe — the interaction of yin (blue) and yang (red).
(3) The four trigrams represent:
a. Geon (☰): Heaven
b. Gon (☷): Earth
c. Gam (☵): Water
d. Ri (☲): Fire
These also symbolize the four seasons, directions, and the natural balance of life.
2. How to draw the Taegeukgi
(1) Start with a white background.
(2) Draw the Taegeuk in the center.
Sketch a large S-shaped curve. Color the top part red (yang) and the bottom part blue (yin).
(3) Add the four black trigrams in the corners.
Top left: Geon (☰) – three solid lines
Top right: Ri (☵) – solid, broken, solid
Bottom rght: Gon (☷) – three broken lines
Bottom left: Gam (☲) – broken, solid, broken
Tip: To remember the order, go clockwise starting from the top left — Geon, Ri, Gon, Gam.
3. History of the Taegeukgi
The Taegeukgi was first officially used in 1882 when a Korean diplomat, Park Yeong-hyo, brought it to Japan. Later, it became a strong symbol during Korea’s independence movement, and after liberation in 1945, it was officially adopted as the national flag of South Korea.
4. How to display the Taegeukgi
On national holidays (like Independence Movement Day or Liberation Day):
Hang the flag at the top of the pole — no space between the flag and the top.
(1) On days of mourning (like Memorial Day):
Hang the flag lowered — the width of the flag down from the top.
(2) During bad weather:
Don’t fly the flag if there’s a risk of damage. You can raise it again when the weather clears.
Time to raise the flag
March to October: 7 AM – 6 PM
November to February: 7 AM – 5 PM
(3) Official Days to Display the Taegeukgi
March 1 – Independence Movement Day (Samiljeol)
June 6 – Memorial Day (Hyunchungil) – Lower the flag
July 17 – Constitution Day (Jeheonjeol)
August 15 – Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol)
October 3 – National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol)
October 9 – Hangul Day
댓글
댓글 쓰기