Historically, the dynasties that ruled the country did not previously use such a state symbol as the flag of Korea. The question of the need for its introduction was first raised in 1880, but it was not resolved positively. Two years later, Korean envoy Pak Young Hyo went to Japan with a diplomatic mission. There he created a sketch, which over time became the basis for the creation of the existing symbol.
The appearance of the flag of the Republic of Korea
The flag of South Korea, the photo of which is located above, is a white canvas on which the image of the circle is applied. It consists of two parts, one of which is red and the second is blue. This circle was borrowed by the above-mentioned Pak Yong Hyo in Chinese natural philosophy and symbolizes the Great Redistribution. It should be noted that, schematically, the halves are interconnected in the form of a vortex. At the edges are four trigrams printed in black.
Symbolism
Many people are interested in the question of what the flag of Korea means. In this case, you should consider each of the elements separately. The white background of the state symbol demonstrates the purity, uniformity and peace-loving nature of local residents. In this regard, from ancient times, Koreans prefer white clothing.
The Sign of the Great Redistribution began to be used here for a long time. Its red semicircle (Yang) marks nobility and is associated with the masculine principle. The blue part (Yin) denotes hope and is the feminine principle. The fact that these two elements flow into each other, symbolizes a single creative principle, when interdependence exists simultaneously with the confrontation. In other words, for Koreans, the Great Redistribution is identified with the source of human life. This cycle occurs constantly, therefore this symbol in the country is considered to be eternal.
The trigrams that are placed on the flag of Korea in the corners are different, so their meanings differ. Each of them is identified with one of the four universal elements. In the upper left corner is located "Qian", which is a symbol of humanity, sky and the east. To her left is the Kan, a trigram associated with concepts such as wisdom, north, and the moon. Bottom to the right is Kun, which means land, justice, and the west. The remaining fourth trigram is known as "Lee" and symbolizes autumn, the sun and the south. It should be noted that they can replace each other an unlimited number of times.
Approval of the South Korean flag
The flag of Korea, which is used as of today, was approved in 1948, after the founding of the Republic. This decision was officially announced by the Minister of Culture and Education of the country a year later. All standards associated with the state symbol, the finished form received in the future. For example, in 1950, the government introduced standards for the manufacture of paintings, and in 1964, the president signed a decree that determined the order in which the flag of Korea should rise and fall.
North Korea flag design
After the declaration of independence of North Korea from Japan, in November 1947, the local ruler Kim Il Sung ordered the development of the state flag. He took this work under his personal control, focusing on the ideological content of symbolism. In addition, the country's leader insisted that the flag of North Korea should be distinguished by purely national content.
Modern North Korean Symbol
As already noted above, the development was carried out under the scrupulous control of the so-called “leader”. Moreover, almost all of its elements were introduced exclusively by him. The modern flag of the country is a rectangular cloth. In the center is a horizontal red stripe, from which up and down go one thin white line, and behind them are blue wide stripes. To the left of the center is a red star in a white circle.
Blue stripes symbolize the struggle of the people for their independence, peace and the triumph of socialism. The white color on the state symbol is associated with the fact that the North Korean nation is united, courageous, hardworking and heroic. In addition, each Korean is a true patriot of his homeland. The red bar is identified with the fidelity of people to the leader and party, as well as their cohesion and unity. The red star was placed on the flag of North Korea in memory of the revolutionary struggle of the people against Japan.