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The most common example of this was the red, blue and yellow Taeguk. Many ancient Taeguk even had three colours. The four palgwae on this flag are the same four used on the official national flag.Īstute observers will notice the Taeguk is much more ‘swirly’ than in the modern design, this is more in keeping with the traditional format. This time, the national flag saw a blue and red taeguk surrounded by four palgwae. When Choson gave way to the short-lived Korean Empire (1897-1910), the Taeguk flag was redesigned into its now more familiar style. It’s possible this symbol remained a vital representation of traditional Korea since Choson was the first dynasty to unite Korea under a single leadership. The Taeguk, once again, was surrounded by eight palgwae. This design saw a return of the concentric-style Taeguk, this time in white and cream, emblazoned on a red background. The design flew on a black background and was bordered by a traditional Chinese Lo Shu square, in white, to contrast the dark background.Ĭhoson adopted the Taeguk symbol as it’s royal standard in 1856, and later as it’s national flag 1882. This flag incorporated a more concentric Taeguk design, accompanied by eight palgwae surrounding it. The first official use of the Taeguk flag design was as the ensign of the Choson Navy. The Taeguk is surrounded by four ‘palgwae’ traditional Taoist symbols are representing essential natural elements and harmony.Įach symbol has a variety of meanings in traditional Korean and Taoist culture.
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There are recorded uses of the Taeguk symbol dating as far back as the Goguryeo dynasty, over a millennia ago. The South Korean flag, in one form or another, has been in use as the national flag of Korea since the 1800s under the Choson dynasty.Īt the heart of the flag of South Korea is the red and blue Taeguk symbol, similar in design to a Yin and Yang symbol, this emblem has been an essential Korean symbol for centuries. Alongside its bold design sits centuries of history and symbolism. The South Korean flag is perhaps one of the most distinctive flag designs in the world. Soviet Union - Afghan Flag - Cambodia Flag . Russian Flag - China Flag - Mongolia Flag - Syrian Flag Turkmenistan Flag - Kazakhstan Flag - Tajikistan Flag South Korea Flag Flags of the World - North Korea - Bangladesh Flag - Bhutan Flag
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