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| NATIONAL FLAG |
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 The Korean flag is called "Taegeukgi"
in Korean. Its design symbolizes the
principles of the yin and yang in Oriental
philosophy. The circle in the center
of the flag is divided into two equal
parts. The upper red section represents
the proactive cosmic forces of the yang.
Conversely, the lower blue section represents
the responsive cosmic forces of the
yin. The two forces together embody
the concepts of continual movement,
balance and harmony that characterize
the sphere of infinity. The circle is
surrounded by four trigrams, one in
each corner. Each trigram symbolizes
one of the four universal elements:
heaven ( ),
earth ( ), fire( ),
and water ( ). |
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| NATIONAL FLOWER |
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 The national flower of Korea
is the mugunghwa, rose of sharon. Every
year from July to October, a profusion
of mugunghwa blossoms graces the entire
country. Unlike most flowers, mugunghwa
is remarkably tenacious and able to
withstand both blight and insects. The
flower’s symbolic significance stems
from the Korean word mugung, meaning
immortality. This word accurately reflects
the enduring nature of Korean culture,
and the determination and perseverance
of the Korean people. |
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| National Anthem |
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Our national anthem is "Aegukga,"
which means "Love the Country". In 1896,
the Dongnip Sinmun (Independence News)
published various versions of lyrics
for this song. It is not known exactly
what music they were sung to in its
early days. Records show that a Western-style
military band was formed during the
time of the Dae-han Empire (1897-1910)
and that the "Dae-han Empire Aegukga"
was composed in 1902 and played at important
national functions.
The original words of Aegukga appeared
in a written form around 1907 to inculcate
allegiance to the nation and foster
the spirit of independence as the country
faced threats of foreign annexation.
Over the years, the lyrics have gone
through several versions until they
were adopted as the national anthem
in the present form in 1948.
Before the birth of the Republic in
1948, the words were often sung to the
tune of the Scottish folk song, Auld
Lang Syne. Maestro Ahn Eak-tay (1905-1965),
then living in Spain, felt that it was
inappropriate to sing this patriotic
song to the tune of another country's
folk song. So, he composed new music
to go with the lyrics in 1935, and the
Korean Provisional Government in exile
adopted it as the national anthem. While
Koreans outside the country sang the
anthem to the new tune, those at home
continued to use Auld Lang Syne until
Korea was liberated in 1945.
The Republic of Korea Government in
1948 officially adopted the new version
as the national anthem and began to
use it at all schools and official functions.
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