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The Korean flag, Taegeukgi, is a central part of the nation's identity. The flag is a symbol of the country's spirit, history and philosophy, and is essential to the Korean culture. The white background of the flag stands for the land as well as peace. In the center of the flag lies a circle called the "taegeuk" which means the people. The taegeuk is divided into the yin, the red half, and the yang, the blue half. The yin, or negative, and the yang, or positive, are symbolic of a duality. Although there will be differences and quarrels amongst the people, by uniting as one, anything can be overcome. The top and bottom together represent the unity and harmony that is prominent within the Korean people. In the corners of the Taegeukgi, there are four sets of three bars, some broken and some unbroken, which are called "gwae". The gwae represents many different things. Collectively, they stand for the government. But individually, they each are emblematic of the changing seasons and the variety of things that the government presides over. The unbroken bars at the upper left corner stand for the heavens, summer, and the south. The three broken bars at the lower right corner signify the earth, winter and the north. The gwae in the upper right corner represents the moon, fall and the west. The gwae in the lower left is emblematic of the sun, spring and the east. These three bars in each corner also represent balance like the taegeuk. The Korean flag as a whole demonstrates the perfect balance of beauty and the presence of wisdom in the minds of the entire Korean people. |
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